Zhoucun
Time-Honored BrandZhoucun · Shandong · Founded
Zhoucun sesame seed cakes, originating from Zhoucun, Shandong, are renowned for their thin, crispy texture and rich sesame flavor. Crafted through traditional hand-making techniques, these cakes are a celebrated Chinese time-honored brand, embodying the essence of Shandong's flour-based culinary heritage.
Brand Story
Zhoucun sesame seed cakes trace their origins to Zhoucun District, Zibo City, Shandong Province. The history dates back to the Han Dynasty when Zhang Qian brought sesame cultivation techniques from the Western Regions, which gradually influenced local flour-based food culture. By the late Qing Dynasty (around 1900), Zhoucun had become a major commercial hub in central Shandong, where the art of making sesame seed cakes flourished. During the Guangxu reign, local merchant Xu Fangming and others refined the technique, creating a distinctive style characterized by thinness, fragrance, crispness, and crunchiness. In the early Republic of China era, Zhoucun sesame seed cakes gained popularity as a regional specialty, selling well in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai. After the founding of New China, the craft was preserved and passed down. Culturally, these cakes represent the commercial and culinary traditions of the Lu region, serving as a hallmark of Shandong's flour-based cuisine.
“Thin, crisp, fragrant, and crunchy—Zhoucun's unmatched delight.”
Signature Products
Paper-thin, generously topped with sesame seeds, sweet, fragrant, and crispy, melting instantly in the mouth. (10-20 RMB per pack)
Savory and appetizing, crispy with a crumbly texture, featuring a traditional five-spice flavor. (10-20 RMB per pack)
Rich in five-spice aroma, distinct layers, and a lingering aftertaste. (12-25 RMB per pack)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shandong（山东）
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Cultural Note
The making of Zhoucun sesame seed cakes involves over ten steps, including ingredient selection, dough mixing, kneading, stretching, sesame coating, and baking, all performed by hand with great skill. The cakes are prized for being 'thin as paper, round as the moon, and crisp as pastry.' The unique thinness and crunchiness come from precise dough handling and baking temperature control. In 2014, the craft was inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, showcasing the exquisite artistry of traditional flour-based snacks.
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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 Zhoucun founded?
Zhoucun was founded in null, originating in Shandong, Shandong, primarily in the Food & Beverage field.
What is the signature product of Zhoucun?
Its signature product is Zhoucun Sesame Seed Cake (Sweet). 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: