Yili
Time-Honored BrandYili · Beijing · Founded 1906
Yili, a century-old Beijing food brand founded in 1906, is renowned for its fusion of Western and Chinese confectionery and pastries. Its products, like the classic Fruit Bread and Wafer Chocolate, have sweetened the memories of generations of Beijingers.
Brand Story
Yili originated in 1906 when Scottish entrepreneur James Neil founded the Yili Foreign Firm in Shanghai, producing Western-style candies and biscuits. By the 1920s, Yili had become a fashionable delicacy among Shanghai's elite. In 1951, responding to national calls, Yili relocated to Beijing and was renamed Beijing Yili Food Company, gradually integrating into local culture and developing iconic products such as Fruit Bread (guozi mianbao) and Wafer Chocolate (weihua qiaokeli). Yili's journey mirrors the fusion of Chinese and Western culinary traditions and epitomizes the evolution of modern China's food industry. After public-private partnership, Yili became a state-owned enterprise, and its products became a collective memory for Beijing residents, carrying deep emotional and cultural significance.
“Yili — A Century of Sweetness, Always the Same”
Signature Products
A classic bread filled with preserved fruits and walnuts, soft and fragrant, a breakfast staple for generations of Beijingers. (5-10 RMB)
Multi-layered wafer chocolate, crispy and sweet, a star product in Yili's candy line. (10-20 RMB)
Traditional butter cookies with rich milky flavor, melt-in-your-mouth, perfect for afternoon tea. (8-15 RMB)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Beijing（北京）
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Cultural Note
Yili's confectionery blends Western pastry techniques with Chinese flavors, emphasizing meticulous ingredient selection and scientific formulations. For instance, Fruit Bread uses traditional fermentation, while Wafer Chocolate focuses on layered textures. Beyond being food, Yili's products serve as a testament to Sino-Western cultural exchange and embody the urban memory of Beijing.
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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 Yili founded?
Yili was founded in 1906, originating in Beijing, Beijing, primarily in the Food & Beverage field.
What is the signature product of Yili?
Its signature product is Fruit Bread. 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: