On the map of Chinese baijiu, Mianzhu is a name you cannot skip. Nestled in the northwest of the Sichuan Basin on the golden brewing belt of the 30th parallel north, Mianzhu ranks among the four great baijiu-producing regions of Sichuan (alongside Yibin, Luzhou and Qionglai), and sits at the heart of the province's famous "U-belt" of premium spirits. This is the land where Jiannanchun was born β a town that rose to fame precisely because of its wine.
I. A Thousand-Year Vein, From the Southern Qi to the High Tang
Jiannanchun's brewing history reaches back to the Southern Qi dynasty (5th century AD) β more than 1,500 years. But it was the High Tang that inscribed its name in the history books.
According to the Tang-era Tongdian (Encyclopedic Institutions): "All prefectures of the empire present annual tribute." On New Year's Day, Emperor Xuanzong personally reviewed the regional tributes at court. When he tasted the fine wine presented by the Jiannan circuit, he was delighted and bestowed upon it the name "Jiannan Shaochun" ("Sichuan's Spring-brewed Wine"). From then on, "ten hu of Jiannan spring wine were sent as annual imperial tribute" β a royal tribute recorded in official history. The Tang Guo Shi Bu likewise listed it among the era's celebrated wines.
"Jiannan Shaochun" β the first imperial tribute wine in Chinese history to be named by an emperor and recorded in official annals. Today's Jiannanchun is the thousand-year continuation of that very name.
II. Tianyilao Hao, A Living Heritage
Inside the Jiannanchun distillery stands an ancient brewing workshop founded in the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty (1662) β "Tianyilao Hao". It has brewed continuously for more than 360 years and is recognized as a national-level cultural relic β one of the rarest "living heritage sites" in Chinese liquor.
The ancient pit mud in its cellars, enriched by centuries of uninterrupted use, teems with hundreds of beneficial microbial communities. This invisible "army of microbes" imparts a depth and aged aroma no new cellar can replicate quickly β a flavor code that cannot be rushed.
III. Golden Terroir, Fine Water, Fine Wine
Behind Mianzhu rise the snow-capped Jiuding Mountains; glacial meltwater gathers into the sweet, crystal-clear Yu Fei Spring β an irreplaceable water source for brewing. Along the Sheshui River, five grains β sorghum, rice, glutinous rice, wheat and corn β grow to exceptional quality, giving Jiannanchun's "five-grain recipe" its rich, layered palate.
A temperate climate, abundant rainfall, pure water and premium grain β the natural gifts of the 30th-parallel golden belt β combined with a brewing craft inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, shape Jiannanchun's signature style: "richly aromatic, pure and elegant, mellow and soft, crisp and clean."
IV. Benchmark of Nongxiang, Honors of a Famous Liquor
Jiannanchun has won the title of "China Famous Liquor" three times, is one of the "Six Golden Flowers" of Sichuan baijiu, and is widely hailed as the benchmark of nongxiang (strong-aroma) liquor. Today its family of products spans every tier:
- Huangjia (Royal) Jiannanchun β the pinnacle cultural wine carrying the imperial "Jiannan Shaochun" legacy;
- Dongfanghong 1949 series β high-end creations by Jiannanchun's chief master distiller;
- Shuijing Jiannanchun β the celebrated core single product;
- Jin (Gold) / Yin (Silver) Jiannanchun β approachable, everyday favorites;
- Cultural & co-branded series β Tianwenji (Astronomical Almanac), Qingtongji (Bronze), Antarctic Heart, created with the National Museum of China and the Sanxingdui Museum.
V. One Glass of Jiannanchun, Three Moments
Business Banquets
A 1,500-year story is conversation gold, and a famous-liquor pedigree lends weight to any table.
Gifts for Elders
The name "China Famous Liquor" is the most dependable language of respect.
Cellaring & Collecting
Fine nongxiang baijiu matures in the cellar β flavor and value both deepen with time.
Want to truly understand this "Tang-dynasty imperial wine"? Contact the Mingpinhui wine consultants β we will assemble the full Jiannanchun range for you, from everyday bottles to premium collections.
WeChat: +86 186 8275 6100
A fine bottle, and a friend who knows liquor.
