Taking leaf of Camellia sinensis (Linn.) Kuntze 'Longjing 43' as research material, variations of contents of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and other active components in leaf were analyzed after 4 ℃ low temperature treatment for 0 (CK), 3, 6 and 9 h. The results show that after 4 ℃ low temperature treatment for different times, there is a certain degree of change in contents of GABA, water extracts, free amino acids, tea polyphenols and catechins in leaf, while no significant variation in contents of caffeine, gallocatechin, epi-gallocatechin, catechin and epicatechin. In which, GABA content is the highest (0.98 mg·g^-1) after treatment for 6 h, and significantly (P<0.05)  higher than that of the control; contents of water extracts and free amino acids after treatment for 3 and 6 h are significantly higher than those of the control, while there are no significant differences in other components; contents of tea polyphenols, catechins and 2 esterified catechins components after treatment for 9 h are all significantly lower than those of the control. The comprehensive analysis result shows that 4 ℃ low temperature treatment for 3-6 h can maintain the tea quality and accumulate GABA.