The Origin Story
Matcha Was Born in China.
Now It's Coming Home.
What the world calls 'Japanese matcha' began as Chinese tea culture in the Tang and Song dynasties.
During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), Chinese monks developed the practice of grinding tea into fine powder. The Song Dynasty (960–1279) elevated it into an art form. When the monk Eisai brought tea seeds and techniques to Japan, the tradition took root there — but the origin was always China.
An unbroken thread
1,400 years of matcha.
One unbroken thread.
618 AD
Tang Dynasty
Tea powder drinking culture emerges in China.
960 AD
Song Dynasty
Whisked tea ceremony reaches its peak — the golden age of Chinese matcha.
1191
Kamakura Period
Monk Eisai brings tea seeds from Song China to Japan.
2017
Modern Era
GUI TEA builds the world's largest matcha production base in Guizhou.
2025
Global Expansion
First large-scale Chinese matcha export to Japan — matcha returns home.
Understanding Matcha
Guizhou Terroir vs Japanese Tradition
GUI TEA · Guizhou China
Highland Cloud Matcha
✓ 1,000m+ altitude — longer growth cycle, richer nutrients
✓ Low latitude + high altitude + cloud cover = unique terroir
✓ UNESCO World Heritage Mount Fanjing ecosystem
✓ EU MRL compliance: 500+ pesticide residue tests
✓ 40–60% more affordable than Japanese equivalents
✓ 4,000+ tonne annual capacity for reliable supply
Traditional · Japan
Japanese Matcha
· Centuries of refined craftsmanship
· Uji, Nishio, Kagoshima growing regions
· Strong brand recognition worldwide
· Supply constraints — tencha prices up 170% YoY
· Premium pricing
· Limited capacity vs growing global demand