In a buzzing workshop in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, the rhythmic clatter of wooden molds blends with the sweet aroma of steaming glutinous rice. 🌾 With Spring Festival just weeks away, villagers here are racing to produce over 1,500 kilograms of niangao (rice cakes) daily—a beloved southern Chinese tradition that’s as much about flavor as it is about family ties.
While dumplings dominate northern Lunar New Year feasts, southerners swear by these chewy, sticky delights. ‘Niangao sounds like ‘higher year’—it symbolizes growth and prosperity,’ explains local resident Chen Wei, kneading dough. 👐 The cakes, often shaped into auspicious characters or animals, are gifted, fried, or stewed in soups during reunions.
This year’s batch—made from locally grown rice and sweetened with red beans—is already selling out fast. 🛒 For Zhoushan’s youth, it’s a tasty link to their roots; for travelers, a crunchy bite of cultural heritage. Ready to swap your dumplings for a slice of this sugary tradition? 🥢✨
