Wandouhuang is a kind of ginger- or saffron-colored paste-like cake with a slightly sweet taste that is considered light and refreshing.

In ancient China, vendors sold Wandouhuang during Shangsi Festival (March 3 in the lunar calendar),[3] during which people travel together to have a Spring break.

Because its taste won the favor of the public, eating Wandouhuang in Shangsi Festival became a custom in ancient China.

[2] During Qing Dynasty, one day Empress Dowager Cixi, vacationing in the palace of Beihai, heard the sounds of a gong and shouting in the street.

After tasting them, Cixi was full of praise for these folk snacks and asked the vendors to work in the royal kitchen of the Forbidden City and only cook those desserts for her.