From panettone to pasta, China's love affair with Italian food

CHONGQING — Panettone, a traditional festive pastry from Italy, has gained increasing popularity among young people in China over the recent Christmas and New Year holidays.

Liu Haozhe, who runs an Italian pizzeria in Southwest China's Chongqing, introduced panettone to his customers during Christmas. In five days, he baked nearly 30 loaves, which were snapped up by curious diners.

"This bread contains sugared orange peel, raisins and rum, which provide sweetness and flavor," says Liu.