Genome-wide association analysis（GWAS） is based on high-throughput sequencing technology，combined with bioinformatics and statistical methods，to identify genetic variants that regulate complex traits at the genome-wide level.It is the most powerful and effective method to study the genetic variation of complex agronomic traits and diseases，and its core is to study the association between genetic variation and target traits.This review briefly introduces the basic principles，processes and influencing factors of GWAS analysis.A series of progress made by GWAS in studying the tea beverage consumption，important agronomic traits of tea trees，tea quality and the population structure of tea plant were summarized.Finally，the problems encountered and the direction of development in the GWAS research of tea plant were discussed.It will provide a basis for using GWAS in further researches on the selection of tea consumers，the genetics and breeding of tea plant.