While Western-style bakeries such as Breadtalk and Holiland have gained popularity in recent years and popped up on many Beijing street corners, none have yet dwarfed the deep-rooted local fondness for Old Beijing bakery Daoxiangcun (稻香村). Mention this snack specialist to any real Beijinger and a rapid nod of approval will surface, possibly alongside a nostalgic story about walking home from school munching on its fine sweetmeats.Daoxiangcun opened its first store in Qianmen in 1895 and its pastries literally sold like hotcakes. The great Chinese writer Lu Xun loved the bakery so much he wrote about it in his diary nearly a dozen times during his stay in Beijing. Today, Daoxiangcun’s history and contribution to Beijing’s culinary culture is recognised by its inclusion in the official list of China’s Time-honoured Brands, alongside other Old Beijing giants such as roast duck restaurant Quanjude (全聚德) and traditional Chinese medicine shop Tongrentang (同仁堂), which served as official dispensary to the imperial courts of the Ming dynasty.With over 200 outlets in Beijing, it’s possible you have walked past Daoxiangcun’s red and green sign many times, unaware of the treasures that can be found within. Venture inside at peak times, however, and you'll find customers clustered at its sales windows dictating dessert names to shop assistants who hurriedly weigh out items from over a hundred varieties of pastries neatly packed in boxes behind the counter. During notable festivals, Daoxiangcun also brings out specialties, such as mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival, Zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival and glutinous rice balls for Chinese New Year. The latter often sees queues extending well past the front door.Source: timeoutbeijing.com