A baker shows off loong-shaped huamo in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, on January 14, 2024. /CFP
A peacock-shaped huamo is seen in Rizhao, east China's Shandong Province, in this photo taken on January 14, 2024. /CFP
Flower-shaped huamo are seen on display in Zibo, east China's Shandong Province, on January 16, 2024. /CFP
Huamo in the shape of cartoon figures are seen in Xiangyang, central China's Hubei Province, on January 13, 2024. /CFP
This photo taken on January 13 2024 shows huamo shaped like animals in Rizhao, east China's Shandong Province. /CFP
As Spring Festival approaches, steamed buns artistically shaped like animals or figures known as huamo are capturing the festive spirit and proving to be hot sellers in northern China.
Known for their elaborate designs and ingenious concepts, huamo have been present at celebrations and important occasions since the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, offering to bring good fortune to guests. They were listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.