Sweet balls lead temple affair

Just like the finest pottery and tiles are proved in the fire, so are Bingtang hulu, or sugar-coated haws on a stick. They are a popular traditional snack in northern China. If you have a sweet and sour tooth, you may love this round dainty. If so, you can't miss the temple fair in eastern China's coastal city Qingdao where Bingtang Hulu takes a leading role.

Haws or other fruits like strawberry and yam are skewered on a stick. They are bathed in a boiling sugar made from rock-syrup. When removed from the hot pot into the chill air, they acquire a hard transparent coat. The result - Bingtang Hulu, sugar-coated haws on a stick. The confection is also known as Tang Qiu or sweet ball. The delicacy has been a favourite and a cherished childhood memory for many generations in northern China.

Sweet balls can be traced back to the Song Dynasty. The tradition, of more than a thousand years ago, continues today. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to Haiyun Nunnery where Qingdao's largest temple fair is held. Haiyun Nunnery was built 500 years ago during the late Ming Dynasty. Throughout the ages, local fishermen have come here to pray for safe return before heading out to sea. The nunnery's Spring Festival temple fair is famous.

22 years ago, the ancient temple fair in Haiyun Nunnery was revived in Qingdao. The three-day event comes alive with folk art performances. And the sweet and sour tasting Bingtang Hulu balls play their part, a symbol of the happiness and the bitterness of life.