Chinese President Xi Jinping’s statement during his 2014 meeting with the National People’s Congress representatives from Guizhou Province — “Promote the Duyun Maojian tea brand beyond the region” — was not merely a symbolic directive. It also marked the beginning of a comprehensive transformation centered on agricultural development for the Guizhou region.
In line with this strategic guidance, the city of Duyun began to position tea production as a vehicle for economic and cultural development. A comprehensive system was established that integrates scientific research, cultural values, and industrial organization into tea production. This model, shaped around the trilogy of “tea culture, tea industry, and tea science,” aims to increase efficiency in production processes, raise quality standards, and integrate tea into the region’s promotional strategy.
Duyun Maojian tea is recognized as one of China’s top ten teas, and by 2025, its brand value had reached 5.588 billion yuan. For two consecutive years, it has remained among the leading green tea brands in the country in terms of regional brand value. The local government has enhanced the competitiveness of the product by encouraging industrial alliances and implementing production standardization. At the same time, it has expanded market access by developing tea resources specific to the summer and autumn seasons and creating cross-sector integrated products.
As of 2025, tea cultivation in Duyun covers approximately 25,200 hectares. The region produces around 11,900 tons of tea annually. The total economic output of the tea industry reached 3.1 billion yuan (approximately 17.2 billion Turkish lira), while the 2025 spring season alone saw the production of 3,529 tons of tea, generating 2.2 billion yuan (around 12.2 billion TL) in revenue.
We also learn that the local government has reorganized its infrastructure investments to align with this strategy. New roads were constructed in tea-producing areas to improve logistics access. Cold-chain logistics systems were strengthened, and storage facilities were built to preserve the freshness of tea leaves. While these improvements were being made, low-yield lands were rehabilitated to boost production capacities. As a result, an average increase of 18% in tea yield was achieved. Moreover, quality control processes were enhanced through digital traceability systems, ensuring greater transparency.
The value of tea as an industrial product has been strengthened by empowering producer organizations in the region. Local companies have come together to collaborate in production, processing, and marketing. A network among these firms was established to share raw materials, distribute orders, and coordinate branding efforts. As a result, both producer incomes and product quality have improved.
The tourism sector also plays a significant role in Duyun’s development strategy. Tea plantations have been transformed not only into production areas but also into natural and cultural sites open to visitors. This transformation has enabled the city to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. Tourism activities have had a direct positive impact on local household incomes, with total tourism revenues recorded at 2 billion yuan (approximately 11.1 billion TL).
In conclusion, Duyun Maojian tea has become a successful local embodiment of China’s green development approach. This model integrates agriculture, culture, and economy, establishing an organic link between central directives and local implementation. Guizhou’s experience carries strategic depth and serves as a valuable example for many countries.
