Food of course is always a big part of the New Year holiday season in China. In the country's north, the 'huamo', or traditional flowery steamed-bun, is not only a popular food but also a feature of folk art. It's especially important when it comes to ceremonies and festivals like the Lunar New Year. CGTN's Zheng Yibing visited the ancient city of Hancheng in Shaanxi Province and reports on the art of making huamo.

It's time to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. One of the festival traditions in northern China is making "Huamo" or flowery steamed-buns. Yan Qiuyun is one of the makers in northwestern China's Shaanxi Province. She knows all the secrets of this folk art.

YAN QIUYUN, HUAMO ARTIST HANCHENG, SHAANXI PROVINCE "Repeated kneading and rolling, as the saying goes, will make the dough white, smooth and kneadable."

Shaping is another essential skill. It requires imagination and some simple tools. For skilled makers, it never takes too long to create "Huamo" in various shapes, including birds, fish and other little animals.

YAN QIUYUN, HUAMO ARTIST HANCHENG, SHAANXI PROVINCE "The huamo is used in festival celebrations, from worshipping to birthday parties for babies and the elderly. During the Spring Festival, it's a must and stands for a thriving life."

Making "Huamo", particularly for ceremonial events, requires a flair for painting and coloring.

YAN QIUYUN, HUAMO ARTIST HANCHENG, SHAANXI PROVINCE "Just try to make an appropriate color scheme, form a good contrast between light and dark, and have good relative spacing for perspective."

Of course, "Huamo" is mostly for eating. Steam them for half an hour, until they're fluffy white and there's the sweet smell of wheat.

ZHENG YIBING HANCHENG, SHAANXI PROVINCE "These delightful and appetizing Huamos are already done. People will send them as gifts to express their good wishes for each other in the Lunar New Year."

For many in the ancient city of Hancheng, "Huamo" remains a symbol of good luck, fortune and happiness.