Qingheyuan, Tongluowan Branch, is a branch of a century-old Taiyuan brand that serves tounao, the herbal lamb broth credited to the Ming-Qing scholar Fu Shan. The branch occupies Nos. 21-26 of Block A, Tongluowan, in Nanxiaoqiang, Yingze District, Taiyuan, near the Liubei bus stop. Taiyuan is the capital of Shanxi province in northern China, and tounao is one of its signature breakfasts, associated with winter mornings and with the city's long tradition of medicinal food.
Tounao is a thick, savoury broth built around lamb, Chinese yam, lotus root and other ingredients, and it is traditionally taken with baked mao'er flatbread, which is torn and soaked in the soup. Pickled chives are served alongside as a sharp counterpoint to the richness of the broth. The combination is warming and filling, and a single bowl serves as a full breakfast. The pairing is simple, so visitors who try it once can compare branches across the city.
The dining hall is large and functional, with a busy breakfast atmosphere, shared tables and a mixed crowd of older locals and families. Orders are taken at the counter, noise is moderate to high at peak times, and there is no dress code. Drinks are tea and soy milk.
Prices are in the budget bracket. The branch is open 06:30 to 14:30 and 17:00 to 21:30 and does not take reservations. Queues form from about 07:00, so visitors who want a quieter breakfast should arrive as the doors open. The location near the Liubei bus stop in northern Yingze District makes it easy to reach by bus or taxi from the Liuxiang area.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Hours | 06:30-14:30, 17:00-21:30 |
| Reservations | Not taken; queues form from about 07:00 |
| Address | Nos. 21-26, Block A, Tongluowan, Nanxiaoqiang, Yingze District, Taiyuan (near Liubei bus stop) |
Signature dishes
- Tounao lamb and yam broth
- Baked mao'er flatbread
- Pickled chives
Good to know
- Known for
- Century-old brand serving tounao, the herbal lamb broth credited to Ming-Qing scholar Fu Shan
Location
Nos. 21-26, Block A, Tongluowan, Nanxiaoqiang, Yingze District, Taiyuan (near Liubei bus stop)
37.8699, 112.5631 View on map
Highlights
- Tounao herbal lamb and yam broth
- Baked mao'er flatbread for dipping
- Pickled chives as a side
- Century-old Taiyuan brand
- Open from 06:30 for breakfast
Tips for visiting
- Arrive near 06:30 to beat the queues that start around 07:00.
- Tear the flatbread into the broth rather than eating it separately.
- Reservations are not taken; order at the counter.
- Use the Liubei bus stop as a landmark.
- Tounao is richest on cool mornings, and a single bowl is a full meal.
When to visit
Arrive at opening around 06:30 for a quieter breakfast before queues build.
Accessibility
Step-free access is not confirmed. The hall can be crowded at breakfast, which may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
What is tounao?
A herbal lamb and yam broth, traditionally credited to the Ming-Qing scholar Fu Shan, eaten with flatbread.
Do I need to book?
No. Reservations are not taken and queues form from about 07:00.
What are the opening hours?
06:30-14:30 and 17:00-21:30.
Where is the branch?
In Block A, Tongluowan, Nanxiaoqiang, Yingze District, near the Liubei bus stop.