Finding gold in what's old
Editor's Note: Beijing is co-hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics with Zhangjiakou in Hebei province. From culture and cuisine to tourism and the arts, we take you to the attractions in these areas of North China for an unforgettable stay.
China's time-honored brands not only boast some of the best products the country has to offer, their rich and colorful history also provide a fascinating insight into Chinese culture.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the traditional techniques used in producing fermented bean curd at the over 350-year-old-brand Wangzhihe's science museum in Beijing. If the history of Chinese grape wine interests you, the capital's Dragon Seal winery is the place to go. Those who want to find out about Chinese sauces and pickles will be able to satisfy their curiosity at Beijing's museum of Liubiju, a pickle maker that is more than 400 years old.
Among China's 1,128 enterprises recognized as national time-honored brands with an average history of about 140 years, Beijing is home to 117 of them.
From food and retail to pharmaceuticals and brewing, these brands are as integral to the capital's culture as its many monuments, parks and temples.
More traditional brands are also keeping abreast of modern developments and trends at the same time as holding on to their valuable heritage.
Take traditional Chinese medicine group Tongrentang for example. Established in 1669, the company recently went viral among young customers with its latest products featuring milk tea and coffee infused with traditional herbs.
At Tongrentang's cafe, you can try a latte with goji berry sprinkles or dried tangerine peel, or an Americano sweetened with monk fruit.
In a nod to the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar, Tongrentang's cafe is also introducing drinks that suit specific seasons. The group plans to open 50 flagship stores in major cities nationwide in the next five years to offer comprehensive healthcare consulting services. It will also roll out more than 3,000 landmark cafes in major commercial areas, the company said.
Pastry maker Daoxiangcun, which has been around for 248 years, has added new flavors to its classic snack collection. Sugar substitute products cater to elderly consumers, while flower and fruit ground mixes target the young. The sugar content in certain cakes has also been reduced by about 7 percent, appealing particularly to the more health conscious.
More than 10 million boxes of these products have been sold, making them a calling card for authentic Beijing flavors.
In September, century-old shoemaker Neiliansheng launched a new line of shoes with trendy Japanese fashion brand A Bathing Ape to attract younger consumers.
Founded in 1853, Neiliansheng's best-selling designs have always involved multilayered soles, with each layer made of 100 percent sweat-absorbent cotton cloth.
Each shoe usually has 30 layers, meticulously stitched with thin linen thread.
Amid fierce competition from new brands, these inroads show how many of Beijing's leading labels are experiencing a renaissance as the capital clings proudly to its roots.
