Suan Cai Jiaozi - New Year's Soul in Dongbei

Suan Cai, literally "sour vegetable", is a traditional Chinese pickled Chinese cabbage. Jiaozi are a kind of Chinese dumplings eaten across China, especially popular in Northern China.

Jiaozi with Suan Cai fillings mixed with minced pork are the most festive food during Chinese New Year in Dongbei ( Northeast China ).

Dongbei (Northeast China) is historically known as "Manchuria". It now mainly encompasses China's three northmost provinces - Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang, economically and politically among the most important regions of China.

China's Northeast is favored by travelers with the main draws being skiing, sledding and skating all winter.

Spring Festival ( Chinese Lunar New Year ) is the time for family reunion. Dongbei people working and living in other provinces are returning home.

Fatherd and mothers in high ages at villages and the end of street alleys are eagerly waiting for their sons and daughters coming home.

Beside expecting the bonding time, every Dongbe wanderer would be nostalgic of the fragrant smell of Suan Cai Jiaozi! Jiaozi are one of the major foods eaten during the Chinese New Year.

Jiaozi with Suan Cai and minced port fillings are most favored by Dongbei people,  the common Chinese New Year's atmopshere in Dongbei.

On the New Year's eve, a host would  take out Suan Cai preserved in a big jar, mincing port and making dough. The family members will get together, and make dumplings, talking and laughing.

Not long, the making of Jiaozi is finished. The host would put Suan Cai Jiaozi into a boiling wok. In a few minites, delicious dumplings will be placed on the table.

Jiaozi with Suan Cai fillings have a bit taste of sour, a appetizer for drinking Baijiu (Chinese spirit) and favored by Dongbei people who like drinking alcohol due to the cold weather.

Tip:  Hassle-free Northeast China Escorted Tours

Don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route? No worries, We at Tour Beijing have some options for Northeast China guided tours with English-speaking tour guides:

Further Readings