Jiuzhitang

Jiuzhitang (九芝堂) is one of China's oldest and most recognized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) brands. Founded in 1650 in Changsha, Hunan Province, by Lao Cheng, the brand began as a small herbal pharmacy and grew over centuries into a comprehensive pharmaceutical enterprise. Its name, which translates roughly to 'Nine Zhi Hall,' reflects its heritage and traditional roots. Today, Jiuzhitang Co., Ltd. is a publicly listed company on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (ticker 000989) and operates across the pharmaceutical value chain, including research and development, manufacturing, and retail of TCM products. The company's product portfolio spans traditional herbal medicines, modernized Chinese medicine formulations, health supplements, and personal care items. Well-known products include Liuwei Dihuang Wan (a classic kidney-tonifying herbal pill), Xiaoyao Wan, and various other over-the-counter and prescription TCM remedies. Jiuzhitang also produces health beverages and functional foods, leveraging its brand equity in the wellness sector. Its manufacturing facilities adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and the company invests in modernizing traditional formulas through scientific research. Jiuzhitang operates a nationwide distribution network in China, with retail pharmacies, hospital channels, and e-commerce platforms. The brand is particularly strong in Hunan and central China but has a national presence. It competes with other major TCM companies such as Tongrentang, Yunnan Baiyao, and Pien Tze Huang. The company has pursued strategic initiatives including mergers and acquisitions, brand revitalization, and international expansion, though its primary market remains domestic. Ownership and governance: Jiuzhitang Co., Ltd. is a publicly traded entity with a diversified shareholder base. Over the years, it has undergone restructuring and modernization, including the introduction of modern corporate management. The company emphasizes quality control, heritage preservation, and innovation in TCM. Its headquarters and main production base are in Changsha, Hunan, where it also operates a TCM cultural museum and heritage site. In recent years, Jiuzhitang has focused on digital transformation, expanding its online presence, and developing new health products to appeal to younger consumers. It also engages in research on classic formulas and collaborates with academic institutions. Despite challenges in the pharmaceutical sector, including regulatory changes and market competition, Jiuzhitang remains a prominent player in China's TCM industry, blending centuries-old tradition with modern business practices.

Jiuzhitang traces its origins to 1650, when Lao Cheng founded a small herbal medicine shop in Changsha, Hunan Province, during the Qing Dynasty. The name 'Jiuzhitang' (九芝堂) was adopted to reflect the shop's aspiration for longevity and prosperity, with 'jiu' (nine) symbolizing abundance and 'zhi' (ganoderma) representing a legendary herb of immortality. Over the centuries, the pharmacy built a reputation for quality and efficacy, becoming a well-known TCM establishment in central China. In the early 20th century, Jiuzhitang expanded its product range and influence, but like many traditional enterprises, it faced challenges during periods of social and political upheaval. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the company underwent socialist transformation and was eventually integrated into the state-owned pharmaceutical system. It continued to produce traditional medicines, maintaining its brand identity. In the 1990s, with China's economic reforms and the opening-up policy, Jiuzhitang began modernizing its operations. In 1999, the company was restructured into a joint-stock company, and in 2000, it was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the ticker 000989. This marked a significant step in its transition to a modern pharmaceutical enterprise. The listing provided capital for expansion, research and development, and marketing. During the 2000s and 2010s, Jiuzhitang diversified its product lines, investing in modern TCM manufacturing facilities and expanding its distribution network. It also engaged in mergers and acquisitions to broaden its portfolio, including investments in biotechnology and health products. The company emphasized GMP certification and quality control to meet regulatory standards. In recent years, Jiuzhitang has focused on brand rejuvenation, digital marketing, and internationalization. It has established a TCM cultural museum in Changsha to promote its heritage and has collaborated with research institutions to study classic formulas. The company continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences, including growing demand for natural and preventive healthcare products. Despite competition and regulatory challenges, Jiuzhitang remains a key player in China's TCM industry, upholding a legacy spanning over 370 years.

• 2000

  Listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (ticker 000989).

• 1999

  Restructured into a joint-stock company.

• 1999

  Modern corporate entity established

• 1650

  Founded by Lao Cheng in Changsha, Hunan, as a herbal medicine shop.

Heritage-based traditional Chinese medicine brand offering trusted, quality-assured herbal remedies and health products.

• Liuwei Dihuang Wan

  A traditional Chinese medicine formula associated with Jiuzhitang.

• Xiaoyao Wan

  Herbal formula for liver soothing and mood balance.

• Ganmao Ling

  Cold remedy.

• 2024

  Subsidiary's use of non-corporate account to collect sales deposits results in warning letter

  In 2024, the Hunan Bureau of the China Securities Regulatory Commission determined that Jiuzhitang subsidiary Mudanjiang Bobo used a non-corporate bank account to collect deposits for sales agency rights for Shuxuetong Injection from 2022 to 2024, and that there were related information disclosure issues, and issued a warning letter to the company and relevant personnel. This item is an administrative regulatory measure, not a criminal judgment.

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• 2021-04-01

  JD Health and Jiuzhitang form strategic cooperation[3]京东健康与九芝堂达成战略合作finance.sina.com.cn

  Reported: 2021-04-01

  JD Health and Jiuzhitang formed a strategic cooperation to combine JD Health's ecosystem and operational and supply-chain capabilities with Jiuzhitang's products and services, and to build an internet-plus healthcare service ecosystem.

• 2020-07-03

  Kingenta Group and Jiuzhitang enter strategic cooperation[4]金正大集团与九芝堂达成战略合作finance.sina.com.cn

  Reported: 2020-07-04

  Kingenta Group and Jiuzhitang held a cooperation-signing ceremony and agreed to strategic cooperation focused on high-quality yam cultivation, agricultural-product processing, and development of an agricultural industrialization service platform.

• Unconfirmed

  Jiuzhitang-affiliated fund subsidiary signs cooperation agreement with Harbin Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital[5]九芝堂并购基金子公司与哈医大附属二院签署合作协议finance.sina.com.cn

  Reported: 2020-05-26

  A subsidiary of Jiuzhitang's M&A fund signed a cooperation agreement with the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University.

• 2020-02-27

  Jiuzhitang appoints senior executives[6]九芝堂聘任高级管理人员finance.sina.com.cn

  Reported: 2020-02-27

  Jiuzhitang’s board approved the appointment of Liu Chunfeng as executive deputy general manager and Xu Aimin, Wu Yongsheng, and Gao Yansong as deputy general managers; their terms run for the remainder of the seventh board’s term.

1. 1Jiuzhitang Official Websitejzt.com.cn
2. 2Subsidiary's use of non-corporate account to collect sales deposits results in warning lettercsrc.gov.cn
3. 3京东健康与九芝堂达成战略合作finance.sina.com.cn
4. 4金正大集团与九芝堂达成战略合作finance.sina.com.cn
5. 5九芝堂并购基金子公司与哈医大附属二院签署合作协议finance.sina.com.cn
6. 6九芝堂聘任高级管理人员finance.sina.com.cn