Sanzi, or fried dough twists, is a cherished traditional snack in China during Qingming Festival, with its origins dating back to the "Cold Food Festival" during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). This traditional festival marked a day of refraining from cooking over fire and avoiding hot food.
Over centuries, it seamlessly integrated into Qingming Festival, beginning from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Cold Food Festival had transformed into a symbolic event, gradually merging with Qingming Festival and shedding its original customs. Despite these changes, sanzi remains beloved by people of all generations. Its elongated shape symbolizes the continuity and legacy of life, adding a deeper significance to this seasonal delicacy enjoyed by all.