The New Wave of Chinese Tea Culture in 2025

Hello everyone,
In 2025, Shiha traveled to China and experienced firsthand how the China's tea culture has evolved.
Since my last visit in 2019, I was amazed to see how both tradition and innovation have blended to create a completely new tea experience.

Authentic Chinese Tea, Now in New Style

One of the biggest changes I saw was the rise of drink chain brands offering pure, aromatic Chinese tea.
What used to be enjoyed only in traditional teahouses can now be found in modern tea-drink chain across the city—served in paper cups, much like how we enjoy coffee from Starbucks.

Tea has become more casual and accessible, yet it retains the depth and fragrance that make Chinese tea so special.

A New Brewing Experience: “Tea Espresso”

Another surprise was the new brewing method.
Some of those tea drink chain stores now serve tea brewed to order using espresso machines—known as the “Tea Espresso” style.

Each cup is freshly prepared under high pressure, resulting in an rich and aromatic flavor.

It was fascinating to see that tea, which could have evolved into a hand-brewed style—like Blue Bottle Coffee, with each cup carefully prepared using a Zisha teapot—actually developed in a different way, embracing technology instead of following that traditional path.

Surprisingly, this innovation didn’t come from the traditional tea industry, 
but from the beverage(tea-drink chain) industry.

I experienced this firsthand at CHAGEE NOW (茶姬現萃), a brand redefining how people enjoy authentic Chinese tea.

The Rise of Chinese Tea Lattes and Unique Fusion

This new brewing technique also gave birth to one of China’s beverage trends — the Chinese Tea Latte.
By combining concentrated, high-quality tea with premium milk, these drinks bring out a luxurious, layered flavor.

On another note, Jasmine Tea Milk Tea (伯牙绝弦) from CHAGEE stood out as truly exceptional — a beautiful harmony of floral fragrance and creamy smoothness.
For tea lovers, visiting China to explore these modern tea chains can be enjoyable journey. It’s a sensory experience where taste and aroma meet innovation.

Health Awareness and the Rediscovery of Tea & Food

After the pandemic, people in China have become even more health-conscious.
Tea served in chain tea drink store now reflects this shift, with a strong focus on being natural, nutritious, and balanced.

Among younger generations, tea has regained popularity, as people show renewed interest in the ancient Chinese philosophy of promoting health through food and drink. The concepts of “Shi Yang” (食养) and “Yao Shi Tong Yuan” (薬食同源) have become trendy keywords, and they can be seen in restaurants and tea shops across the country.　

The tea-drink chain industry is also responding to this wellness trend by offering new drinks that reflect these ideas, catering to consumers’ growing interest.

The Unchanging Heart of Chinese Tea

Yet, amidst all this innovation, some traditions remain beautifully unchanged.
When visiting tea leaf shops, I was welcomed by shop owners offering tea tastings, inviting me to experience each aroma and flavor before choosing the leaves.

This human connection through tea, where one person brews tea for another, felt more precious and meaningful than ever in a world increasingly shaped by convenience and technology.

Tradition and Innovation Coexisting in Harmony

In 2025, China’s tea culture has changed in ways I could never have imagined.
A new and lively tea scene has appeared in the busy cities, while the old traditions of tea culture are still going strong.
At the same time, signs of ongoing change were evident, giving a sense that the culture is still evolving.

We hope you enjoy the video.

Best regards， 
Shiha Tea Studio