Chinese desserts offer a different kind of sweetness from the cakes, pastries and ice cream familiar to many international travellers. Some are made with glutinous rice, sesame or red beans; others feature fresh fruit, silky milk puddings, fragrant osmanthus or warm bowls of sweet soup.
Desserts in China are not limited to the end of a formal meal. They can be breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, festive foods or comforting dishes enjoyed in the evening. Their textures range from chewy and crisp to soft, creamy and gently liquid, reflecting the diversity of China's regional food traditions.
For travellers, discovering Chinese desserts is an enjoyable way to explore local ingredients and everyday food culture. This guide introduces traditional Chinese sweets worth trying, explains their flavours and textures, and highlights where you may encounter them during a journey through China.
What Makes Chinese Desserts Different?
There is no single style of Chinese dessert. Some are based on rice and beans, others on fruit, dairy, nuts or sweetened liquids. Many are closely connected with regional traditions, seasonal ingredients or family celebrations.
Three broad categories can help you navigate Chinese sweets:
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Rice-based sweets: Made with glutinous rice, rice flour or other rice products, these can be chewy, soft or crisp.
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Sweet soups and puddings: Often served warm or chilled, they may contain beans, seeds, fruit, grains or milk.
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Pastries and small treats: These include fried sesame balls, regional cakes, candied fruit and bakery specialties.
The sweetness also varies. Some desserts are rich and sugary, while others have a mild sweetness that lets the flavour of sesame, beans, fruit or grains come through.
1. Tangyuan: Sweet Rice Balls for Togetherness
Chinese name: 汤圆 (tāngyuán)
Common associations: Lantern Festival and family gatherings
Texture: Soft, chewy and tender
Tangyuan are round glutinous rice balls usually served in a warm, lightly sweetened liquid. Their fillings may include black sesame paste, peanut paste or sweet bean paste, while some versions are unfilled.
The outer layer is soft and slightly chewy. Filled tangyuan release a rich centre when bitten into, creating a contrast between the rice dough and the smooth filling.
Tangyuan are especially associated with the Lantern Festival and family reunions. Their round shape is often linked with togetherness and completeness, making them a meaningful food as well as a sweet treat.
You may find tangyuan in dessert shops, restaurants and supermarkets, although availability and fillings vary throughout the year.
What to expect: If you enjoy sesame or peanut flavours, try a filled version. If you prefer something lighter, look for plain rice balls served in a subtly sweet soup.
Ordering tip: Tangyuan are made with glutinous rice, so they have a chewy texture rather than the loose grains of ordinary steamed rice. Check the filling if you have a nut or sesame allergy.
2. Tanghulu: Candied Fruit with a Crunch
Chinese name: 糖葫芦 (tánghúlu)
Common associations: Northern Chinese street snacks, especially Beijing
Texture: Crisp sugar coating with juicy fruit inside
Tanghulu is a familiar Chinese street snack made by coating fruit in hardened sugar syrup, traditionally using Chinese hawthorn berries. Modern versions may feature strawberries, grapes, mandarin segments and other fruits.
The defining feature is the contrast between the brittle sugar shell and the fruit beneath it. Traditional hawthorn tanghulu has a distinctive sweet-and-tart flavour, while versions made with other fruit can taste milder or more fragrant.
In Beijing, tanghulu is closely associated with traditional street snacks and wintertime food memories. Today, it can be found in different forms across many cities.
What to expect: The sugar coating can be very hard and may crack when bitten. The fruit underneath may be tart, depending on the variety.
Ordering tip: Ask which fruit is used if you have a preference. The appearance of a skewer does not always reveal whether the fruit is fresh, tart or especially sweet.
3. Sesame Balls: Crispy Outside, Soft Inside
Chinese name: 芝麻球 (zhīma qiú), also known by regional names
Common associations: Cantonese dim sum and other regional snack traditions
Texture: Crisp exterior, chewy shell and often a sweet filling
Sesame balls are made from glutinous rice flour, shaped into rounds, coated with sesame seeds and fried. Many contain a sweet filling such as red bean paste or lotus seed paste, though recipes differ.
During frying, the exterior becomes golden and crisp while the rice dough remains chewy. The sesame seeds add a roasted, nutty aroma that balances the sweetness of the filling.
In Cantonese restaurants, sesame balls are often served as part of a dim sum meal. They are also found in bakeries and snack shops in different parts of China.
What to expect: A warm sesame ball can be crisp outside and pleasantly chewy inside. The filling is usually sweet, but the amount of sweetness varies.
Ordering tip: Sesame balls are generally fried and may be served hot. Allow the filling to cool before taking a large bite.
4. Cantonese Milk Pudding: Smooth, Delicate and Comforting
Chinese name: 双皮奶 (shuāng pí nǎi)
Region: Shunde and the wider Pearl River Delta food tradition in Guangdong
Texture: Silky, creamy and softly set
Double-skin milk pudding is one of the best-known traditional dairy desserts associated with Shunde, in Guangdong Province. It is made primarily with milk and other ingredients that help create a delicate, softly set texture.
The name refers to the thin layers that form during preparation. A well-made pudding is smooth and tender, with a gentle dairy flavour rather than the dense texture of a baked cheesecake.
It may be served warm or chilled, and some shops offer variations with ingredients such as red beans or ginger. The exact recipe depends on the establishment.
For travellers exploring Guangzhou and the surrounding Pearl River Delta, this dessert offers a different perspective on Cantonese food culture beyond dim sum and savoury dishes.
What to expect: A mild, milky flavour and a delicate texture. It is usually less heavy than a rich Western-style cream dessert.
Ordering tip: Because milk is the main ingredient, this dessert is not suitable for people who need to avoid dairy.
5. Mango Pomelo Sago: A Chilled Fruit Dessert
Common Chinese name: 杨枝甘露 (yángzhī gānlù)
Style: Modern Cantonese dessert
Texture: Creamy, fruity and slightly chewy
Mango pomelo sago is a chilled Cantonese-style dessert that combines mango with pomelo and small tapioca pearls known as sago. Depending on the recipe, it may also contain coconut milk, evaporated milk or other dairy ingredients.
The appeal comes from contrast: ripe mango brings sweetness and fragrance, pomelo adds a refreshing citrus note, and sago provides a soft, chewy texture.
This dessert is particularly popular in contemporary dessert shops and can be a refreshing choice in warm weather. Its ingredients and proportions differ between shops, so some versions taste richer and creamier while others emphasise fresh fruit.
What to expect: A cool, spoonable dessert with fruit, small pearls and a creamy or lightly milky base.
Ordering tip: Check whether the version contains dairy or coconut milk if you have dietary restrictions. Pomelo can add a slight bitterness that balances the mango's sweetness.
6. Red Bean Soup: A Traditional Sweet Soup
Chinese name: 红豆汤 (hóngdòu tāng)
Where to find it: Various regional dessert shops and restaurants
Texture: From smooth and light to thick, with whole or softened beans
Red bean soup is made by cooking red beans until tender and sweetening the resulting mixture. Some versions keep the beans whole, while others are cooked until they break down into a thicker, smoother soup.
Depending on the region and recipe, the dessert may be served warm or chilled. Other ingredients, such as lotus seeds, dried citrus peel or glutinous rice balls, may be added.
Sweet soups occupy an important place in several Chinese culinary traditions, particularly in southern China. They can be enjoyed as a dessert, a snack or a comforting dish at different times of day.
What to expect: A mellow, earthy bean flavour with a sweetness that varies by recipe. The texture may be light and brothy or thick and substantial.
Ordering tip: If you prefer a smoother dessert, ask whether the soup contains whole beans. Some recipes include additional ingredients that change the texture.
7. Osmanthus Cake: A Fragrant Taste of Tradition
Chinese name: 桂花糕 (guìhuā gāo)
Regional associations: Several regions, including parts of eastern China
Texture: Often soft, lightly chewy or jelly-like, depending on the recipe
Osmanthus cake takes its name from osmanthus flowers, which are valued for their delicate, sweet fragrance. Traditional and regional versions vary: some are made with rice flour or glutinous rice flour, while others have a softer, jelly-like consistency.
The flavour is usually more about fragrance than intense sweetness. Osmanthus may also be used in sweet soups, jellies, syrups and other desserts.
Because recipes vary, the name does not refer to one universal cake. When travelling, it is worth asking how the local version is prepared and what ingredients it contains.
What to expect: A floral aroma and a texture that depends on the local recipe. Some versions are more cake-like; others are soft and translucent.
Ordering tip: Look for osmanthus desserts in traditional pastry shops or regional food markets, particularly when exploring local specialties in eastern China.
8. Mooncakes: Sweet Foods with a Festival Story
Chinese name: 月饼 (yuèbǐng)
Occasion: Mid-Autumn Festival
Texture: Usually a pastry exterior with a dense filling
Mooncakes are among China's most recognisable festive foods. They are traditionally associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, when families gather and celebrate the season.
There are many regional styles. Cantonese mooncakes often have a tender pastry shell and dense fillings such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste or combinations that include salted egg yolks. Other regions have their own crusts, fillings and preparation methods.
Mooncakes are often richer and more filling than everyday desserts. Their importance lies not only in flavour but also in the traditions of sharing, gifting and family reunion.
What to expect: A compact pastry with a substantial filling. Some versions are sweet and smooth, while others combine sweet paste with savoury elements.
Ordering tip: Mooncakes are particularly visible around the Mid-Autumn Festival, although bakeries may sell them at other times. Check the filling carefully if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
9. Egg Tarts: A Bakery Favourite with Regional Roots
Chinese name: 蛋挞 (dàn tà)
Regional associations: Hong Kong and Cantonese bakery culture, with related versions found in Macau and elsewhere
Texture: Flaky or crisp pastry with a soft egg custard
Egg tarts are widely enjoyed in Cantonese-style bakeries and dim sum settings. They consist of a pastry shell filled with egg custard, then baked until the filling sets.
Different versions use different pastry styles. Some have a flaky, layered shell, while others have a more compact crust. The custard is typically smooth and gently sweet.
Egg tarts also reflect the cultural exchange that has shaped parts of southern China's bakery traditions. Related Portuguese-style egg tarts are particularly associated with Macau, while Hong Kong developed its own well-known versions.
What to expect: A small, individual pastry with a tender custard centre. It is a convenient sweet snack when exploring a city on foot.
Ordering tip: Egg tarts are often sold in bakeries and may be served warm. If you have an egg or dairy allergy, check the ingredients before buying.
10. Chinese Desserts by Region: What Should You Try?
Chinese desserts become easier to explore when you connect them with the regions and food traditions where they are commonly found.
| Region or destination | Desserts to look for | What makes them interesting |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou and Guangdong | Double-skin milk pudding, mango pomelo sago, sweet soups, sesame balls | Cantonese dessert shops and a broad tradition of sweet soups and milk-based desserts |
| Beijing and northern China | Tanghulu and regional pastries | Street snacks and traditional sweet treats |
| Eastern China | Osmanthus-flavoured cakes and other local pastries | Floral fragrance and regional variations in rice-based sweets |
| Across China during festival seasons | Tangyuan and mooncakes, depending on the occasion | Foods connected with family gatherings and traditional celebrations |
| Hong Kong and Macau | Egg tarts and related bakery specialties | Distinctive local interpretations shaped by regional history and cultural exchange |
This is a guide to dishes worth looking for, not a guarantee that every dessert is available in every city or restaurant. Local recipes, seasonal menus and shop specialities vary.
11. How to Order Desserts in China
Exploring desserts can be one of the easiest ways to try unfamiliar flavours, but the names and ingredients may not always be obvious from an English-language menu.
A few Mandarin words can help:
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甜品 (tiánpǐn) — dessert or sweet dish
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糖水 (tángshuǐ) — sweet soup or sweet dessert soup
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汤圆 (tāngyuán) — glutinous rice balls
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红豆 (hóngdòu) — red beans
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芝麻 (zhīma) — sesame
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牛奶 (niúnǎi) — milk
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花生 (huāshēng) — peanuts
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少糖 (shǎo táng) — less sugar
If you prefer less sweetness, you can ask for shǎo táng where the shop can adjust the recipe. However, many prepared desserts cannot be customised.
Check the Ingredients
Chinese desserts may contain glutinous rice, peanuts, sesame, dairy, eggs, nuts or other ingredients that are not obvious from their appearance. If you have an allergy, confirm the ingredients directly with the seller rather than relying only on the English name.
Explore Dessert Shops as Part of Local Food Culture
In some cities, dessert shops specialise in sweet soups, puddings or fruit-based desserts. In others, bakeries, street stalls and traditional pastry shops are better places to explore local sweets.
For more practical guidance on navigating menus and ordering food, read Sunda Travel's How to Order & Pay for Food in China: Foreigner Guide.
12. Where to Include Chinese Desserts in Your China Journey
Desserts can become a small but memorable part of a wider food-focused itinerary. Rather than travelling long distances for one particular sweet, look for local specialties along the route you are already exploring.
Guangzhou: Discover Cantonese Sweet Soups and Puddings
Guangzhou is a natural destination for travellers interested in Cantonese food. Alongside dim sum, rice noodle rolls and clay pot rice, you can look for traditional sweet soups, milk puddings and other local desserts.
Our Guangzhou Food Guide: Authentic Street Food Beyond Dim Sum is a useful next step for exploring the city's broader food culture.
Beijing: Try Traditional Street Snacks
In Beijing, tanghulu and local pastries can add a sweet stop to a day of exploring historic neighbourhoods, traditional streets and the city's everyday food culture. Availability and seasonal offerings vary, so treat these as ideas rather than guaranteed finds.
For a wider look at local dishes and neighbourhood experiences, visit the Beijing Travel Guide.
Build a Food Experience Around Your Interests
If food is a major reason for visiting China, you can combine regional dining, local markets, traditional neighbourhoods and cultural sights within a single journey. A well-paced itinerary leaves room for spontaneous discoveries instead of turning every meal into a tightly scheduled stop.
Explore Sunda Travel's Travel Experiences for inspiration, or visit the China Travel Guide to start planning your route.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Desserts
What are the most popular traditional Chinese desserts?
Well-known examples include tangyuan, tanghulu, sesame balls, red bean soup, osmanthus cake and mooncakes. Cantonese dessert traditions also include double-skin milk pudding, mango pomelo sago and a wide variety of sweet soups.
Are Chinese desserts very sweet?
Not always. Some pastries and festival sweets are rich and sweet, while many sweet soups and rice-based desserts have a milder flavour. Sweetness varies by recipe, region and shop.
What is a traditional Chinese dessert made from glutinous rice?
Tangyuan are a familiar example. They are round rice balls that may be filled with black sesame, peanut paste or other sweet fillings. Glutinous rice is also used in a variety of cakes and regional snacks.
What is tanghulu?
Tanghulu is fruit coated in hardened sugar syrup, traditionally made with Chinese hawthorn berries. It is associated with northern Chinese street snacks and is now sold in many different fruit varieties.
What desserts should I try in Guangzhou?
Look for Cantonese sweet soups, double-skin milk pudding, mango pomelo sago and sesame balls. Guangzhou's food culture extends well beyond dim sum, and dessert shops offer another way to explore local tastes.
Are Chinese desserts suitable for vegetarians?
Some are, but ingredients vary. Fruit-based desserts, certain sweet soups and some rice-based sweets may be suitable, while others can contain dairy, eggs, animal-derived ingredients or fillings that do not meet particular dietary requirements. Confirm the ingredients before ordering.
When is the best time to try tangyuan and mooncakes?
Tangyuan are strongly associated with the Lantern Festival and family gatherings, while mooncakes are traditionally linked with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Both may be available outside their main festival periods, but seasonal availability varies.
Discover China's Sweet Side with Sunda Travel
Chinese desserts reveal another dimension of the country's culinary culture. From the chewy warmth of tangyuan to the crisp sugar shell of tanghulu, from Cantonese milk puddings to fragrant regional cakes, each sweet offers a different combination of ingredients, textures and traditions.
The most rewarding way to explore these desserts is to connect them with the places where they are enjoyed: local bakeries, traditional dessert shops, street markets and the wider food culture of each destination.
Whether you are planning your first visit to China or returning to explore a different region, leave a little room for something sweet.
Discover more through Sunda Travel's food and cultural experiences, or explore our Tailor-Made China Tours to shape a private journey around the flavours, traditions and destinations that interest you most.
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