Thanksgiving Day is coming, why not mix things up a bit and show your thanks with some time-honoured Chinese gifts?
Wuyutai Tea
via wuyutai.com
Wuyutai is a name known to every tea lover in Beijing. People love to go to tea houses. In the olden days, they used to be the center of social activity. Established in 1887, Wuyutai is one of the Time-Honored Brands of China, and is well-known for its high-quality tea products and hospitable service. Wuyutai Tea is famous for its Anhui teas, including the Qimen Black Tea, Lu’an Melon Seed Tea, and Taiping Houkui Green Tea.
Daoxiangcun Bakery
via nuomi.com
The renowned Daoxiangcun Bakery has deep roots in Beijing. Guo Yusheng opened its doors in Guanyin Temple on Qianmianwei street way back in 1895, selling authentic Beijing pastries and snacks. You may have walked past a Daoxiangcun store countless times and never even realized, but for the locals, this staple chain is home, and brings back fond childhood memories. With over a hundred varieties of pastries to choose from, we’ve put together our top picks so you know where to start.
Lotus seed shortbread lián róng sū
Fresh flower rose cookie xiānhuā méiguī bǐng
Jujube flower shortbread zǎo huā sū
Quanjude Peking Roast Duck
via SOHO.com
Quanjude 全聚德 is Beijing’s oldest roast duck restaurant. It was founded in the year 1864, over 150 years ago. The name “Quanjude” is synonymous with traditional Beijing Roast Duck, otherwise known as Peking Duck. This special cuisine is popular with heads of state, government officials, people from all walks of life, and tourists from home and abroad.
Refosian Qipao
via Baidu Baike
Refosian is the most famous silk fabric shop in China. It has a long history and good reputation. It was founded in 1862 by Meng Luochuan, a descendant of Mencius in Shandong Province, and its first shop in Beijing was opened in 1893. Refosian is well-known for its top quality silk fabrics and tailored Chinese clothing, especially Qipaos. Qipao, also known as Cheongsamin in Cantonese, is a one-piece Chinese dress that has its origins in Manchu-ruled China back in the 17th century.
Laofengxiang Jewelry
via LAOFENGXIANG
Shanghai Laofengxiang Jewelry Store is familiar to all Shanghai residents. Owning a jewelry item bought from Laofengxiang is an enviable fashion indeed. Laofengxiang opened for business in 1848 and witnessed almost the entirety of Shanghai’s modern history. Laofengxiang has won numerous awards both at home and abroad. It is recognized as a “China Well-Known Trademark”, “China Time-Honored Brand”, and “Well-Known Chinese Commercial Service Trademark”, and won prizes at the World Gold Council Jewelry Design Contests and De Beers Diamond Jewelry Design Competition.
How many of these special brands did you know about before? Let us know in the comments below!