Qingyuan county in Lishui, Zhejiang province, organized its first group international participation of local tea enterprises at the Hong Kong International Tea Fair during Aug 14 to 16, drawing continuous crowds to sample Qingyuan Wild Tea.

Crowds gather at the Qingyuan Wild Tea stand in Hong Kong. [Photo/Wechat account: zjqyxfb1]

Since pioneering wild tea cultivation in 2022, Qingyuan has transformed it into a high-value specialty crop which now drives regional economic growth. Its market reach has expanded from the local county level to nationwide prominence, and has now reached international platforms.

Currently, Qingyuan has documented 13,000 mu (867 hectares) of wild tea resources with 900,000 ancient trees that are spread out across nine mountain fields — 70 percent over a century old, with the oldest more than 800 years old.

Qingyuan Wild Tea, recognized as a premium local specialty, has grown into an industry comprising 21 market entities, 11 enterprises certified by SGS — a leading global inspection, verification, testing and certification company — and three eco-low-carbon tea gardens.

Seven Qingyuan enterprises showcased their distinctive products at the event to high acclaim. Their stand attracted buyers from the United States, South Korea, and other countries, securing multiple international intent orders.

Representatives from a Qingyuan tea enterprise promote its output at the fair in Hong Kong. [Photo/Wechat account: zjqyxfb1]

Building on its Hong Kong success, Qingyuan Wild Tea will now leverage this global trade hub to strategically expand worldwide. Future plans include market-responsive initiatives, exacting quality control and deeper integration into international supply chains.

Moreover, industry associations will further support market growth through dedicated promotion platforms and coordination of resources.