Nestled in southwest China’s mountainous terrain, Tongren in Guizhou has brewed up a global matcha revolution! Known as the nation’s "matcha capital," the region produced 1,200 tons of the vibrant green powder last year—topping domestic sales charts and captivating taste buds worldwide. 🍵
But here’s the kicker: Young farmers are now livestreaming their way to prosperity. With just a smartphone, they’re connecting rural tea fields to screens in over 40 countries and regions, from Tokyo to Toronto. "Our matcha used to stay local," says 24-year-old farmer Li Wei, who gained 100K followers on TikTok-style platforms this year. "Now, we’re trending globally!"
This digital pivot has turned Guizhou’s tea into a $50M+ export powerhouse while creating jobs for 8,000+ rural residents. The secret sauce? Combining ancient cultivation techniques with Gen Z’s social media savvy. 💡
Looking ahead, local cooperatives aim to double production by 2026. As one livestreamer quipped: "Why watch unboxing videos when you can unbox tea fields?" 🌄
