Dishes in the Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) region are well-known for their color, fragrance and flavor. Representative of Shanghai cuisine, the city perfectly integrates the dishes with sweet flavors. Here are three of the most popular snacks for your sweet tooth.

Dingsheng steamed rice cake (定胜糕)

Dingsheng steamed rice cakes in a plum blossom shape

Dingsheng steamed rice cakes, or cake of triumph in Chinese, were first made by people in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) to wish soldiers good luck for victory against enemies. Made from dates, walnuts and rice flour blended with colorful vegetable juice, the cake is spongy and slightly sweet. The cakes also feature flower and leaf shapes, the plum blossom-shaped ones are the most popular.