Honghua Pai
Time-Honored BrandHonghua Pai · Tianjin · Founded
Honghua Pai is a time-honored pharmaceutical brand from Tianjin, known for its traditional Chinese medicine preparations, particularly safflower-based remedies. With roots in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the brand embodies the commercial spirit and craftsmanship of Tianjin's historic trading port.
Brand Story
Honghua Pai traces its origins to the medicinal herb trade in Tianjin during the Ming and Qing dynasties. As a major commercial port in northern China, Tianjin was a bustling hub for herbal medicine distribution, with numerous apothecaries lining its streets. The brand name 'Honghua' (safflower) reflects the herb's traditional use in promoting blood circulation and alleviating pain. According to local lore, during the late Qing and early Republic period, the Wang family, a prominent Tianjin medicine merchant, established the Honghua Pai line of patent medicines, including Honghua Gao (safflower plaster) and Honghua You (safflower oil), which gained popularity across northern China. The brand embodies the values of integrity and meticulous craftsmanship characteristic of Tianjin's merchant culture, emphasizing authentic ingredients and time-honored processing methods. However, specific details regarding the brand's founding year, corporate history, and key figures remain unclear due to limited public records. While the brand enjoys some recognition among locals, its official archives are incomplete, and its cultural significance lies primarily in its representation of Tianjin's local medical traditions and commercial spirit.
“[待核]”
Signature Products
A topical liniment for bruises, sprains, and rheumatic pain, with safflower as the main ingredient and a pleasant aroma.
A traditional black plaster applied to the affected area to promote blood circulation, remove stasis, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain.
An oral preparation for blood stasis syndromes, to be used under medical supervision.
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Tianjin（天津）
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Cultural Note
The production techniques of Honghua Pai emphasize the use of authentic medicinal materials, such as safflower sourced from Xinjiang or Henan, and meticulous control of heat and timing during processing, reflecting a blend of traditional Chinese pharmacology and Tianjin's local craftsmanship. The brand's culture exemplifies the practicality and commerciality of traditional Chinese medicine in modern Tianjin's trading port era, though specific technical details are not well-documented and warrant further research.
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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 Honghua Pai founded?
Honghua Pai was founded in null, originating in Tianjin, Tianjin, primarily in the Healthcare field.
What is the signature product of Honghua Pai?
Its signature product is Honghua Oil. 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: