When planning your trip to China, it’s important to consider these sweet and savory delights across different regions. This customized itinerary takes you through China’s most delicious snack destinations, offering a perfect balance of traditional treats and modern confections for food enthusiasts.

A Sweet Journey Through China

An unforgettable exploration of China’s diverse sweet treats and snacks. From the delicate pastries of Suzhou to the hearty rice cakes of Guangzhou, this journey will introduce you to the incredible variety of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions that make up China’s sweet landscape.

The Rich History of Chinese Desserts and Snacks

Unlike Western cuisine, where desserts are typically served as the final course of a meal, traditional Chinese sweets often appear as snacks throughout the day or during festivals and special occasions. Chinese desserts tend to be less sweet than their Western counterparts, often incorporating ingredients like red bean paste, glutinous rice, and lotus seeds to create complex flavors and textures.

💡 Sweet Trivia: The mooncake, enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and was once used to pass secret messages!

Your Sweet and Savory Itinerary

1. Beijing (北京): Imperial Treats in the Capital

Tanghulu
Tanghulu, a traditional candied fruit snack popular in Beijing.

Begin your journey in Beijing, where imperial history meets street food culture. Beijing offers a mix of refined sweets and popular street snacks.

Must-Try Treats:

  • Bingtanghulu (冰糖葫芦): Candied hawthorns on a stick
  • Wandouhuang (豌豆黄): Sweet pea cake
  • Aiwowo (艾窝窝): Sticky rice cakes with sweet fillings
  • Lvdagun (驴打滚): Sticky rice roll with sweet red bean paste and rolled in roasted soybean flour
  • Sachima (沙琪玛): Sweet, fluffy fried dough treats
  • Tang Ren (糖人): Sugar-coated sculptures of animals and characters

Where to Stay:

Explore Beijing with:

💡 Seasonal Tip: Visit during autumn to try fresh tanghulu made with newly harvested hawthorns!

2. Tianjin (天津): A Hub of Diverse Snacks

Next, head to Tianjin, a city known for its wide array of snacks and sweets.

Must-Try Treats:

  • Guobacai (锅巴菜): crispy wheat pancakes in a savory mung bean starch broth
  • Mahua (麻花): Fried dough twist with a sweet or savory flavor

Where to Stay:

Explore Tianjin with:

3. Suzhou (苏州): Delicate Flavors of the Water Town

Tangyuan
Tangyuan, a traditional Chinese dessert made of glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet sesame or peanut paste.

Suzhou, known for its classical gardens, also offers some of the most refined sweets in China.

Must-Try Treats:

  • Suzhou-style Mooncakes (苏式月饼): Flaky pastry with sweet fillings
  • Tangyuan (汤圆): Glutinous rice balls with sweet fillings
  • Fangsu Cake (方酥饼): A delicate pastry with sweet bean paste

Where to Stay:

Explore Suzhou with:

💡 Cultural Tip: In Suzhou, it’s common to enjoy sweet treats with tea. Try the local Biluochun green tea for a perfect pairing.

4. Shanghai (上海): Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Shanghai offers a blend of traditional sweets and modern interpretations.

Must-Try Treats:

  • Xiao Long Bao (小笼包): While usually savory, try the sweet versions!
  • Qingtuan (青团): Green, sticky rice ball filled with sweet or savory fillings, traditionally eaten during the Qingming Festival
  • Hudiesu (蝴蝶酥): Butterfly-shaped flaky pastry with various sweet fillings

Where to Stay:

Explore Shanghai with:

💡 Local Tip: Hudiesu comes in various flavors like red bean, lotus seed paste, and even savory versions. Try a few to find your favorite!

5. Guangzhou (广州): Southern Sweet Delights

Mango Pomelo Sago
Mango Pomelo Sago.

Finish your sweet journey in Guangzhou, where Cantonese desserts offer a different flavor profile.

Must-Try Treats:

  • Shuang Pi Nai (双皮奶): Double-layer milk pudding
  • Gai Zai Beng (鸡仔饼): Crunchy biscuits filled with preserved meat or dried shrimp
  • Mango Pomelo Sago (杨枝甘露): Mango, pomelo, and sago (tapioca pearls) in a sweet coconut milk soup

Where to Stay:

Explore Guangzhou with:

Bonus: Milk Tea Adventure

No trip to China is complete without exploring its vibrant milk tea culture. Each city offers its own unique take on this popular beverage.

Must-Try Milk Teas:

  • Beijing : Try the Jasmine Milk Tea at Nayuki (奈雪の茶)
  • Shanghai : Don’t miss the cheese foam tea at HeyTea
  • Guangzhou : Try the Mango Pomelo Sago at any street stall

💡 Milk Tea Tip: Customize your sugar and ice levels to suit your taste. “少糖” (shǎo táng) means less sugar, while “少冰” (shǎo bīng) means less ice.

Sweet Survival Guide

  1. Balance is Key: Mix your sweet treats with savory snacks to avoid sugar overload.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Chinese teas and milk teas are perfect for cleansing the palate between sweets.
  3. Try Before You Buy: Many shops offer samples, especially for packaged snacks.
  4. Mind the Fillings: If you have dietary restrictions, always ask about the ingredients.
  5. Embrace the Unexpected: Some Chinese sweets may seem unusual at first but give them a chance!

📝 Final Tips for Sweet Adventurers

  1. Learn Key Phrases: “Tián” (甜) means “sweet,” while “Xiān” (咸) means “salty.”
  2. Timing is Everything: Some treats are seasonal or associated with specific festivals. Research before you go!
  3. Respect Local Customs: In some places, it’s customary to share snacks with friends or even strangers.
  4. Pack Smart: Bring some packaged snacks home as souvenirs, but check customs regulations first.