Cao Xiangtai
Time-Honored BrandCao Xiangtai · Hubei · Founded
A century-old food brand from Wuhan, Hubei, renowned for traditional pastries and seasonal delicacies, preserving the culinary heritage of the Jingchu region.
Brand Story
Founded in the late Qing Dynasty (circa 1880s) by Cao Nanshan in Hankou (now part of Wuhan), Cao Xiangtai began as a grocery store before focusing on food production. Through honest business practices and unique recipes, it grew into a renowned local food brand. His son, Cao Yunjie, expanded production and introduced modern management, making it a leader in Hankou's food industry. Despite wars and changing times, the brand has upheld traditional craftsmanship, producing crispy sugar cakes, mooncakes, and jingguo (fried dough snacks) known for quality ingredients and authentic taste. Cao Xiangtai is not just a food brand but a microcosm of Wuhan's modern industrial and commercial development, reflecting the rich culinary culture of the Jingchu region and the pioneering spirit of its merchants.
“Cao Xiangtai: A century of pastry fragrance, crafted with heart.”
Signature Products
Traditional handmade crispy sugar cake, sweet and crunchy, melts in the mouth, a must-have for festivals. (20-50 RMB/box)
Flaky pastry with generous fillings, available in various flavors, popular during Mid-Autumn Festival. (30-80 RMB/box)
Fried dough snack coated with sugar frosting, crispy and delicious, a taste of old Wuhan memories. (15-40 RMB/bag)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Hubei（湖北）
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
Cao Xiangtai adheres to traditional handmade techniques, strictly controlling processes like sugar boiling, filling preparation, and baking to preserve ancient methods. Its pastries blend northern and southern flavors, reflecting the inclusiveness of Wuhan's dock culture. The brand emphasizes seasonal foods such as Dragon Boat Festival mung bean cakes and Mid-Autumn mooncakes, closely tied to folk customs, making it an important representative of Wuhan's intangible cultural heritage.
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 Cao Xiangtai founded?
Cao Xiangtai was founded in null, originating in Hubei, Hubei, primarily in the Food & Beverage field.
What is the signature product of Cao Xiangtai?
Its signature product is Cao Xiangtai Crispy Sugar Cake. 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: