Zhao Yijun makes Jinyun shaobing in his store. [Photo/Tide News]

Zhao Yijun, vice-chairman of the Jinyun Shaobing Association, was honored as one of "the most beautiful people in Zhejiang province" in May 2023, and as a representative he was received by the province's top officials on Jan 29.

Jinyun shaobing – Jinyun bucket-baked rolls – is a traditional Chinese snack originating from Jinyun county, Lishui, Zhejiang province. And Zhao Yijun has been in the industry for more than 30 years. He has witnessed and participated in its development and transformation from "small business" to "big industry".

Zhao has a local reputation for his superior skills in making Jinyun shaobing. For more than 30 years, he has been committed to innovation, improving dough raising technology, and enhancing food quality and baking efficiency.

In 2014, in response to the local government's call, Zhao opened the first demonstration store of Jinyun shaobing, playing a leading role in the standardization of the industry.

Known as the "master of shaobing", Zhao willingly imparts his skills to others. He has distilled his teaching experience into a textbook. So far, he has trained more than 10,000 apprentices.

In recent years, the fragrance of Jinyun shaobing has begun to spread to all parts of the country. Several apprentices of Zhao even opened stores in foreign countries such as the United States, Italy, and Spain, bringing the local delicacy of Jinyun all over the world.