"Jiaodong bobo", steamed buns popular in the Jiaodong peninsula of Shandong province, charmed  visitors at the Yantai Food Exhibition from Aug 17 to 19.

"Jiaodong bobo"or " flower bobo " in Muping district of Yantai city boasts a history of over 300 years. It is made of wheat flour and is four or even six times larger than mantou, a staple in North China.

By various processes such as kneading, shaping, carving, steaming and coloring, skilled housewives made bobo into various shapes of different animals and figures with various images like pomegranates, lotuses, dragons, phoenixes and tigers. So it is both edible and ornamental.

People usually steam bobo to celebrate special occasions such as Spring Festival, weddings and birthdays, as the word for "steam" is pronounced " zheng"  in Chinese, indicating life's fortune will rise. The treat also symbolizes harvest, health and longevity.

Bobo, an exquisite handicraft, showcases the food culture and aesthetic taste of the local people.

"Jiaodong bobo", with a history of over 300 years, is displayed at the Yantai Food Exhibition from Aug 17 to 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A bobo in the shape of a smiling face on display [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]