Hongshan Tofu: A taste of Spring Festival
CGTN
03:56

The Chinese New Year is around the corner, and every household has started preparing food for the upcoming Spring Festival. Most people use various types of meat and other foodstuff to prepare dishes, but residents of Hongshan Village can prepare an entire feast solely made of tofu as the main ingredient. 

In this village, a local resident named Zhang is regarded as one of the best tofu makers. He always shares the tofu he makes with his neighbors.  

CGTN reporter tries to grind soybeans under the guidance of Zhang Guoren (R), Langzhong resident, to make tofu. /CGTN Photo

CGTN reporter tries to grind soybeans under the guidance of Zhang Guoren (R), Langzhong resident, to make tofu. /CGTN Photo

Zhang said it's a tradition to make tofu locally. "Grinding beans to make tofu is not a one person's job. Completing it requires everyone to participate; with one person helping another," he said.

Tofu is a very nourishing and healthy food. It is regarded as a meat dish in the northern part of Sichuan Province because of its high protein content. It originated in China, and is now an important part of many Asian cuisines. Tofu made by people in Chinese villages is worth trying for its distinct flavors and various types. 

The villagers of Hongshan can make a feast by only using tofu as the main ingredient. /CGTN Photo

The villagers of Hongshan can make a feast by only using tofu as the main ingredient. /CGTN Photo

For people in Hongshan Village, tofu is an essential part of the New Year feast. Its pronunciation is similar to the Chinese word "fu," which means happiness. This adds a unique implication to this food. 

Making tofu has become a small industry in Zhang's hometown. They use pine twigs to make red bean tofu and cook different dishes during the Spring Festival. According to Zhang, families in Hongshan Village can earn part of their income by making tofu. 

Hongshan people have been making and eating tofu for generations. This is their way to celebrate the Spring Festival and welcome guests. The delicious tofu represents "the taste of home" for local residents. 

Reporter: Li Yimei 

Scriptwriters: Zhang Ziyu, Li Yimei 

Editor: Zhang Ziyu 

Cover image designer: Yin Yating

Executive producers: Zhang Xiaohe, Ai Yan 

Producer: Si Nan 

Supervisor: Pang Xinhua