In 1872, even as the enthusiasm for the large, feather-legged Cochins and Brahmas had crested, a third chicken breed quietly departed China for England. It was from a scenic area in eastern China called Wolf Hill, just south of Nantong on the Yangtszekiang river and about 100 miles from Shanghai. It has been the home of Langshan chickens for many centuries; indeed, the name Langshan means Wolf Hill. English Major A.C. Croad was the first to import this unique breed in 1872.

Because the breed exited China via the port of Shanghai, there was immediate confusion as many poultry enthusiasts assumed these to be more Black Shanghai chickens (Cochin). Some enthusiasts thought it was a “poor” variety of Cochin and bred them with Cochins to improve their plumage.