Chinese desserts are all about simple, comforting sweetness that carries the flavors of tradition and culture. Whether it’s the northern “Lüdagun” wrapped in soybean powder, the creamy “Shuangpi Nai” from the south, or the fragrant “Osmanthus Sugar Lotus Root” in Jiangnan, these treats tell stories of seasons, customs, and home. Some are hidden in festive boxes, others are served on street corners, but all are made with humble ingredients like sugar, rice, beans, and fruit. While they might not always be flashy, each bite brings a warm, nostalgic taste of Chinese life. Let’s take a delicious tour through the best 26 Chinese desserts that have been sweetening lives for centuries!
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🥘 22 Must-Try Chinese Soups for Every Food Lover
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🥮 The 26 Best Traditional Chinese Desserts
1. Mooncake (月饼)
The tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival dates back to ancient times, with mooncakes originally used as offerings to the Moon Goddess. By the Ming Dynasty, the practice of eating mooncakes became widespread, symbolizing family unity and reunion.
Today, there are four main types of mooncakes: Cantonese, Chaozhou, Beijing, and Suzhou, each with its own distinct characteristics. For example, the classic Lotus Mooncake with Salted Egg Yolks ( 蛋黄莲蓉月饼 ) is most common in southern China, especially in regions like Guangdong and Guangxi. Made with low-gluten flour, salted egg yolk, and lotus paste, this mooncake is baked to perfection with a shiny, delicate crust and a golden hue. Its texture is soft, and it melts in your mouth with a simple bite.
In recent years, Snow Skin Mooncakes ( 冰皮月饼 ) have become increasingly popular, offering a variety of new fillings. Besides the traditional lotus paste, they come in flavors like fruit pastes and creams. These mooncakes don’t require baking and should be kept chilled. The cold, chewy skin and fruity fillings make them a refreshing and delicious treat.
2. Lüdagun (驴打滚)
Lüdagun, also known as “Rolling Donkey,” is a traditional snack from old Beijing and Tianjin, with origins in Manchuria. The snack features vibrant yellow, white, and red colors. Its name comes from the yellow soybean flour sprinkled on top during preparation, which resembles the dust that gets kicked up when wild donkeys roll around in the fields on the outskirts of Beijing.
Once prepared, the Rolling Donkey is coated in a golden layer of soybean flour. The filling is sweet, fragrant, and soft. The soybean paste dissolves quickly, leaving a sweet aftertaste.
3. Osmanthus Flower Jelly (桂花糕)
Osmanthus Flower Jelly brings to mind the picturesque water towns of Jiangnan. It’s a classic dessert from the region, with a history dating back over 300 years! Made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and osmanthus flowers, the jelly is a beautiful snow-white color with a touch of golden yellow. Its fragrance is subtly floral, sweet but not overpowering, and the texture is smooth, soft, and delicate.
While there are now many variations, including those with fillings or fruity flavors, the traditional version with its pure osmanthus fragrance remains the most beloved.
4. Qing Tuan (青团)
Qing Tuan is a traditional treat from the Jiangnan area. Originally made for Qingming Festival to honor ancestors, it eventually became popular as a sweet snack due to its soft, sweet, and fragrant taste. People enjoy it not only during the festival but also as a snack or breakfast throughout the year.
The traditional Qing Tuan is made from glutinous rice flour, mugwort or barley grass, and red bean paste. The process involves crushing the mugwort leaves to extract the green juice, which is then mixed with the rice flour while hot to form a dough. Small portions of dough are then filled with red bean paste and a bit of pork fat, shaped into round balls, and steamed until ready to eat.
5. Tang Yuan (汤圆)
Tang Yuan is a traditional Chinese snack, especially associated with the Lantern Festival. The word “yuan (圆)” symbolizes unity and completeness, and eating Tang Yuan during the festival represents family togetherness and good fortune.
These days, Tang Yuan fillings range from the classic black sesame and peanut to more modern options like fruit and chocolate. However, the traditional black sesame-filled version remains the most popular. To make this, black sesame is ground into powder, then mixed with white sugar and lard to create a rich filling. The dumplings are shaped from glutinous rice flour, boiled, and they offer a delightful sweet taste when enjoyed.
6. Pea Flour Cake (豌豆黄)
Wandouhuang, or Pea Flour Cake, is one of the most iconic traditional desserts in Beijing, particularly enjoyed during the spring. To make it, peas are ground, peeled, washed, boiled, sweetened with sugar, and set into a solid form before being cut into pieces. The cake has a light yellow color and a smooth texture, and when you press it with your tongue, it melts into a soft pea paste. Its sweet flavor is light and refreshing, not too heavy, and the coolness of the cake makes it a perfect treat.
7. Mung Bean Cake (绿豆糕)
Mung Bean Cake is a popular, traditional Chinese dessert, especially favored in the summer. There are two main regional styles: the northern version, from Beijing, which is light and soft without oil, and the southern version, from places like Suzhou and Yangzhou, which is richer and smoother due to the addition of oil.
The cake is typically flavored with sugar and rose petals, but modern variations may include ingredients like cream and cheese, or even frozen versions for a more inventive take. When chilled, the mung bean flavor is especially refreshing.
8. Thousand-Layer Steamed Cake (千层糕)
The Thousand-Layer Steamed Cake, a famous dish from Jiande (建德) in Zhejiang, has been around since the early Ming Dynasty and is popular across China, with each region offering its own twist.
It is made from a mix of ingredients like fine flour, sugar, candied fruits, pork lard, and Shaoxing wine. The cake is known for its light, fluffy texture and its distinct layers, each one separated and not blending together. The cake is colorful, with natural colors from the ingredients, not artificial dyes. The flavor is sweet and pleasant, and the soft, sticky texture is best enjoyed while warm.
9. Dingsheng Cake (定胜糕)
Dingsheng Cake is a classic pastry from Suzhou with a history tied to the Southern Song Dynasty. According to legend, it was specially made by the people of Suzhou to encourage soldiers before they set out for battle. The cake bears the words “Dingsheng” (定胜), meaning “Victory Assured,” which is how it got its name.
This cake is both cute and colorful, typically a pale pink hue. It’s made by mixing rice flour with juices from flowers and vegetables, creating layers of different colors, such as red, yellow, and green. The mixture is pressed into a mold and steamed until firm. Once removed, it’s inverted onto a board, and a red stamp with “定胜” is applied for good luck. The flavor is light, sweet, and slightly savory, with a delightful hint of red bean paste.
10. Bing Fen (冰粉)
Bing Fen has become a popular dish in Sichuan and Chongqing, often ordered alongside hotpot. Especially in summer, after the heat and spice of the hotpot, Bing Fen—a cool and refreshing jelly dessert—becomes the perfect way to finish off a meal. The jelly-like dessert is made from starch and has a smooth, slippery texture.
It’s served with a mix of toppings, such as red beans, mung beans, raisins, hawthorn, and various fruits, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. A sprinkle of sesame seeds is added at the end for a fragrant touch. While many new variations have appeared, the traditional version with brown sugar and glutinous rice cake remains the most popular. The chewy rice cake pairs perfectly with the smooth Bing Fen, and the rich brown sugar adds a deliciously sweet finish.
11. Water Chestnut Cake (马蹄糕)
Water Chestnut Cake is a popular traditional treat in Guangdong and Fujian. Known for its translucent, glossy appearance, this cake is made from water chestnut flour and white sugar, giving it a chewy, mildly sweet flavor. It’s typically steamed in a large dish, cooled, and then sliced into small pieces that are eaten with a fork.
Particularly in the summer, chilled Water Chestnut Cake is incredibly refreshing, making it the perfect dessert to beat the heat in Guangdong’s hot climate.
12. Plum Blossom Cake (梅花糕)
One of Suzhou’s most iconic traditional snacks, Plum Blossom Cake is made by mixing fine flour, yeast, and water into a batter that is poured into hot, plum blossom-shaped molds. The filling can range from sweet bean paste to savory options like fresh meat and rose petals, and it’s topped with more batter and sugar. Once baked on a hot iron plate, the cake becomes golden and soft, with a slightly sour taste from the yeast that enhances its authenticity.
13. Xie Ke Huang (蟹壳黄)
Xie Ke Huang, or Crab Shell Pastry, which began in the 1920s, is a cake made from a blend of oil pastry and leavened dough, shaped into flat, round discs. The surface is coated in sesame seeds and baked on a hot stove. Its fillings include savory options like scallion oil, fresh meat, crab roe, and shrimp, or sweet fillings like sugar, rose, red bean paste, and jujube paste. Its shape resembles a crab shell, and after baking, the cake turns a deep red, similar to the back of a crab shell, which is how it got its name, “Crab Shell Pastry.”
14. Tanghulu (糖葫芦)
Tanghulu, a treat that originated in northern China, especially in cities like Beijing and Tianjin, is well-known for its sweet, tangy, and crunchy texture. Traditionally made by coating hawthorn berries in syrup, it has since expanded to include fruits like grapes, strawberries, and oranges. The sugary, crispy outer shell contrasts perfectly with the tart fruit inside, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are both visually appealing and delicious.
15. Lotus Seed, Lily, and Tremella Soup (莲子百合银耳汤)
This refreshing dessert, which has cooling and detoxifying properties, is perfect for hot summer days. Made with lotus seeds, lilies, and tremella, it’s often sweetened with rock candy for a soothing flavor. Dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties, this dessert is known for its ability to nourish and cleanse.
The soup’s smooth consistency, combined with the firm lotus seeds and fragrant lilies, offers a delicate and lightly sweet experience that’s especially refreshing when appetite is low in summer.
16. Douhua (豆花)
A traditional dessert from Sichuan and Hunan, Douhua, or tofu pudding, comes in sweet and savory versions. The sweet version features soft tofu served in sugar syrup, while the savory version is flavored with seasonings and soy sauce. The smooth, silky texture of Douhua, along with the subtle sweetness from the syrup, makes it a satisfying treat that isn’t overly rich, perfect for those looking for something light and comforting.
17. Osmanthus Lotus Root in Sweet Syrup (桂花糖藕)
This traditional dessert from Jiangnan is particularly popular during the autumn harvest season. It consists of lotus root slices stuffed with red beans or glutinous rice, then simmered in sweet osmanthus syrup. The crispy texture of the lotus root combined with the fragrant sweetness of the syrup makes for a soothing, aromatic treat.
18. Eight Treasure Congee (八宝粥)
A beloved traditional dessert with a rich array of ingredients, including red dates, lotus seeds, goji berries, longan, peanuts, almonds, and glutinous rice. The congee is both nutritious and versatile, ideal for any age and often enjoyed for breakfast or as a nighttime snack. The creamy congee base, along with the variety of ingredients, delivers a smooth, lightly sweet taste, perfect for any season, but especially comforting in cold winter months.
19. Peanut Soup (花生汤)
Peanut Soup, a specialty in regions like Fujian, Guangdong, and Shanghai, is made by simmering peanuts with sugar to create a rich, fragrant, and sweet soup. The smooth texture and the warm, nutty flavor of the peanuts make it a comforting treat, especially popular among peanut lovers. It’s soothing and nourishing, making it a perfect choice for a warm, hearty dessert.
20. Mango Pomelo Sago (杨枝甘露)
A classic and widely popular dessert in Hong Kong, Mango Pomelo Sago remains a top favorite year after year. The authentic recipe combines four key ingredients: grapefruit, mango, milk, and sago. The sweet mango, creamy milk, tangy grapefruit, and chewy sago come together in a delightful harmony. The dessert’s flavor largely depends on the quality of these ingredients.
Mango Pomelo Sago is traditionally served as a dessert in Hong Kong tea restaurants, but it has also found its way into bubble tea shops, where variations like coconut milk or mango slush are added for a tropical, refreshing twist.
21. Tang You Baba (糖油粑粑)
This popular snack from Changsha, Hunan, is both affordable and delicious, making it a favorite among locals. Made with glutinous rice flour and deep-fried to golden perfection, it’s sweet without being overly rich.
In Hunan, Hubei, and Sichuan, many sweets use brown sugar and glutinous rice, with deep frying being a common cooking method.
22. Fresh Flower Pastry (鲜花饼)
A specialty from Yunnan, Fresh Flower Pastry is a unique type of pastry and a representative Yunnan mooncake. The filling consists of edible roses, which give the pastry a chewy texture and an authentic rose flavor. The roses are carefully picked in the early morning, as the fragrance decreases later in the day, affecting the pastry’s taste.
23. Dragon’s Beard Candy (龙须酥)
Originating from Anqing ( 安庆 ), Anhui, this delicate candy is made by spinning maltose and wheat starch into fine threads, with a filling of peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut flakes.
The candy is shaped like countless fine white threads, and its texture is soft and sweet, melting in the mouth. It was eventually introduced to the imperial court, where it became a royal dessert.
24. Red Sugar Rice Cake (红糖糍粑)
In the lively streets of Chengdu, one treat you’ll definitely want to try is 红糖糍粑 (hóng táng cí bā), or Red Sugar Rice Cake. This humble yet irresistible snack is a popular find in local eateries throughout the city.
Made with just a few staple ingredients — glutinous rice, red sugar, and ground yellow soybeans — this snack becomes something extraordinary when these elements meld together. The rice cake’s exterior crisps up perfectly, while the inside remains soft, chewy, and delightfully bouncy.
25. Four Fruits Soup (四果汤)
Four Fruits Soup is a beloved summer dessert in Fujian, much like Bingfen (ice jelly) is in Sichuan. It’s commonly sold by street vendors during hot summer days. The refreshing mix of watermelon, red beans, ice shavings, and white fungus offers a cool and refreshing experience.
Consumers can customize their soup by adding other ingredients like pearls, taro balls, or coconut jelly, which add extra chewiness and texture. This unique, summer-only treat is a signature part of the Fujian culinary experience.
26. Grass Jelly (烧仙草)
Grass jelly, a favorite in the Minnan ( 闽南 ) region of Fujian and Taiwan, is a well-known summer treat. It’s typically served as a base for a variety of toppings like chewy taro balls or sweet red beans.
It is often paired with fresh milk or milk tea for a smoother, creamier texture. Sometimes, a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or thick honey is added for extra flavor. Grass jelly can be served hot or cold, but it’s typically enjoyed chilled, offering cooling and anti-inflammatory benefits.
🌸 Traditional Chinese Desserts: Final Thoughts
Even as modern dessert shops are filled with Western cakes, traditional treats like “Eight Treasure Congee” from old steamers and sesame paste simmered over coal stoves are still cherished. People follow the seasons to make “Qingtuan,” enjoy “Tangyuan” in winter, and sip “Mango Pomelo Sago” in milk tea cups. Chinese desserts embody a quiet sweetness that gently anchors us, offering comfort and warmth through simple, timeless flavors.
China Travel Planning Guide&FAQ
🎫Do I need a visa for China?
Yes. Most visitors to China will need a visa to enter the country. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your trip, as well as your nationality. If you are a resident of the US, you must apply for a Chinese visa at the Consular Office in the country. On the other hand, inhabitants of countries like Japan, Canada, and the UK can request a visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🤔Why is it necessary to install a VPN in China?
In China, the government has strict regulations on internet access, leading to the blocking of popular websites and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and YouTube. To access these sites, a VPN is suggested as a means of bypassing the restrictions. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider and use caution while doing so. ExpressVPN has been historically deemed the most reliable VPN for this purpose, despite being heavily targeted by China’s censors. Nevertheless, it is still a widely preferred option owing to its ease of installation and user-friendliness.
📲Is it necessary to have a Chinese SIM card while in China?
Yes. It is crucial to acknowledge that accessing the internet in China may pose limitations due to certain websites being prohibited or filtered. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity while staying in China, purchasing a local SIM card is advisable. For optimum results, acquiring SIM cards from either China Unicom or China Mobile is recommended. While China Mobile has the most comprehensive coverage in China and is a market leader, China Unicom is more compatible with foreign phones, enabling 3G and 4G services. Or you can purchase a SIM card online.
🔮Should I buy China travel insurance?
Yes. Although China is generally a safe country for travel, it is still possible to encounter accidents or other unexpected occurrences. Therefore, obtaining travel insurance can provide a sense of security and financial protection. In my research, I have found that World Nomads is a reputable travel insurance provider that covers a wide range of activities and is recommended for the average traveler. Nevertheless, I advise you to compare insurance quotes from various providers before making a decision.
🚙Can you rent a car in China?
Unfeasible. Obtaining a Chinese driver’s license to rent a car and self-drive may seem like an option, but it is not a practical choice for most foreigners. Therefore, many prefer to opt for a driver or public transportation when navigating China, as it proves to be more convenient.
✈️What’s the best site to purchase flight tickets for China?
I suggest using Trip for affordable flights to China. As a China-based company, they often offer lower prices compared to foreign companies. Additionally, they offer English-speaking phone support in case of any issues.
🏡What is the best way to book hotels in China?
🎒What do I pack for China?
Travel adapter and converter: China uses a different electrical system than many other countries, so it’s important to bring a travel adapter and converter if you plan to use electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and laptops.
Sunscreen: The UV index in China can be high, particularly during the summer months, and prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Deodorant: It should be noted that finding deodorant in China may not be a simple task.
📚Can a guidebook for traveling to China be useful?
Yes. If you’re planning to travel to China for the first time, a travel guidebook can be a valuable resource, and Lonely Planet is one of the most reputable guides available globally. Its comprehensive itineraries and recommendations take into account your personal preferences and can save you both time and money. The insider tips are also extremely helpful in navigating China’s unique cultural landscape like a local.
Esther Zheng is a local Chinese travel blogger and the founder of Let’s Travel to China. She began exploring China during her university years and has spent over eight years traveling across nearly every province, discovering both famous landmarks and hidden gems. After sharing her authentic experiences online and helping friends plan trips, she turned her passion into a full-time travel resource. Today, Esther provides insider tips, itineraries, and local insights to help travelers experience China like a local. She’s on a mission to make planning unforgettable journeys across China easy, authentic, and inspiring.
