Shanxi's snake-themed steamed buns signify auspicious new year ahead

As the Year of the Snake approaches, "snake element" steamed buns have gained popularity in Shanxi province, with orders surging ahead of the 2025 Chinese New Year.

Jia Ruxia, a 38-year-old master of the Pingding traditional flower bun craft, has seen online sales skyrocket to nearly 900,000 yuan ($123,000) since she began taking orders in October.

"The zodiac culture is deeply ingrained in Chinese people's minds," said Jia, who has been honing her bun-making skills for 18 years. "We incorporated snake designs into our creations, and the response has been overwhelming."