The origin of "Douyichu" shares a close connection with the legend of the "Qianlong Emperor's Plaque." In the past, a Shanxi native named Wang Ruifu set up an anonymous liquor shop on Qianmen Street in Beijing as a means of livelihood. Since he hung a gourd outside the shop as a sign, people referred to it as "Suihulu," meaning "broken gourd." One year, on New Year's Eve, the Qianlong Emperor returned from a private visit to Tongzhou. At that time, all the other shops on the street had already closed for the holiday, but Wang's liquor shop remained open. The Qianlong Emperor and his entourage entered the shop and ordered several baskets of steamed dumplings. After savoring the delicacy, the Emperor spoke highly of it. He inquired about the shop's name, to which Wang Ruifu replied that it had none. The Qianlong Emperor, hearing the sound of firecrackers outside, was deeply moved and suggested, "At this moment, when all other shops are closed, there is but one place in the capital still open. Just call it 'Douyichu'!" A few days later, several eunuchs brought a plaque bearing the inscription "Douyichu" penned by the Qianlong Emperor himself as a reward. From that moment, Wang Ruifu's liquor shop gained huge popularity. Many people flocked to Douyichu to admire the plaque and relish a meal, and "Suihulu" was subsequently renamed "Douyichu."
The meticulous preparation of Du Yi Chu's Shumai (steamed dumplings) takes into account seasonal ingredients and a diverse range of flavors. In spring, there are spring chive steamed dumplings; in summer, zucchini steamed dumplings and vegetarian steamed dumplings are offered; autumn features crab meat steamed dumplings; and winter includes pork and green onion steamed dumplings, as well as shrimp, sea cucumber, and magnolia steamed dumplings. Du Yi Chu's Shumai captivates numerous food enthusiasts with its wide array of choices and high-quality offerings. In 2000, Du Yi Chu's Shumai was recognized as a "Chinese Famous Snack."
In 2008, the craft of making Du Yi Chu's Shumai was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
(Source: Official Website of Dongcheng District People's Government)