Lunar New Year is around the corner, and villagers at a cozy workshop in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, are busy shaping batches of soft, chewy rice cakes, known as nian gao 🥮, to ring in good fortune for 2026.
More than just a tasty snack, each rice cake shape carries a special New Year blessing:
- Yuanbao (gold ingot) – wealth and prosperity 💰
- Peach – longevity and good health 🍑
- Persimmon – good luck in all you do 🍊
They're also stamped with festive messages like "Happy New Year" and "Abundance Year After Year," adding extra Spring Festival vibes. Think of it as the edible cousin of red envelopes—way more delicious!
These nian gao moments aren't just about food. They bring families together, spark nostalgia, and give us a chance to celebrate traditions—kind of like India's modak or Malaysia's kuih during their festive seasons. 📸✨
As the aroma of sweet rice fills the air, these handcrafted treats remind us of the simple joy in sharing culture, stories, and good wishes for the year ahead. Ready to try one? 🥮🙌
Reference(s):
Traditional Chinese New Year rice cakes bring auspicious wishes
cgtn.com
