Yu Tiancheng Tang

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Founded in 1782, Songjiang Yu Tiancheng Tang has a rich history of 227 years and is considered one of the earliest surviving traditional pharmacies in the Shanghai area.

Yu Tiancheng Tang has always adhered to its 24-character business philosophy: "Authentic medicinal materials, precise preparation, fair pricing, honest trade, renowned doctors, and treating the sick to save lives."

The specialty of Yu Tiancheng Tang lies in its famous Chinese medicine practitioners, proprietary Chinese medicines, and personalized services, including prescribing tonic formulas and decocting medicines on behalf of patients.

The pharmacy was founded in 1782 (the 47th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign in the Qing Dynasty), making it the oldest traditional Chinese pharmacy in the Shanghai area. The founder, Yu Youyuan, a native of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, originally sold pickles in front of a traditional Chinese medicine shop in Changqiaotou, Songjiang. His high-quality, affordable pickles gained popularity, and over the years, he accumulated enough money to deposit at the pharmacy. When Yu Youyuan returned to his hometown in his fifties, he sought to withdraw his deposit, but the pharmacy owner was unable to repay the principal and interest. As a result, Yu Youyuan was given the assets of the pharmacy. Yu Youyuan named the pharmacy "Yu Tiancheng Tang", symbolizing the desire for prosperity and longevity.

The Yu family ran the pharmacy for five generations, with Yu Youyuan, Yu Quanji, Yu Xiuchu, Yu Wuqing, and Yu Luzhen all contributing to its development. They adhered to the 24-character business philosophy and continued to thrive. In addition to selling traditional Chinese medicines, they also produced their own pills and creams using secret formulas under the "Deer and Crane" brand, which became highly popular. Over the years, Yu Tiancheng Tang gained widespread recognition in Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. Yu Xiuchu, the third generation, was appointed as the first Ah Da (chief doctor) of Hu Qing Yu Tang, and he collaborated with Hu Xueyan to establish a significant presence in Jiangnan's medical industry.

In 1903, due to Yu Luzhen's excessive spending and gambling debts, the pharmacy was transferred to his in-law, Shao Zochen. Shao Zochen preserved the Yu Tiancheng Tang name and continued to uphold its 24-character business principles. He expanded the collection of folk remedies and refined Chinese patent medicines, which gained popularity in Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. In 1931, after years of research, Yu Tiancheng Tang compiled the "Pills and San Complete Collection" in three volumes, which categorized treatments for internal medicine, gynecology, external injuries, and pediatrics. However, in 1937, the pharmacy was destroyed during a Japanese bombing. Shao Zochen reopened a branch of Yu Tiancheng Tang on Yan'an East Road in 1939, and later rebuilt the pharmacy on the original site in Songjiang in the 1940s.

After the liberation of China in 1956, the pharmacy entered into a public-private partnership and expanded its range of medicinal products. In the 1980s, Yu Tiancheng Tang resumed offering medical consultations with renowned doctors. In 1992, the pharmacy was recognized as a "Chinese old brand", and in 1997, it moved to a new building due to road widening. The current facility covers an area of 2,443 square meters, and it currently employs 14 renowned doctors, including seven deputy chief physicians.

Yu Tiancheng Tang is known for its focus on traditional Chinese medicine, with its most prominent features being famous TCM practitioners and proprietary Chinese medicines. After more than 200 years of tradition, Yu Tiancheng Tang continues to follow its 24-character business philosophy. Although it no longer produces proprietary Chinese medicines, the pharmacy has adapted by aligning with the Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage Project. With government support, it continues to develop traditional Chinese medicine, improving medical techniques and expanding its influence domestically, while also focusing on producing proprietary medicines for common modern ailments.

Original Chinese text source:
https://www.ichshanghai.cn/