Cultural ice cream bars: Tasting heritage on China Tourism Day

As summer temperatures rise, so does the popularity of culturally creative ice cream bars – a refreshing trend that has become increasingly common at tourist attractions across China. The designs of these frozen treats are typically inspired by iconic landmarks, famous cultural relics, historical figures, or local plants and animals, making them both visually appealing and culturally meaningful.

In 2019, the Old Summer Palace in Beijing launched one of the earliest examples of a cultural ice cream bar, featuring a design inspired by a blooming lotus grown from an ancient seed. This trend quickly spread nationwide, and today, snapping photos with cultural ice cream bars has become a must-do for many visitors, especially among the younger generations – who turn heritage into an experience that is both engaging and memorable.

As we celebrate the 15th China Tourism Day – commemorating the journeys of renowned Chinese traveler and geographer Xu Xiake – many people have hit the road to explore the country's scenic and cultural wonders. Why not make it even more fun with a cultural ice cream bar in hand, savoring both the landscapes and their stories?