Abstract: The study took 8 provinces and regions along the Chinese section of the “Tea Road” as an example, constructed a coupling coordination degree model to analyze the coordinated development of tea industry and tourism based on the provincial panel data from 2000 to 2016. The results show that: (1) The coupling coordination degree of tea industry and tourism of the Chinese section of “Tea Road” was relatively low and in a slightly disordered state, but the level of integration and interaction gradually improving. (2) The coupling coordination degree of tea industry and tourism in the areas along the route showed spatial differentiation. Fujian and Hubei were in a state of primary coordination and reluctant coordination. Hunan and Henan were on the verge of imbalance. Jiangxi was in a state of moderate imbalance, and Hebei, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia were in a state of serious imbalance. (3) In addition to a slight decline in Fujian, the coupling coordination degree of tea industry and tourism in the areas along the route gradually improved. (4) There were three types of coupling coordination degree between tea industry and tourism in the areas along the route: Fujian, Hubei and Hunan belonged to the dominant type of tea industry. Henan, Hebei, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia belonged to the dominant type of tourism. Jiangxi belonged to the advantage type of tea industry and tourism. Finally, relevant countermeasures and suggestions were proposed according to the research conclusion.

Key words: tea industry, tourism, interaction, “Tea Road”, coupling coordination degree