How Much Does Tea Cost in China? 2024 Price Guide

The price of tea in China varies widely, typically ranging from $5 to $100 per kilogram, depending on the type and quality of the tea.

Tea prices in China vary dramatically based on type, quality, and region – from $1 per 100g for basic teas to over $100 per 100g for premium varieties. China produces over 40% of the world’s tea, with prices influenced by weather, labor costs, and global demand.

Current Tea Prices in China by Type

Premium Green Teas

China’s most famous green teas command premium prices:

Tea Type	Region	Price per 500g
Westlake Dragonwell	Zhejiang	$145-$365
Biluochun	Jiangsu	$290-$1,235
Huangshan Maofeng	Anhui	$87-$233

Daily Drinking Teas

Common varieties for local consumption:

• Jasmine tea: $5-$15 per 100g
• Chrysanthemum tea: $3-$10 per 100g
• Basic green tea: $1-$5 per 100g

Factors Affecting Tea Prices

Weather Conditions

Droughts and temperature fluctuations in 2022-2023 reduced yields by 20-50% in some regions, increasing prices by 5-40%. The China Meteorological Administration reported these were some of the driest conditions since 1961.

Production Costs

Key cost drivers:

1. Labor costs up 10-20% annually
2. Agricultural materials up 8-10%
3. Equipment and garden maintenance

Harvest Timing

Pre-Qingming teas (harvested before April 5) command 30-50% higher prices than later harvests. The 2023 harvest began slightly later than usual due to weather conditions.

Regional Price Variations

Yunnan Province

Home to Pu’er tea, where aged cakes can sell for thousands:

• Young raw Pu’er: $10-$50 per 357g cake
• Aged raw Pu’er (10+ years): $100-$5,000+

Fujian Province

Produces famous oolongs like Tieguanyin:

• Commercial grade: $5-$20 per 100g
• Premium grade: $50-$150 per 100g

Buying Tea in China

Local Markets

Best for authentic deals but requires knowledge:

• Beijing Maliandao Tea Market
• Guangzhou Fangcun Tea Market

Online Platforms

Convenient options with quality variance:

• Taobao/Tmall
• JD.com
• Specialty sites like Yunnan Sourcing

Direct From Farms

Increasingly popular through:

• Farm cooperatives
• WeChat commerce
• Tea tourism purchases

Future Price Trends

Experts predict continued price increases due to:

• Climate change impacts
• Rising domestic demand
• Global interest in premium Chinese teas

For those interested in tea preparation equipment, check our guide to the best home brewing devices that can enhance your tea experience.