The primary materials for making Chaoqi are flour, edible oil, egg, sugar, and salt.

[1] Chaoqi originated in Yuanqu County, Shanxi province, China over 4,000 years ago.

[1][failed verification] To prevent the dough from spoiling over time, it is covered with an outer layer of Guanyin clay.

[2] Chaoqi was listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Shanxi Province by UNESCO on April 24, 2009.

All of the legends are related to Mount Wangwu, a mountain located 45 kilometers (28 mi) north west of Jiyuan City in China’s Henan province.

On top of the mountain's main peak is a stone altar where the legendary Yellow Emperor offered sacrifices to the gods.

During famines, countless people suffocated to death due to gastrointestinal issues arising from eating Guanyin clay.