Anxi Tea Wholesale Market in Quanzhou, Fujian
The Anxi Tea Wholesale Market (安溪茶叶批发市场) is a renowned tea trade hub located in Anxi County (安溪县), Quanzhou (泉州), Fujian Province (福建省). Established in 2000 by the Anxi County Government (安溪县政府) to boost the production and sale of Tieguanyin tea (铁观音), the market has grown to become a major national-level tea industry platform. The market covers a wide range of teas, with Tieguanyin being the signature variety, and serves as a key trading center for tea producers, wholesalers, and retailers.
By 2023, the market’s annual transaction volume reached 300,000 tons, accounting for 10% of the national total, solidifying its position as one of the top 10 wholesale tea markets in China.
Historical Background and Development
Establishment and Growth
In 2000, the Anxi County Government initiated the construction of the tea wholesale market to meet the growing demand for Tieguanyin tea. By this time, the area had already established over 120,000 acres of Tieguanyin tea plantations, producing over 10,000 tons of tea annually, laying a strong foundation for the establishment of the market. Since its completion, the market has evolved into a national-level platform, playing a vital role in facilitating the trade and promotion of Tieguanyin tea.
Operational Data
Seasonal Fluctuations and Performance
The market is operated by the Anxi Tea Wholesale Market Development Co., Ltd. (安溪茶叶批发市场开发有限公司). In the first quarter of 2024, the market experienced seasonal fluctuations in its trading volume:
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January: 1,139 tons (a 12.1% decrease YoY)
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February: 643.91 tons, a 54.8% increase due to the Chinese New Year (春节) demand.
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March: 786.3 tons, a 3.9% decrease, affected by rainy weather.
In terms of revenue:
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January: 13.3 million RMB
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February: 8.8 million RMB (a 117.4% increase YoY)
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March: 6.1 million RMB
Facilities and Transportation
The market is located at the intersection of Hé Bīn Dà Dào (河滨大道), Quán Ān Gōng Lù (泉安公路), and the Second Ring Road (城区二环路), combining traditional tea town architecture with functionality. The market is easily accessible, with K3 Bus Route Tea City Square Station (安溪K3路茶都广场公交站) just 341 meters away, making transportation highly convenient. The market hosts numerous tea merchants and provides a transparent environment for tea transactions.
Industry Position and Activities
In 2023, the Anxi Tea Wholesale Market was ranked as one of the Top 10 Wholesale Tea Markets in China. It sells approximately 10% of the national tea production annually, and its supply chain network spans across China, facilitating the purchase and sale of various tea types nationwide. The market is a vital center for tea distribution and exchange.
Key annual events such as the Tieguanyin Competition (铁观音竞赛) and the Tea Expo (茶博会) foster industry exchanges and promote tea culture.
Brand Recognition and Certifications
In 2000, Fengshan Brand Special Tieguanyin Tea (凤山牌特级铁观音) was selected as the official tea for the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse (钓鱼台国宾馆), enhancing the market’s reputation for high-quality tea. Through its events and quality certifications, the market continues to promote mid-to-high-end tea sales. In February 2024, during the Chinese New Year (春节), the market saw a resurgence in high-end tea sales, driven by both demand and tea tasting events held in Fuzhou (福州).
