Objective As rural development remains a weak link in China’s striving to build a socialist modernized country where agriculture is fundamental to the nation’s economy, the role Meitan tea industry played in closing the gap was exemplary and ideal for an in-depth analysis like one carried out by this article.

Method Impacts of the tea industry development at Meitan County in Guizhou Province on the local economy and farmers’ income were dissected based on the statistical and survey data by means of quantitative correlation and linear regression.

Result The county economy paralleled the growth of the tea industry in Meitan in the recent past. As the industry transformed from the traditional cultivation and production practices, the business expansion also saw the acceleration of the local economy. By taking advantages of existing local land, natural, and human resources, a modernized operation seamlessly evolved that not only flourished the tea industry but also enriched the tax revenue and household incomes. In the process, there were variations on the outcomes due to approaches individual entrepreneurs happened to take. Nonetheless, the overall legacy was unquestionably beneficial for all involved.

Conclusion By closely working with the local community, Meitan County tea industry not only upgraded its business and improved profitability but also increased farmers’ income and became the major contributor for the growth of the county economy. Hence, the development model should be vigorously promoted nationwide.