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Yanqiu, a festive dish of Haiyan coutny in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

As Chinese New Year approaches, families gather around tables adorned with dishes symbolizing unity and prosperity. In Chang'an town, Haiyan county, Jiaxing, one dish stands out as a beloved tradition: yanqiu.

Yanqiu, with its tender texture and exquisite flavor, is a staple on Chinese New Year tables across Haiyan. Whether celebrating weddings or festive gatherings, yanqiu is a cherished delicacy.

With the Chinese New Year drawing near, Master Xie's Yanqiu Shop in Chang'an town is seeing increased activity. Tan Xiaofeng, the third-generation descendant of master Xie, notes a steady rise in sales, with production nearing 30,000 yanqiu balls per day — a testament to its popularity.

The main ingredients of yanqiu include fish and finely chopped pork fat, rolled into balls and steamed with a layer of minced pork skin. The recipe, passed down through generations, has been adapted to suit changing tastes.

Tan added, "Adding winter bamboo shoots enhances the flavor. Despite evolving tastes, we've remained faithful to tradition, ensuring yanqiu retains its authentic hometown taste."