Move over, regular baozi! 🥟 The spotlight at Beijing’s Spring Festival exhibition is shining on Gaomi dough sculptures – edible art shaped into vibrant flowers, animals, and symbols. These delicate steamed buns, showcased as part of the 'Celebrating the Chinese New Year' event, blend 500-year-old culinary traditions with modern creativity, proving that food can be both a cultural legacy and a feast for the senses.
🎨 Crafted by hand, each piece tells a story: peonies symbolize prosperity, rabbits nod to the lunar zodiac, and intricate patterns reflect hopes for harmony in the coming year. 'It’s like sculpting joy,' says local artisan Li Wei, whose family has practiced the craft for generations. 'Every fold carries a wish.'
Traditionally used as festive decorations, offerings, or gifts, these buns are now gaining Gen-Z appeal thanks to Instagram-worthy designs. 🌸 Want to try making your own? Workshops across Beijing are teaching young chefs how to knead, dye, and steam these masterpieces – no 3D printer required!
