The demand for high-end tea in Ruzhou has decreased, while mid-level and low-end tea demand has increased this year. The shift is a result of government policies that forbid using government expenses to send gifts.

High-end tea is a common gift that Chinese people send to clients and friends. However, operators say that orders have decreased sharply this year.

"It is really difficult to sell, and sales are far less than last year," says Wang Jun, a local tea seller. He adds that this is the peak season for tea sales.

Even for clients who continue to purchase, the amount they buy is less than last year, especially for tea that costs more than 1,200 yuan per kilogram. Demand this year is about one-third that of 2012. Currently, the best-selling teas are about 300 yuan to 400 yuan per kilogram. The packaging of the tea is also simpler, unlike the complicated and luxurious packages common before.

More operators have also shifted their focus from high-end tea to lower-priced tea.