Niangao, steamed rice cake, and fagao, steamed sponge cake, are traditional desserts eaten around Chinese New Year in Pingtan. [Photos provided to China Daily]

Niangao, steamed rice cake, and fagao, steamed sponge cake, are traditional desserts eaten around Chinese New Year in Pingtan. [Photos provided to China Daily]

Niangao, steamed rice cake, and fagao, steamed sponge cake, are traditional desserts eaten around Chinese New Year in Pingtan, Fujian province.

Weng Wujian, owner of a steamed cake store at the intersection of Tudi Street and Beijie Street in Pingtan, introduces the production process, which combines both physical strength and unique techniques such as rice grinding and dough kneading. The proportion of sticky and non-glutinous rice determines the taste.

The names of the cakes mean "wealthy" and "rich" in Chinese and have thus become a household food in the island county and many other areas in South China during birthdays, weddings and festivals.