Zhangyiyuan
Time-Honored BrandZhangyiyuan · Beijing · Founded 1900
Zhangyiyuan, a century-old tea house in Beijing, is renowned for its jasmine tea. Adhering to traditional craftsmanship, it stands as a representative of Beijing's tea culture.
Brand Story
Founded in 1900 by Zhang Wenqing, a native of Shexian, Anhui, Zhangyiyuan Tea House began as a small shop on Liulichang Street in Beijing. Zhang, who had apprenticed in the tea trade, named his shop 'Zhangyiyuan' after the saying 'Yuan fu shi, wan xiang geng xin' (As the cycle renews, all things take on a new look). Specializing in jasmine tea, he personally sourced tea leaves from Fujian and Anhui and refined the scenting process, producing teas with a fresh aroma and mellow taste that quickly gained popularity. During the Republic era, Zhangyiyuan expanded to Tianjin and other cities, becoming a leader in northern China's tea industry. After 1949, the brand underwent public-private partnership while preserving its traditional techniques and embracing innovation. Today, Zhangyiyuan is not just a tea house but a microcosm of Beijing's folk culture, with its jasmine tea an indispensable part of old Beijingers' daily lives.
“As the cycle renews, all things take on a new look.”
Signature Products
Made from high-quality green tea base and scented multiple times with fresh jasmine flowers, it offers a fresh, lasting aroma and a mellow, sweet aftertaste. (200-500 RMB/jin)
Using tender Maojian tea leaves, this tea blends jasmine fragrance with tea aroma, delivering a fresh and crisp taste. It is considered a top-grade jasmine tea. (300-600 RMB/jin)
Featuring downy tips and a high, clear aroma, this tea has a fresh, strong flavor and offers great value for daily consumption. (150-300 RMB/jin)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Beijing（北京）
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Cultural Note
Zhangyiyuan adheres to the traditional jasmine tea scenting technique, employing 'seven scentings and one lift' or higher. The process is intricate, involving tea base preparation, flower care, mixing, heat dissipation, flower removal, re-firing, and final scenting. The craft is passed down with strict discipline, emphasizing experience and intuition to ensure consistent quality. The tea house's architecture and business practices also preserve the characteristics of a time-honored brand, making it an important carrier of Beijing's 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 Zhangyiyuan founded?
Zhangyiyuan was founded in 1900, originating in Beijing, Beijing, primarily in the Tea field.
What is the signature product of Zhangyiyuan?
Its signature product is Zhangyiyuan Jasmine Tea (Premium). 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: