Chinese Tea Wins Global Recognition from London to Auckland

In early 2026, Chinese tea claimed top honors in a prestigious international competition. Several months later, this recognition was brought to life in New Zealand. From the judging tables in London to tea gatherings in Auckland, fine Chinese tea, with its pure quality and profound cultural heritage, has drawn growing attention across the globe.

On January 16, 2026, The Leafies International Tea Awards–– widely known as the "Oscar of the tea industry"—was held at the headquarters of Fortnum & Mason in London. This prestigious international tea competition adopts a full blind tasting system. Judges evaluate teas strictly based on their sensory qualities alone, putting aside brand influence and geographical reputations. Amid fierce global competition, Hangzhou Qian Ou Xue Tea Co., Ltd. stood out, winning the Gold Award for Black Tea and the Special Recommendation Award for Pu'er Tea.

Jane Pettigrew, a leading British tea expert, commented after the tasting: "It embodies the delicacy of Chinese tea craftsmanship and presents traditional flavors in a contemporary way." Her remarks are not merely a compliment to the tea itself, but also reflect growing international appreciation of Chinese tea culture.

In the past, Chinese tea entered the global market mainly as a commodity. Today, it has evolved into a carrier of aesthetic taste and lifestyle. Chinese tea is no standardized industrial product. Instead, it is the result of the combined work of nature, time and human craftsmanship. When people return to evaluating tea by its essence, Chinese tea reveals its unique charm and strength.

On May 21, 2026, the UN International Tea Day event hosted by the New Zealand Tea Academy opened. Guests gathered to sample and appreciate Chinese tea firsthand. Liu Yinsheng, founder of Qian Ou Xue, delivered a speech titled Key Conditions for Producing Fine Tea. He shared his insights on tea: Fine tea cannot simply be manufactured. It originates from pristine land, a sound ecological environment, and sincere respect for time.

(Left: Liu Yinsheng, Founder of Qian Ou Xue; Right: Dong Jingli, President of the Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Association in New Zealand)

At the tea gatherings in Auckland, people no longer focus merely on taste. They start to explore where the tea leaves come from, how they are grown and processed, and why tea can nourish both body and mind. The wisdom embodied in Chinese tea — concerning health, a balanced pace of life, and harmony between humanity and nature — is being embraced by more and more people worldwide.

From blind assessments in London to on-site tastings in Auckland, a distinctive path for Chinese tea's global journey has become increasingly clear. The achievements of this enterprise serve as a microcosm of Chinese tea’s global journey. Looking ahead, the true competitiveness of Chinese tea lies not in production scale, but in its intrinsic value: it is rooted in purity and health, maintains steady and authentic quality, and delivers cultural expressions that resonate with people around the world.

From a single tea leaf to a brewed cup of tea; from the mountains and fields of China to the judging panels in London, and finally to tea tables in Auckland. This journey is more than a geographical connection; it is also a cultural reconnection. Fine Chinese tea is stepping onto the world stage, and the world is drawing closer to Chinese tea. 

(By Chen Ansheng)