Guilou
Time-Honored BrandGuilou · Chongqing · Founded
Guilou, a century-old pastry shop in Chongqing, is renowned for its traditional craftsmanship and distinctive flavors. It carries the memories of the mountain city, offering delicacies like osmanthus cakes and peach slices that embody the essence of Chongqing's culinary heritage.
Brand Story
Guilou traces its origins to Chongqing during the Qing Dynasty's Guangxu era (circa 1875-1908), when the city flourished as a major commercial port on the upper Yangtze River. The founder, whose name remains unrecorded, opened a tea and pastry shop in the Yuzhong Peninsula, gaining fame for exquisite pastries, especially those made with osmanthus flowers, hence the name 'Guilou' (Osmanthus Tower). During the Republic era (1912-1949), Guilou's treats became staples for weddings and festivals. In the wartime period (1937-1945), as Chongqing served as the provisional capital, the influx of migrants brought new influences, blending into Guilou's unique flavors. After 1949, the brand underwent public-private partnership, preserving its techniques. Today, Guilou remains committed to handmade methods, with its pastries reflecting the modern culinary history of Chongqing.
Signature Products
Made with glutinous rice flour and osmanthus honey, soft and chewy with a rich floral aroma. A classic of Guilou. (20-40 RMB/box)
Thin as paper, sweet and crispy, filled with walnuts. A traditional Chongqing delicacy. (15-30 RMB/bag)
Covered with sesame seeds and filled with various sweet fillings, fragrant and crispy. Perfect with tea. (10-25 RMB/box)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Chongqing（重庆）
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Cultural Note
Guilou's pastry-making follows ancient methods, with meticulous ingredient selection—osmanthus flowers must be golden osmanthus from autumn, and glutinous rice is soaked and ground on a stone mill. Techniques include stir-frying, steaming, baking, and slicing, all done by hand, with exceptional knife skills producing peach slices as thin as a millimeter. Beyond food, Guilou's pastries are woven into Chongqing's folk customs, such as mooncakes for Mid-Autumn and New Year cakes for Spring Festival, embodying the delicacy and inclusiveness of Bayu cuisine.
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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 Guilou founded?
Guilou was founded in null, originating in Chongqing, Chongqing, primarily in the Other field.
What is the signature product of Guilou?
Its signature product is Osmanthus 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: