Da Shi Tao: A Thousand-Year Huizhou New Year Tradition

In Yixian County, Anhui (安徽黟县), the rhythmic sound of tapping wooden molds signals the arrival of the Chinese New Year. "Da Shi Tao" (打食桃) is a traditional Huizhou folk custom with a history of over a thousand years. Families gather to mix rice flour with boiling water, kneading it into dough before pressing it into finely carved wooden molds.

These peach-shaped molds, crafted from durable, fine-grained woods like jujube or peach wood, feature intricate Huizhou-style carvings of auspicious symbols, such as the God of Longevity or the Kylin. After steaming for 15 to 20 minutes, the cakes are stamped with a vibrant red dot to symbolize good fortune and prosperity. Exchanged among relatives and friends during the Spring Festival, these delicacies carry heartfelt blessings for longevity, peace, and a joyous new year.