Abstract: Chinese literature on the economy of the tea industry in China during the past 100 years were reviewed and filed for the record. It appeared that the research conducted in the past carried unique features at the time of studies, and the topics and contents reported were continually enriched with updated tools and methodologies. Nonetheless, gaps existed as compared the economic studies on tea to the more advanced research for the mainstream agriculture or other fields. Thus, directions for future study are suggested in the hope to resolve some of the existing economic problems and usher in further advancement for the industry.