Steamed splendor: Peony-shaped huamo bloom with modern flair in Shandong's Juye

In the town of Dushan in Shandong's Juye county, the fingertips of master artisan Liu Qiujun dance skillfully, as she crafts vivid and delicate peony-shaped huamo, or decorated steamed buns. With a few swift motions that include kneading, pinching, cutting, and pressing, lifelike peony-shaped dough artworks emerge within minutes, captivating onlookers who eagerly reach for their phones to immortalize this blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics.

Huamo have been eaten for hundreds of years, serving as a traditional delicacy in Dushan and a major part of folk culture. During important occasions like Spring Festival, weddings, and birthday banquets, peony-shaped huamo play an indispensable role, symbolizing prosperity and auspiciousness.

Young huamo makers like Liu uphold the essence of traditional craftsmanship while infusing modern elements into their work. By enhancing efficiency through improved tools and using natural fruit and vegetable pigments instead of traditional dyes, they ensure food safety while enhancing the food's colors to be more vibrant and natural.

Additionally, by incorporating modern elements such as cartoon characters, developing new flavors, and introducing antique-style gift packaging, they cater to the aesthetic and quality standards of younger consumers.

The innovative development of peony-shaped huamo not only revitalizes traditional craftsmanship but also serves as a driving force for rural vitalization.

Through initiatives like offering experience classes to engage tourists and boost cultural tourism integration, Liu has trained over 10 local women in the craft, providing employment opportunities within their communities. Today, the production of peony-shaped huamo in Dushan has evolved into an integrated industry chain encompassing production, experience, and sales, with annual sales exceeding a million units and products being sold nationwide. (Edited by Xie Zhenzhen)

The vivid and delicate peony-shaped huamo, or decorated steamed buns, are a true cultural treasure. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The innovative development of peony-shaped huamo not only revitalizes traditional craftsmanship but also serves as a driving force for rural vitalization. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]