Nanxiang
Time-Honored BrandNanxiang · Shanghai · Founded 1871
Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, originating from Nanxiang Town in Jiading, Shanghai, is a celebrated Chinese time-honored brand known for its thin wrappers, generous fillings, and savory soup. Since 1871, it has been a beloved culinary icon, representing the essence of Shanghai's food culture with every delicate, hand-crafted dumpling.
Brand Story
Nanxiang Xiaolongbao originated in 1871, during the 10th year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, created by Huang Mingxian, owner of the Rihuaxuan snack shop in Nanxiang Town. Facing fierce local competition, Huang innovated by transforming the large meat bun into a smaller, delicate version with thin wrappers and ample filling. He used finely minced pork leg meat and added meat aspic to create a rich, savory broth when steamed. The dumplings quickly gained popularity in Shanghai, becoming a renowned local delicacy. Huang's craft was passed down through generations, with successors like Wu Xiangsheng further developing it. In the early 20th century, the dumplings made their way into downtown Shanghai, eventually forming the 'Nanxiang Xiaolongbao' brand. Today, Nanxiang Xiaolongbao is not only a symbol of Shanghai's culinary heritage but also carries the memory and craftsmanship of the Jiangnan water town.
“Nanxiang Xiaolongbao: A Century of Heritage, A World in Every Bite.”
Signature Products
Classic pork filling with paper-thin wrappers and savory soup. A signature item. (20-30 RMB per basket of 6)
Adds crab roe and crab meat to the pork filling, offering a sweeter, richer flavor. A seasonal autumn delicacy. (40-60 RMB per basket of 6)
Fresh shrimp combined with pork, delivering a springy texture and delightful umami. Loved by diners. (35-50 RMB per basket of 6)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shanghai（上海）
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Cultural Note
The making of Nanxiang Xiaolongbao emphasizes 'thin skin, ample filling, rich soup, and fresh taste.' The dough is mixed with cold water and rolled into rounds with a thicker center and thinner edges. The filling uses pork with a balance of fat and lean, combined with meat aspic to create the soup. Each dumpling requires at least 16 even pleats. Steaming is carefully controlled to ensure the dumplings are cooked through without breaking the skin. In 2014, the Nanxiang Xiaolongbao making technique was inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
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 Nanxiang founded?
Nanxiang was founded in 1871, originating in Shanghai, Shanghai, primarily in the Other field.
What is the signature product of Nanxiang?
Its signature product is Pork Xiaolongbao. 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: