Mooncakes Across Regions | Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival, or Zhongqiu Jie, is a cherished holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. As families gather under lantern-lit skies, the sharing of mooncakes is a ritual that symbolizes unity and connection across generations. 

Rooted in the traditions of the autumn harvest, Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to give thanks for abundance. The full moon, at its brightest and most luminous during this season, mirrors the mooncake, representing harmony, wholeness, and the joy of shared moments. 

While mooncakes share symbolic meaning across regions, their flavors and forms differ widely, shaped by local ingredients, climate, and culinary heritage. As the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival draws near, mooncakes are crafted in kitchens and bakeries, ready to be enjoyed in their many diverse designs.

Beijing mooncakes: hearty and traditional

Beijing mooncakes are known for their sturdy crusts and timeless flavors. Zilaihong (red mooncakes) feature a flaky, sesame oil crust filled with rock sugar, walnuts, and candied tangerine, offering a delightful balance of crunch and sweetness. Zilaibai (white mooncakes), with a soft crust made from lard, encase a filling infused with white sugar and the floral notes of osmanthus or the tartness of hawthorn. These mooncakes reflect Beijing’s preference for traditional, no-frills flavors, making them a nostalgic favorite during Mid-Autumn Festival. 

Jojo from our Beijing office showcasing traditional red and white mooncakes.

Jiangsu mooncakes: flaky and savory

In Jiangsu province, particularly Suzhou, mooncakes are celebrated for their crisp, multi-layered crusts, likened to delicate puff pastry. Unlike the sweet varieties common elsewhere, Suzhou mooncakes feature savory centers like minced pork or ham, seasoned to enhance their rich umami flavors. The contrast between the light pastry and the hearty core creates a delightful balance, sometimes elevated by additions like dried shrimp to deepen the flavor. These mooncakes reflect Jiangsu’s refined culinary craft, where precision and balance in flavor are highly prized.

Shanghai mooncakes: buttery and crumbly

Mooncakes are all about texture in Shanghai. Unlike the firm mooncakes of Beijing or the crisp varieties from Jiangsu, mooncakes here are celebrated for their delicate, buttery crusts that crumble like shortbread with each bite. This light, crumbly texture complements smooth fillings like sweetened bean paste and salted egg yolk, providing a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Recently, modern flavors like coffee, matcha, and chocolate have emerged, adding a fresh twist to this classic treat. These innovative alternatives bring an exciting twist to a classic treat, reflecting Shanghai’s dynamic and evolving culinary scene.

Jiaxin from our Shanghai office, showcasing a box of freshly baked mooncakes with buttery pastry.

Sichuan mooncakes: smooth and sweet

Famous for its bold and spicy cuisine, Sichuan province offers a sweeter twist in its mooncakes. Unlike the flaky or firm varieties elsewhere, Sichuan mooncakes have a soft, tender crust. Fillings like sweetened black sesame paste, with its nutty richness, or fragrant rose jam, give a floral and aromatic touch to the mooncakes. The subtle sweetness and delicate texture showcase Sichuan’s culinary creativity, offering a distinctive and memorable taste that complements the local palate.

Yuki from our Chengdu office sharing a sweet Sichuan-style mooncake.

Yunnan mooncakes: sweet and earthy

In Yunnan province, renowned for its diverse ethnic cultures and rich agricultural landscape, mooncakes are a fusion of savory and sweet flavors, reflecting the region’s wide range of ingredients and culinary influences. One of the most famous varieties is the Yunnan ham mooncake, made with Xuanwei ham, a product of the province’s cool mountain air and traditional curing methods. The ham’s deeply savory flavor contrasts with the sweetness of the mooncake dough, creating a complex flavor profile that mirrors Yunnan’s tradition of blending bold, earthy ingredients with subtle sweetness.

Guangdong mooncakes: indulgent and flavorful

Mooncakes are a celebration of indulgence in Guangdong province, known for their rich ingredients and intricate designs, often embossed with symbols of good fortune. The classic double-yolk lotus paste mooncake combines the creamy sweetness of lotus seed paste with the savory richness of salted egg yolk. Recently, creative variations like green tea, durian, and ice cream have emerged, reflecting the region’s adaptability and innovation. Guangdong mooncakes are not only flavorful but also a feast for the eyes.

Yimin from our marketing team, based in Shenzhen, enjoying organic rice mooncakes with sesame and walnut, and ginger, date and longan fillings.

Taiwan mooncakes: fresh and fruity

In Taiwan, mooncakes take a modern, lighter approach, often highlighting tropical flavors and the island’s tea culture. The fengli su (pineapple cake) is a popular variety, featuring a tangy-sweet pineapple center within a crumbly, buttery crust. This refreshing contrast suits Taiwan’s warm subtropical climate. Taiwan’s tea heritage is also reflected in mooncakes like the Guanyin tea variety, infused with oolong tea. The tea’s subtle bitterness balances the sweetness of fillings like lotus seed paste, offering a contemporary twist on the traditional mooncake. A special variation blends Guanyin tea with chewy, neutral mochi and savory salted egg yolk, creating a complex blend of floral, savory, and mild sweetness. 

Wendy, from our Taiwan office, about to savor the island’s signature pineapple cake.

From the hearty mooncakes of Beijing to the fruity varieties of Taiwan, these delicacies are an essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, reflecting the family customs that define the celebration. To experience these regional specialties in their true settings, start planning now for next year’s Mid-Autumn Festival.

Explore our guide to the where to travel in China in fall, and let the festival’s flavors and traditions enhance your journey.