Authentic Snack: Tuan San
Tuan San, commonly known as "glutinous rice sanzi," is a specialty enjoyed by the Miao, Tujia, Bai, and Han peoples alike. Authentic Tujia glutinous rice is steamed, then pressed into a special wooden mold with a bamboo ring, flattened, and decorated with auspicious patterns like the character "xi" (happiness) using juice from a locally grown purple fruit or food coloring. After cooling, it is removed...
This article has been compiled from historical materials on 'Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network' (33519.com · Specialty Foods / Cuisine / Customs section). Prices, business hours, administrative divisions, and statistical data mentioned in the text may already be outdated. Before traveling, please refer to the latest announcements from merchants, scenic areas, and local competent authorities; the parts involving folk legends and folk customs are local historical and cultural anecdotes, provided for cultural reference.
Tuan San, commonly known as 'glutinous rice sanzi', is a specialty loved by the Miao, Tujia, Bai, and Han peoples alike. It is made by steaming authentic Tujia glutinous rice, pouring it into a mold with a specially made wooden board as the base and bamboo strips forming a circular rim, flattening the cooked glutinous rice and drawing auspicious patterns like the character 'Xi' (happiness) on top with water from a purple fruit grown by farmers or with food coloring. After cooling, it is taken out, sun-dried, and stored. During festivals, it is given to relatives and friends or served to distinguished guests. When eaten, it is deep-fried until crispy, expanding to 2-3 times its original size, with a fragrant and crispy taste. Nowadays, some farmers also sell Tuan San at market fairs as a semi-finished product, about 2-3 yuan per jin—economical, practical, and distinctive.