San Wan Chang
Time-Honored BrandSan Wan Chang · Jiangsu · Founded 1855
San Wan Chang, a time-honored tea brand from Suzhou, has been renowned for its integrity and premium teas since 1855. With a legacy of over a century, it embodies the essence of Jiangnan tea culture, offering exquisite Biluochun and jasmine teas that reflect the region's rich heritage.
Brand Story
Founded in 1855 during the Qing Dynasty's Xianfeng era, San Wan Chang was established by a tea merchant surnamed Shen inside Changmen Gate in Suzhou. The name, meaning 'Three Yangs Bring Prosperity, Ten Thousand Generations of Flourishing,' reflected auspicious hopes. Shen's strict quality control and honest business practices quickly earned local trust. Under his son Shen Tingzhen, during the Guangxu period (1875-1908), the brand expanded with a branch on Guanqian Street and direct sourcing from Anhui and Zhejiang tea regions. During the Republic era, it became a favored gathering spot for literati, blending with Suzhou's Pingtan storytelling culture, giving rise to the saying, 'Drink tea at San Wan Chang, listen to stories at Guangyu Society.' After 1956, the brand faded but its original site remained. In 2000, the Suzhou Tea Company revived the brand, preserving traditional techniques and restoring its glory.
“Drink tea at San Wan Chang, listen to stories at Guangyu Society”
Signature Products
Produced from Dongting Mountain, this tea features slender, spiral-shaped leaves with a rich floral and fruity aroma. It is a representative of Suzhou green teas. Price: 200-800 RMB per 500g.
Made from baked green tea scented with jasmine flowers, it offers a fresh, lingering floral fragrance, a bright yellow infusion, and a mellow taste. Price: 100-300 RMB per 500g.
Selected from Jiangnan bush varieties, this tea is fermented to a balanced degree, yielding a sweet, honeyed flavor with a hint of malt. Price: 150-500 RMB per 500g.
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Jiangsu（江苏）
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Cultural Note
San Wan Chang adheres to traditional tea-making techniques: Biluochun is hand-fried with the method 'hands never leave the tea, tea never leaves the wok,' while jasmine tea undergoes a 'seven-scenting, one-drying' process. Its business philosophy, 'genuine goods at fair prices, honest with all customers,' is woven into Suzhou's tea culture, integrating with Pingtan and classical gardens, making it a local cultural icon.
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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 San Wan Chang founded?
San Wan Chang was founded in 1855, originating in Jiangsu, Jiangsu, primarily in the Tea field.
What is the signature product of San Wan Chang?
Its signature product is Biluochun Green Tea. 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: