Shanxi Guangyuyuan Chinese Medicine Co., Ltd. is the oldest existing Chinese medicine enterprise in China. Its predecessor, Guangshenghao Pharmacy, was founded in the 20th year of Jiajing in Ming Dynasty with the year number 154 1. In the Qing Dynasty, Guangyuyuan and Chen Liji in Guangzhou (built in 1600), Tongrentang in Beijing (built in 1669) and Huqingyutang in Hangzhou (built in 1874) were also called "four major pharmacies in the Qing Dynasty". Now he is a model of Chinese medicine enterprises in Shanxi Province, and in 2006, he became the first batch recognized by China People's and Ministry of Commerce.
As the earliest folk pharmacy in China, Guangshenghao Pharmacy was earlier than Beijing Tongrentang founded in 1669 and Hu Qingyutang opened in 1874/28 and 333 years respectively. According to the historical records of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, after the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom conquered Nanjing, the heavenly king Hong Xiuquan secretly ordered all Guangsheng pharmacies to be moved to Nanjing. The reputation enjoyed by Guangsheng Pharmacy at that time can be seen from this. It is estimated that only Guangshengyuan made a profit of more than 700,000 yuan from its establishment to 1930.