Travelogue: Chinese tradition of wedding pastries

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In Chinese tradition, matrimonial unions are announced with a healthy dose of sugary sweets. "Xi bing," or wedding pastries, are biscuits that a groom buys for his bride's family and friends.

But these pastries signify far more than just a delicious feast. Wedding pastries symbolize the groom's gratitude toward his bride's family and friends, thanking them for raising and caring for her over the years.

These little cakes also act as a sign of wedding "announcement" for the couple, as the two spread their joy and celebrate their upcoming nuptials.

Before the pastries are filled, the dough must be rolled out. /CGTN Photo

These desserts, made from pastry dough stuffed with a sweet filling that usually includes walnuts, sesame, almonds, dried orange, and lotus seed paste, are eaten not only during the weddings, but also on other special events and holidays.

Chinese characters for "double happiness" or "fortune" are often engraved on the pastries to symbolize the happy occasion.

Wedding pastries are packed with sweet and savory ingredients. /CGTN Photo

If your nuptials are approaching, be sure to order more boxes of wedding pastries than you think you'll need – just to ensure that all your near and dear ones get a box!

Freshly baked wedding pastries. /CGTN Photo

Explore Shenzhen with Min-Zhui Lee, host of Travelogue on CGTN. The show airs on this Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., next Monday 2:00 a.m. and Thursday 1:30 p.m. (Beijing Time).

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