Yangfang Hot Pot: 200-Year Tradition of Beijing’s Signature Lamb Hot Pot

Yangfang Hot Pot: A 200-Year Legacy of Traditional Lamb Hot Pot in Beijing

Yangfang Hot Pot, a traditional delicacy from Yangfang Town, has a rich history spanning five generations and over 200 years. It has become a representative of northern Chinese hot pot and a culinary hallmark of Beijing. Hot pot with lamb is a crucial symbol of Beijing’s food culture, and Yangfang is the birthplace of this iconic dish.

Over a thousand years ago, during the Liao Dynasty, Yangfang (also known as “Sheep’s Market”) was a vital trade route connecting the northern frontier to the central plains, and every autumn, it hosted a bustling lamb market. Since ancient times, Yangfang has been known as the primary supplier of fine lamb to the capital.

Over 200 years ago, the Li family in Yangfang Town established a well-known trading firm, the Guangyu Escort Agency, which later expanded to include a tavern serving lamb hot pot to travelers. In 1897, Li Xihou, a descendant of the Li family, took over the tavern and gained fame for his lamb hot pot, sesame flatbreads, and lamb offal. This marked the beginning of a unique hot pot tradition.

In 1984, the Li family heirs, Li Shengli and Yang Xiuqing, reopened the family restaurant and named it “Yangfang Hot Pot,” marking the first hot pot restaurant in Yangfang Town. They used their ancestral recipes and techniques to elevate the brand, later establishing a supply chain and franchise model in 1989. By 2021, “Beijing Yangfang Traditional Lamb Hot Pot Making Skills” was listed as a municipal intangible cultural heritage, and the “Yangfang” trademark was recognized as a famous Chinese brand.

As of 2024, Yangfang Hot Pot, now a well-known name in the Beijing hot pot industry, expanded into East China and started its nationwide growth. The brand continues to innovate while preserving traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Brand Overview

• Name: Yangfang Hot Pot
• Industry: Halal dining and food industry investment and management
• Founded: 1984
• Founder: Li Shengli and Yang Xiuqing (Yangfang Town, Beijing)
• Company: Beijing Yangfang Shengli Food Co., Ltd.

Brand Story

Yangfang Hot Pot originates from Yangfang Town, located at the entrance to the Beijing region. Historically, Yangfang was known for its vibrant trade and lamb markets, with a rich history in the meat industry. During the Ming-Qing period, it became home to the Guangyu Escort Agency, one of the top eight in Beijing. Over time, the family business shifted from escort services to serving traditional lamb hot pot, becoming a culinary legend.

In 1984, Li Shengli and his wife Yang Xiuqing reopened the family tavern and named it Yangfang Hot Pot, using the family’s time-honored recipes. The restaurant quickly gained recognition for its quality and authenticity. In 1989, the restaurant expanded into a chain, and by 2005, it had earned certification for both food safety and quality.

Culinary Features

Yangfang Hot Pot stands out for its commitment to using high-quality, hand-selected lamb, and its unique cooking techniques. It specializes in dishes like large plate lamb, hand-cut lamb slices, sesame flatbread, and sugar pickled garlic. The company’s signature hot pot broth is based on a proprietary blend of over 30 herbs and spices. The restaurant’s focus on “good lamb meat” and the concept of “boiling lamb in clear water” is a testament to its dedication to preserving authentic flavors.

The brand also champions innovation in the hot pot industry, from the introduction of charcoal stoves to the development of specialized lamb cuts. Today, Yangfang Hot Pot has expanded to 18 locations across Beijing and Shanghai, with plans for nationwide expansion.