The Shuijing Street Distillery, a key cultural relic under state protection, is located on Shuijing Street in east Chengdu. Blessed with the natural abundance of Tianfu (Land of Abundance), it has thrived with vitality for 600 years. Its traditional brewing techniques, recognized as a "National Intangible Cultural Heritage", have preserved the essence of craftsmanship while embracing innovation over the past 600 years. Drawing on nature, craftsmanship, and culture, Shui Jing Fang has upheld its legacy with six centuries of unbroken production, making it a living heritage - Shui Jing Fang · First Distillery.
From the eternal snow-capped mountains in western Sichuan, meltwater converges into the Minjiang River. Sweet and cold, clear and bright, it is abundant in minerals and trace elements. For centuries, its waters have nourished the lands of Bashu, sustained Chengdu's civilization, and remained the timeless lifeblood of this historic cultural capital.
Chengdu, land of abundance with a history of 2300 years
Shui Jing Fang, 600-year legacy of craftsmanship
For 2,300 years, nestled in the fertile Sichuan basin, Chengdu has long been a land of abundance, where mild winters and cool summers nurture thriving microbes, and pristine waters yield exceptional brews. This makes it sacred ground for brewing. Over 600 years ago, the Shuijing Street Distillery was founded here. Recognized as one of China's Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries in 1999, this 500-year operational legacy stands as a living testament to Chengdu's enduring brewing heritage. * The data is sourced from the certificate issued by the National Cultural Heritage Administration in May 2000.
Nourished by the Minjiang River, Chengdu boasts abundant groundwater, feeding countless wells across the city. Ancient texts record: "People in Chengdu relied on dug wells for water and plowed fields for food." This well-dependent lifestyle fostered the 'Shijing' (urban) culture, making wells the lifelines of old Chengdu people's daily existence. In the eyes of Chengdu people, wells are never merely water sources. People get together and communicate because of wells, and business activities are carried out because of wells. Wells evolve into symbols of collective energy and fortune.
In east Chengdu lies a street famed for its dense cluster of wells with excellent water quality. Since ancient times, the saying "multiple wells in one courtyard " prevailed, giving rise to the poetic name Shuijing Street. Shuijing Street is encircled by landmarks such as Jiuyan Bridge, Hejiang Pavilion, and Wangjiang Tower in east Chengdu. It connects Chengdu's key commercial districts and lies adjacent to the Jinguanyi Wharf. This bustling waterway with thousands of boats racing for sails has gathered into an important land and water transportation hub, which has been a lively scene since ancient times. The Shuijing Street Distillery has witnessed centuries of changes and vicissitudes, preserving the ancient well culture.
The pinnacle of Sichuan's brewing heritage
where every sip tells Chengdu's story
"In Chengdu, wine can accompany a person in his later years". Classical verses read like this: "In Chengdu, wine can accompany a person in his later years" and "When I arrived in Chengdu, liquor had already been made". These verses prove that Chengdu never lacks the story of literati and fine local liquors, is never short of liquor lovers. Chengdu's laid-back and leisurely way of life allows its master brewers to work with quiet dedication. Here, they can devote themselves wholeheartedly to spending lifetimes perfecting fine liquors for people. Rooted in Chengdu's rich liquor-making tradition and centuries-old brewing techniques, the city gave rise to more than 50 celebrated distilleries, including Fushengquan and Quanxingcheng. These renowned distilleries, each celebrated in their time, eventually merged to form the predecessor of Shui Jing Fang, the "Chengdu State-Owned Distillery". This became the ultimate embodiment of 2,300 years of Tianfu brewing artistry, giving birth to today's Shui Jing Fang liquors. To savor Shui Jing Fang is to taste Chengdu's essence, where the city's openness and endurance reveal themselves in the layered, delicate flavor.
Distinctive flavor stems from
heritage and innovation
Over 600 years ago, the Shuijing Street Distillery was established in Chengdu's bustling eastern district, crafting premium liquors for the city's high-ranking officials and noble lords as well as literati. Archaeological evidence reveals that during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (from 1736 to 1795), the Shuijing Street Distillery earned the prestigious title of "Celestial Reserve" for its aged liquors, which were selected as tribute for the imperial court. In 1998, the Shuijing Street Distillery was explored and listed as one of "China's Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries", acclaimed as "the unwritten chronicle of baijiu history," and honored with the title of "China's First Baijiu Distillery" Harnessing modern techniques Master brewers extracted the 600-year-old "No. 1 Microbial Community" from ancient fermentation pits, which stands as a unique treasure heritage. This microbial treasure defines Shui Jing Fang's signature rich and complex flavor profile. In 2000, building upon its enduring legacy of excellence and forward-looking vision, Shui Jing Fang pioneered the premium strong-flavor baijiu market in China. Moving forward, Shui Jing Fang will continue to represent China's premium strong-flavor baijiu, carrying forward the 600-year unremitting pursuit of perfection.
Living"Dual National Treasure "
Shuijing Street Distillery Site Key Cultural Relics under State Protection
Traditional Liquor Brewing Techniques of Shui Jing Fang - National Intangible Cultural Heritage