In Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province, two young women born after 1995, Chen Fengjiao and Zhou Xinyue, are immersed in a flurry of activity ahead of the Spring Festival. Transforming simple dough into exquisitely shaped, auspiciously themed creative buns, their workshop showcases pieces ranging from lion dancers and fortune pouches to deities of wealth. These are not mere staples but bespoke edible artworks. "Our record was selling over 500 kilograms in a single day," Chen notes with pride. Custom orders pour in—birthday "star-person cakes," concert-themed gift boxes, "wealth basins" for store openings, and even everlasting "bun bouquets." Whatever reference images clients provide, the duo brings them to life.
By 9 a.m., steam already clouds the kitchen. Bent over their workstations, the partners meticulously craft decorative elements. "Just the eyes of a lion dancer require multiple colored dough rings," Zhou explains, deftly shaping tiny pieces into vibrant, expressive features. A complete lion, from kneading and proofing to detailing, takes at least five hours. Chen focuses on structural shaping while Zhou refines intricacies—a seamless division of labor rooted in shared passion.
Initially specializing in health-conscious options like pumpkin and brown sugar buns, the pair introduced character-shaped buns experimentally. Driven by their love for handicrafts, they traveled to Shandong and Shenzhen to study, blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. "The market response surprised us—our first custom order came smoothly in the second week," Chen recalls. A customer, captivated by window displays, ordered a symbolic "longevity peach" for his grandmother’s birthday. Word spread rapidly, leading to larger commissions. "Our most massive creation weighed over ten pounds and stood three tiers high," Zhou recounts with a laugh. "It took two people to lift and two full days to complete."
With the Lunar New Year approaching, orders have intensified. Recently, they fulfilled a 28-table banquet set for a housewarming party plus three opening "wealth basins," pushing them into nonstop production. "We worked until 3 a.m. one night—exhausted but fulfilled," they share. Their clientele now spans nationwide, attracting patrons from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Changsha, and Sichuan. "A customer from Changsha visits Tongxiang multiple times a year just to stock up," Chen adds.
Color is integral to their creations. All hues derive from fresh vegetable juices or natural powders, with fillings like red bean paste, hawthorn, or custard ensuring visual appeal and food safety. What began as a hobby has blossomed into a sustainable venture, allowing the duo to channel creativity while celebrating tradition through their delicate, flavorful art.
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