Buyingzhai
Time-Honored BrandBuyingzhai · Beijing · Founded 1858
A time-honored Beijing shoemaker since 1858, renowned for handcrafted cloth shoes with thousand-layer soles, preserving authentic Jing-style craftsmanship.
Brand Story
Buyingzhai was founded in 1858 during the Qing Dynasty's Xianfeng era by a merchant surnamed Li from Tianjin, who opened a shop specializing in cloth shoes at Dashilan in Qianmen, Beijing. The name, derived from the 'Huangji' chapter of the Book of Documents, symbolizes steady advancement. In the late Qing and early Republic periods, Buyingzhai became famous for its thousand-layer sole cloth shoes, prized for exquisite workmanship and comfort, favored by Beijing residents and literati. During the Republic era, the shop custom-made thick-soled boots for Peking Opera masters, gaining great renown. After the public-private partnership in 1956, Buyingzhai merged into the Beijing Shoes and Hats Company, preserving traditional techniques. Its thousand-layer soles are hand-stitched with pure cotton cloth, with 81 stitches per square inch, making the soles flexible and durable, embodying the craftsmanship of Beijing-style handmade shoes. Buyingzhai has witnessed a century of changes in Beijing's footwear industry and is a representative of Jing merchant culture.
Signature Products
Hand-stitched thousand-layer soles, breathable and moisture-wicking, comfortable and durable. (200-500 RMB)
Classic round-toe design, lightweight and snug, ideal for daily wear. (150-300 RMB)
Warm lining and slip-resistant soles, perfect for winter. (180-400 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Beijing(北京)
Store details are being expanded. Find this brand’s stores and counters on the map below:
Find stores on Amap ↗Shop Online
Official flagship stores / search entries (CPS placements). Replace the links with your own affiliate PID to earn commission with zero inventory.
Cultural Note
Buyingzhai's shoemaking technique emphasizes 'one stitch, one thread.' Each thousand-layer sole requires 81 stitches per square inch, and the shoe upper is cut from a single piece of fabric to ensure a perfect fit. This craft combines the comfort and durability of Beijing-style cloth shoes, reflecting the meticulousness of old Beijing handicrafts.
Related Brands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Buyingzhai founded?
Buyingzhai was founded in 1858, originating in Beijing, Beijing, primarily in the Footwear & Headwear field.
What is the signature product of Buyingzhai?
Its signature product is Thousand-layer Sole Cloth Shoes. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: