Maliandao Tea Market/Street in Beijing

The Maliandao Tea Market (北京马连道茶城) is a modern commercial complex invested and built by the Beijing Yishang Group (北京一商集团公司). Located in Maliandao (马连道), Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京市), the market spans a total construction area of 68,000 square meters. The market’s core business focuses on wholesale tea, tea accessories, tea-related crafts, and the promotion of tea culture. It also features auxiliary businesses such as a photography equipment market and over 300 tenants, with annual sales nearing 300 million RMB. As one of the largest tea trade hubs in Northern China, it has become a prominent destination for tea enthusiasts and vendors.

Overview

  • Location: Maliandao (马连道), Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京市)

  • Total Area: 68,000 square meters

  • Annual Sales: Close to 300 million RMB

  • Business Focus: Wholesale tea, tea accessories, tea crafts, tea culture promotion

  • Number of Tenants: Over 300

  • Key Features: Photography equipment market, tea culture exhibitions

History and Development

Since its establishment, Maliandao Tea Market has grown rapidly and is now a significant cultural and commercial landmark in Beijing. In 2005, the market was awarded the title of “China’s Enterprise Integrity Model Unit” and in 2006, it was named “Beijing’s Favorite Wholesale Center.” In 2007, the market hosted the Beijing Maliandao International Tea Culture Festival (北京马连道国际茶文化节), reinforcing its regional tea culture identity. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it became one of the official foreign affairs reception venues.

Key Milestones

  • 2005: Recognized as “China’s Enterprise Integrity Model Unit“

  • 2006: Awarded “Beijing’s Favorite Wholesale Center“

  • 2007: Hosted the Beijing Maliandao International Tea Culture Festival

  • 2008: Became a foreign affairs reception venue for the Beijing Olympics

Market Features

The Maliandao Tea Market is known for its diverse selection of teas from various regions across China (中国). Some of the most renowned teas available include West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井), Xinyang Maojian (信阳毛尖), Anxi Tieguanyin (安溪铁观音), as well as affordable varieties such as Fujian Flower Tea (福建花茶) and Guangxi Flower Tea (广西花茶). The market is also home to specialty products like Huangshan Gongju (黄山贡菊) and Taiwan High Mountain Tea (台湾高山茶).

In addition to tea, the market also offers a variety of tea-related products and services:

  • Tea Sets: A wide range of traditional and modern tea sets and accessories.

  • Tea Culture Shops: Dedicated stores showcasing tea culture, tea art, and related crafts.

  • Specialized Stores: Shops featuring unique tea-related items, including Chinese tea ceremonies, tea knowledge, and tea culture exhibitions.

The market’s architecture reflects its rich tea culture, with elegant and classic designs that feature large central air-conditioning systems, smoke detection alarms, automatic sprinklers, and computerized network systems. The market operates with strict quality control and management standards to ensure the authenticity of its products.

Cultural and Educational Impact

  • Tea Culture Promotion: The market plays a crucial role in the promotion of Chinese tea culture. It organizes various events such as tea ceremonies and tea tastings.

  • Public Engagement: Maliandao Tea Market is also involved in spreading awareness about tea culture through exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

Cultural Events

  • Tea Ceremony Demonstrations: Regular tea ceremonies held to educate visitors on traditional tea preparation methods.

  • Tea Cultural Festivals: Annual celebrations that promote tea culture and include various activities like tea tastings and exhibitions.

Market Layout and Facilities

The market has four floors, with each floor specializing in different aspects of tea culture:

  • Floors 1-3: Dedicated to tea and tea accessory markets.

  • Floor 4: Houses the photography equipment market.

Notable Features

  • Central Air-conditioning: Keeps the market comfortable for both visitors and vendors.

  • Elevators and Escalators: Includes 6 vertical elevators, 6 freight elevators, and 6 escalators for ease of access.

  • Spacious Walkways: Wide walkways and a central staircase for smooth foot traffic.

Business Vision and Market Development

As part of its long-term vision, Maliandao Tea Market aims to become an internationally recognized commercial area specializing in tea. The Beijing Municipal Government is focused on upgrading the tea cultural industry, introducing systems like tea leaf auctions and bulk trading, to promote tea trade and industry regulation. The market also strives to enhance its reputation and service standards by strengthening its integrity and establishing itself as a leading tea market in China.

Future Plans

  • International Expansion: The market plans to position itself as an international tea trade center.

  • Tea Leaf Auctions and Large-Scale Transactions: The introduction of auction systems and major trade systems will elevate the market to a global level.

Location and Accessibility

Maliandao Tea Market is located in the western part of Beijing, close to West Third Ring Road (西三环路) and Guang’anmenwai Street (广安门外大街). The market is easily accessible by public transportation and is only a short distance from the Beijing West Railway Station (北京西客站).

Address

Maliandao Tea Market
11 Maliandao Road (马连道路11号),
Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京市)

Market Offerings

The market is a hub for:

  • Tea Sales: A wide variety of teas from across China.

  • Tea Accessories: Tea sets, tea pots, and related products.

  • Tea Culture: Promoting tea culture through exhibitions and educational events.

Maliandao Tea Market continues to grow in prominence as Beijing’s central destination for tea trade and culture, attracting both domestic and international visitors.