Corporate Culture
Our Mission
Preserving Ancient Tea Culture, Promoting National Performing Arts
"Preserving Ancient Tea Culture" means we must study, inherit and develop China's millennia-old tea culture and pass it on to future generations. "Promoting National Performing Arts" means creating more and more venues that provide fertile ground for the flourishing of national arts, achieving the integration and development of traditional and modern art forms, balancing the promotion of national arts with public cultural education, embodying the richness of Beijing folk culture, and ultimately contributing to the preservation of China's ancient cultural heritage — truly achieving the principle of "culture drives commerce, commerce supports culture."
The shift from "Revitalizing Ancient Tea Culture, Supporting National Arts" to "Preserving Ancient Tea Culture, Promoting National Performing Arts" reflects an adjustment made in response to changing historical circumstances. The original mission addressed a period when Chinese tea culture and national arts were in decline, even at risk of disappearing. In the new historical era, tea culture has flourished into a vibrant landscape and national arts have undergone tremendous development — our task of revival and support has reached a new stage. In response to this new landscape, we have articulated a new mission statement.
"Revitalizing ancient tea culture, promoting national performing arts" — helping the world better understand China, and allowing Chinese national culture to touch the hearts of people around the world!
Building a National Brand
Hu Jieqing, wife of Lao She, once said: "Beyond its economic value, the greater significance of Laoshe Teahouse lies in its cultural character, traditional flavor, and local style — it delivers distinct spiritual and cultural benefits."
Since the teahouse opened, we have upheld the principle of "Revitalizing Ancient Tea Culture, Supporting National Arts" to shape the unique brand culture of Laoshe Teahouse. On that modest stage, renowned artists such as Ma Sanli, Xie Tian, Yu Shizhi, Luo Yusheng, and Li Weikang have performed. As a gathering place for Beijing folk culture, the teahouse also hosts outstanding traditional regional performances daily, including Guan Xuezeng's Beijing Qinshu (storytelling with musical accompaniment), Sun Shuyun's Jingyun Dagu (Beijing drums), Ma Zenghui's Danxian (single-string ballad), and Ma Yuping's Henan Zhuizi. The performances of these veteran artists allow audiences to savor the richness of Beijing folk culture. Folk arts such as the nearly lost Handeng Dagu (drum singing with lanterns) and Shuanghuang (two-man comic act) have also been revived and carried forward here.
To promote the cause of Chinese tea culture, we have also established our own tea ceremony performance troupe. At the teahouse, visitors can enjoy tea ceremony performances featuring Oolong tea, Wenshi tea, Farmhouse tea, Jasmine tea, and other famous tea varieties. The teahouse not only provides visitors with a venue to experience Chinese tea culture and national performing arts, but has also become a brilliant highlight for international tourists. Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, Singapore Prime Minister Wang Dingchang, Russian Prime Minister Primakov, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Thai Princess Sirindhorn, and many other world leaders have been honored guests here.
The teahouse has a relatively short history, but thanks to the unique brand we have built, it has become a must-visit destination for guests from both home and abroad.
Our Vision
A Century-Long Cultural Legacy, A World-Class Teahouse, A Warm Home for Our People
A vision is the long-term goal that a company strives for, the blueprint for its future, and the beacon that guides its growth and development through uncharted waters. Laoshe Teahouse is built on a holistic foundation of "timing, location, and harmony": in terms of timing, we seize opportunities across a century-spanning development journey; in terms of location, we aim for worldwide recognition; in terms of harmony, we strive to be a warm home shared by all members of the Laoshe Teahouse family.
As a creative cultural enterprise, Laoshe Teahouse holds itself to the standard of century-long development, aiming to be an evergreen in the business world, building a lasting legacy, passing on the fine traditions we have inherited, and ensuring every employee feels that we are engaged in a respected cultural endeavor.
China's Laoshe Teahouse is destined to become an international teahouse. We will achieve our internationalization strategy through global management practices and international financing cooperation, bringing the quintessentially Beijing-style culture of Laoshe Teahouse to the world.
Laoshe Teahouse is not merely a business team — it is a harmonious family. All colleagues must work hand in hand, under the hands-on leadership of the executive team represented by General Manager Yin Zhijun, following the strategic plan with unwavering determination and shared effort to realize our corporate vision.
Our Core Values
Harmony, Respect, Diligence
"Harmony, Respect, Diligence" captures the ideological essence of traditional Chinese culture and tea culture, and represents the core values we uphold at Laoshe Teahouse.
The Book of Changes (I Ching) speaks of "preserving the Great Harmony" — "Harmony" is the Great Harmony of life itself, a dynamic equilibrium. Mencius also said, "Timing is not as important as geography; geography is not as important as human harmony." Harmony is balance, appropriateness, and moderation — everything in its right measure, neither excessive nor deficient. "Respect" means reverence, courtesy, and loving regard. "In appearance there is deference; in the heart there is respect." To coexist peacefully with others is Harmony; to maintain a humble heart is Respect; to interact with others peacefully through a humble heart is Harmony-Respect.
"Harmony" and "Respect" as tea virtues are universal across all cultures and eras. The virtues of tea can be summarized as "purity, beauty, harmony, and respect" — through tea drinking, one engages in self-reflection, clearing away inner dust and dissolving barriers between people, thereby attaining the moral state of harmony and respect.
As a tea industry enterprise distinguished by traditional culture, Laoshe Teahouse has always advocated and consistently upheld "Harmony" as a traditional virtue — as we say, "Harmony among people, fragrance in tea." Within our teahouse, we achieve "human harmony": unity from top to bottom, colleagues progressing together in harmony, mutual respect and care; toward our customers, we maintain a pleasant demeanor that brings them joy and satisfaction; with our surrounding environment, we coexist peacefully; with our competitors, we engage amicably and in good faith. "Respect" arises from the heart — we maintain a humble state of mind at all times, and in our conduct we act with modesty and courtesy. We respect our customers, honor our cause, esteem our colleagues, family, friends, and competitors; we are prudent with ourselves, revere reason, and cherish life.
In concrete action, we pursue this through six dimensions: building shared understanding and common purpose; embracing harmony and joy, with mutual respect and understanding; speaking with humility and mutual regard; connecting heart to heart, sharing delight; upholding shared behavioral standards; and sharing resources and benefits equitably.
"Diligence" means striving for excellence in all things and forging ahead with determination. Diligence is a key concept in traditional Chinese thought. For Laoshe Teahouse, it means continuous hard work, constant innovation, and relentless forward progress. As the opening of the I Ching states: "As heaven moves with vigor, the noble person strives ceaselessly to strengthen themselves" — this is the tradition that successive leaders including General Manager Yin have upheld in guiding the enterprise, and the key to seizing market opportunities. Every member of the organization is expected to have an enterprising spirit, to excel in their work, to never slacken, and to keep advancing.
