Famous Time-honored Brand Shops in Beijing

Beijing has served as a capital of the country for more than 800 years. So the economy of this city has been prosperous since a long time ago. There are many shops that inherit the old essence of the original opening time. They are called time-honored brand shops for they have a long history. This article will introduce some famous time-honored brand shops in Beijing for you to buy special local products. They are publicly recognized by most of people.

Tongrentang Excellentg

Quanjude 全聚德 – Iconic Peking Duck Restaurant

Established in 1864 during the Qing Dynasty, Quanjude is arguably China’s most famous roast duck brand. Known for its signature hanging oven roast duck technique—recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage—Quanjude has transformed from a small alley shop into a global culinary brand. Its duck is prized for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich aroma, earning the nickname “China’s No.1 Dish.”

Recommended Locations:

• Qianmen Main Branch: Classic grey-brick architecture, live duck-slicing show. Arrive early or reserve 3 hours ahead.
• Hepingmen Branch: Offers the same duck as served at the APEC banquet; elegant atmosphere, no service charge.
• Olympic Village Branch: Modern Beijing décor, spacious seating, family-friendly.

Zhang Yi Yuan Tea Shop

Daoxiangcun 稻香村 – Best Traditional Beijing Pastries

Founded in 1895, Beijing Daoxiangcun is a household name for Beijing-style snacks and pastries. This historic brand offers over 600 types of products, from meat delicacies and glutinous rice balls to mooncakes and sesame sweets. Its classics like ox tongue pastry (牛舌饼) and date paste cake (枣泥酥) are handmade using traditional techniques, and the company has been honored as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage enterprise.

How to Spot the Real One: Look for the “Sanhe” (三禾) logo on the store sign and packaging—genuine stores use black-gold or red-white signs.

Recommended Stores:

• Dongsi North Street Store: Near Zhangzizhonglu Station (Line 5, Exit B)
• Qianmen Street No.59 Store

Zhangyiyuan 张一元 – Traditional Jasmine Tea Shop

Founded in 1908, Zhangyiyuan is Beijing’s most prestigious tea brand, best known for its jasmine-scented tea made with spring-picked Fujian leaves and Guangxi jasmine blossoms. Using a meticulous scenting process repeated eight times, the tea is noted for its bright color and rich fragrance. Favored by opera artists and tea connoisseurs alike, Zhangyiyuan has grown into a modern tea enterprise.

Flagship Store:

• No. 22 Dashilan Street, Xicheng District
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Liubiju 六必居 – Time-Honored Pickled Vegetables Brand

With a history stretching back over 600 years, Liubiju specializes in pickled vegetables and bean pastes, made from soybeans, wheat, and seasonal veggies. Its secret fermenting techniques earned national recognition in 2008. Known for products like sweet pickled melon and sesame preserved cabbage, Liubiju continues to innovate with low-sodium options and creative items like vegetarian tripe. Visit the Liubiju Museum to learn about traditional fermentation methods.

Store Location:

• No.3 Grain Store Street, Qianmen (5 mins walk from Qianmen Station)
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)

Tianfuhao 天福号 – Legendary Braised Pork Brand

Founded in 1738 during the Qianlong reign, Tianfuhao is famous for its braised pork knuckle (酱肘子)—tender, flavorful, and not greasy. This dish is so iconic that its preparation method was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. Today, Tianfuhao produces more than 70 meat products and maintains a commitment to all-natural ingredients.

Flagship Store:
Qianmen Street, serving as both a retail store and cultural symbol of Beijing cuisine.

Donglaishun 东来顺 – Classic Muslim Hotpot Brand

Founded in 1903, Donglaishun is a halal hotpot chain known for its hand-sliced lamb and iconic copper pots. It is famous for the "Eight Essentials" of hotpot: premium ingredients, knife skills, flavorful sauces, and lively ambiance. Its lamb slicing technique is listed as a national heritage, with slices as thin as 1mm. New dishes like saffron mushroom soup and lamb leg slices continue to define Beijing's hotpot culture.

Recommended Store:

• Qianmen Main Branch: No. 32 Qianmen Street (5 mins walk from Qianmen Station)

Wangzhihe 王致和 – Famous Fermented Tofu Brand

Dating back to 1669, Wangzhihe is the birthplace of fermented tofu in Beijing. The original product, Qingfang tofu, was once served in the imperial court. Today, Wangzhihe produces soy sauces, fermented bean pastes, and its signature stinky tofu using traditional fermentation techniques and natural spices. The brand is exported worldwide and continues to lead the industry in quality.

Bianyifang 便宜坊 – Oldest Peking Duck Restaurant

Founded in 1416, Bianyifang is Beijing’s oldest roast duck restaurant, famous for its closed-oven roasting technique—no open flame, more environmentally friendly. The name comes from a Ming Dynasty scholar’s calligraphy meaning “affordable and good.” It remains true to this philosophy today, offering traditional dishes and modern innovations like flower-scented crispy duck.

Recommended Stores:

• Xianyukou Branch: Popular location near Qianmen, ~RMB 130 per person. Long queues—reserve early.
• Asian Games Village Branch: Upscale, elegant setting, great for business dinners.
• National Exhibition Branch: Modern interior blending tradition and innovation.

Wuyutai 吴裕泰 – Creative Jasmine Tea with Ice Cream

Established in 1887, Wuyutai is another top tea brand recognized for its jasmine tea and inventive products like tea-flavored ice cream and tea beer. With over 550 stores nationwide, Wuyutai represents the perfect fusion of heritage and innovation, always insisting on high-quality tea for everyone to enjoy.

Store to Visit:

• Qianmen Street Branch: Next to the west gate of Xianyukou Food Street (5 mins from Qianmen Station)