Guizhou’s Sesame Cakes: A Sweet Symbol of Lunar New Year Unity

In the misty valleys of Guizhou, a centuries-old tradition turns family reunions into sweet celebrations . Sesame cakes—crispy, golden, and bursting with nutty flavor—are the edible emblems of Chinese New Year in Shimo County, where every bite whispers stories of togetherness.

Made from hand-pounded glutinous rice and layered with sesame sugar, these cakes get their magic from ingredients like roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and melon seeds. Families gather to fold the dough, share laughter, and honor a recipe passed down through generations. “It’s not just food—it’s a bridge connecting us to our roots,” says local chef Li Mei.

During Spring Festival, the cakes symbolize prosperity and unity, embodying the warmth of homecomings and the joy of new beginnings. For residents of Guizhou, it’s a crispy reminder that some traditions only get sweeter with time .

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Sesame cakes: A sweet tradition of Spring Festival in Guizhou

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