Lao Chenghuangmiao
Time-Honored BrandLao Chenghuangmiao · Shanghai · Founded
Lao Chenghuangmiao is a renowned Shanghai food brand, celebrated for its traditional pastries and snacks that evoke the city's rich heritage. Rooted in the bustling market around the City God Temple, it offers authentic flavors like spiced broad beans and pear syrup candy, carrying the essence of old Shanghai.
Brand Story
The Lao Chenghuangmiao brand traces its origins to the bustling market around Shanghai's City God Temple (Chenghuangmiao). Its history dates back to the Ming Dynasty's Yongle era (1403-1424), when Shanghai's magistrate Zhang Shouyue converted the Jinshan Temple into the City God Temple, and a lively market gradually formed in front of it. During the late Qing and early Republic periods (late 19th to early 20th century), vendors gathered there, selling specialties like pear syrup candy (ligao tang) and spiced broad beans (wuxiang dou), creating a unique food culture. In the 1950s, after public-private partnership, related food workshops were consolidated into Shanghai Lao Chenghuangmiao Food Co., Ltd. (now part of Yuyuan Garden Mall), preserving traditional techniques. The brand has no single founder but is a collective creation, blending temple fair flavors with Shanghai's urban spirit, making it a representative of Haipai (Shanghai-style) food culture.
“Taste Shanghai, Lao Chenghuangmiao”
Signature Products
Selected broad beans seasoned with star anise and cinnamon, savory and crispy, a classic Shanghai snack. (10-30 RMB per bag)
Made from pear juice and rock sugar, sweet and soothing for the throat, a traditional medicinal candy. (15-40 RMB per box)
A creamy twist on the classic spiced broad beans, richer in flavor and texture. (12-35 RMB per bag)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shanghai（上海）
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Cultural Note
The food-making techniques of Lao Chenghuangmiao inherit Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) pastry and preserved fruit craftsmanship, emphasizing ingredient selection and precise cooking. For instance, spiced broad beans require multiple steps including soaking, boiling, and sun-drying. The brand's culture is deeply rooted in the City God Temple fair, integrating folk customs, festivals, and everyday street life, making it an important part of Shanghai's intangible cultural heritage.
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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 Lao Chenghuangmiao founded?
Lao Chenghuangmiao was founded in null, originating in Shanghai, Shanghai, primarily in the Food & Beverage field.
What is the signature product of Lao Chenghuangmiao?
Its signature product is Spiced Broad Beans (Wuxiang Dou). 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: