Wuzhen's Dingsheng cake. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Sweet tooth addiction for rice cakes

Rice is considered to be essential to Wuzhen's local snacks. Dingsheng cake is made from glutinous rice and steamed in wooden molds. It is usually stuffed with red bean paste and sweetly scented osmanthus, making it a chewy in texture and delicately sweet, but not greasy.

The local dessert is a symbol of triumph as its name includes a pun on the Chinese word for "invincibility". Legend says it was originally made to encourage soldiers in the war or students who set out to take the imperial examination. Preparing several steamers full of sugary, chewy Dingsheng cakes was a way to wish them success.