号外号外！我校师生参与制作的《我眼中的北京非遗》系列节目第一期正式上线

“Infusing the land with rich flavors, quality is the paramount; a shop standing for a hundred thousand days, integrity is the essence .” Tianfu Hao, a renowned old brand in Beijing, is famous for its braised pork hocks. Since its establishment in the third year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, this esteemed brand has enjoyed a remarkable journey spanning over 280 years. Ten generations of inheritors have preserved the traditional techniques of sauce-making, adapting them to meet the demands of the modern market. This blend of tradition and innovation has allowed the brand to continually meet the needs of new generations of consumers. Since 2008, when “Tianfu Hao’s braised pork hock technique was recognized as part of the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage, Tianfu Hao has embraced the vital mission of safeguarding and passing on this valuable cultural legacy.

Tianfu Hao’s braised pork hock technique carries a legend. It is said that the founder’s distinctive braised pork hock flavor won the favor of Empress Dowager Cixi, who awarded him a waist badge, leading to daily tributes to the imperial kitchen, thus creating the tale of “Qianlong’s sauce passed down for a century, Cixi’s waist badge known throughout the world.” Since the Qianlong era, Tianfu Hao has adhered to the ancient method of “master-apprentice succession,” passing down the authentic sauce flavor from generation to generation, with each inheritor taking only three apprentices to ensure the authenticity of the sauce. “The inheritance of traditional crafts is actually a matter of perseverance,” said Liu Gang, the general manager of Tianfu Hao. “While the pace of internet development is undeniably swift, the food industry should not be one that chases after speed..” Thus, in the midst of industrialization, the artisans at Tianfu Hao remain committed to using natural spices and personally overseeing the production process, all in an effort to recreate that unforgettable century-old flavor.

Embracing both tradition and innovation, Tianfu Hao not only preserves its classic flavors but also actively develops new products, infusing “new vitality” into this time-honored brand As an outstanding representative of China’s esteemed traditional brands, Tianfu Hao is dedicated to product innovation and diversification, achieving a perfect fusion of intangible cultural heritage techniques and modern products by expanding its product lines. For instance, it has launched Western-style products such as German Roast pork knuckle, Spanish ham, and French sausages, while also refreshing its packaging and promotional strategies to resonate with the new generation of consumers.

Moreover, Tianfu Hao actively invites students from well-known universities such as Beijing Union University and Communication University of China to visit the store and taste traditional delicacies. Leveraging the influence of online platforms among young people, Tianfu Hao promotes intangible cultural heritage techniques on social media, allowing traditional culture to take root in the hearts of the new generation and continuously boosting the popularity of Tianfu Hao’s braised pork hock technique among young people. General Manager Liu Gang noted that he frequently engages in discussions with college students to gain insights into their perspectives on the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage.Through these interactions , he has identified some challenges: “Currently, the younger generation’s participation in preserving intangible cultural heritage is relatively low. The modern education model, combined with the fast-paced lifestyle of today, often leaves students short of the patience required for engaging in manual crafts and dedicating time to contemplative work.. This issue is not unique to Tianfu Hao but a common challenge faced by many enterprises focused on intangible cultural heritage.”

Seizing the valuable opportunity to explore Tianfu Hao in depth, Mengli, a foreign student from Beijing International Studies University, arrived at Qianmen Street with a keen curiosity about Chinese traditional culture. Outside the store, Zhong Zan, the manager of Tianfu Hao’s brand promotion department, had been waiting with a smile. He enthusiastically shared the history of Tianfu Hao and the heritage of the braised pork hock technique with Mengli, his eyes shining with a deep affection and pride for this traditional craft.

Under Manager Zhong’s guidance, Mengli entered the display area, where her attention was immediately captured by the “food boxes” and thermal boxes used by Tianfu Hao a century ago. These antique tableware, though showing signs of age, were remarkably well-preserved. Mengli carefully picked up one of the food box, examining every detail of its craftsmanship, and marveling at the ingenuity of the artisans from that era. Next, she had the opportunity to experience the process of assembling a food box, just as deliverymen did a hundred years ago. As she skillfully put the box together, a sense of accomplishment washed over her, and her face lit up with pride at having connected with this piece of history.

Afterward, Mengli sampled Tianfu Hao’s signature dish—the braised pork hock. The dish was visually striking, featuring a jet-black exterior contrasted beautifully with snow-white meat inside. The enticing colors, combined with the mouthwatering aroma of the sauce, significantly whetted the appetite.Mengli gently picked up a piece of the braised pork hock and placed it in a thin pancake, savoring each bite. The meat was tender and succulent, melting in her mouth with just a gentle chew, while the rich flavors of the sauce danced on her palate, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Mengli fully immersed herself in the experience, as if she were engaging in a conversation across time with over two hundred years of history, connecting with the spirit and heritage of this esteemed Chinese brand.

After tasting the dish, Mengli was overwhelmed with emotions. She expressed, “This experience has given me a profound appreciation for the unique charm of Tianfu Hao’s braised pork hock and has enriched my understanding and recognition of Chinese traditional culture. I will definitely share this experience with my friends so that more people can learn about and help preserve this invaluable intangible cultural heritage.”