How did the Sino-Japanese War affect Zhejiang's tea industry?

The Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) caused serious damage to Zhejiang's tea industry. During the conflict, many tea plantations were abandoned, and aging tea shrubs were not replaced, leading to a significant decline in production capacity.1

Following the war, the industry required a systematic rehabilitation and development program, which was undertaken during the 1950s. This initiative included the introduction of improved methods for tea cultivation and processing, as well as the establishment of new plantations. Through these efforts, the province was able to recover and eventually resume its position as China’s leading tea producer.1