Opting for a career of good taste

After Zang finished international trade studies at the Yantai University in 2018, she had a strong desire to start up her own business, instead of holding onto a regular job.

"I tried before, working at a hospital or a shopping mall," she says.

"They confirmed my belief that it has to be something that I like before I can make a go of it."

Zang then set her sights on huabobo at the beginning of 2020.

"I found huabobo was the norm for birthdays of local children and elderly people and there was a great demand for them, thus making it a good business choice," she says.

Besides, she loved huabobo in her childhood.

"My grandmother used to make me huabobo, in all kinds of shapes, which were very beautiful," Zang recalls.

"She would also give me a dough and teach me how to make animals as toys," she says, adding that her grandmother always told her they should not only look good and taste delicious, but be healthy.

The flour bun has evolved into an indispensable part of major occasions, such as weddings, birthdays and holidays.

Local women use knives, scissors, nippers, and combs to make auspicious figures such as duck, gourd, dragon, phoenix and peach with fermented flour, before having them steamed. Their beautiful and bright colors are generally considered to convey blessings, peace, longevity and prosperity.