If Peking duck represents the classic cuisine of this city, then candied hawthorn is the warmest and most childlike flavor on the streets of Beijing.

Strings of bright red hawthorns, coated in a glistening sugar coating, shimmer in the sunlight. A gentle bite reveals the crisp sugar shell and the sweet and sour hawthorn—simple yet unforgettable. This is not only a traditional snack but also a must-try street food for many tourists visiting Beijing.

🍓 One hawthorn, a century-old tradition

Candied hawthorn originated in northern China and has a history of hundreds of years. The most classic way to make it is to skewer fresh hawthorns and then coat them with a layer of boiled rock sugar syrup. After the syrup cools, it forms a transparent and crispy outer shell, hence the name "candied hawthorn".

Nowadays, in addition to the traditional hawthorn flavor, you can also enjoy candied hawthorn made with a variety of fruits such as strawberry, grape, orange, and kiwi, which perfectly combines tradition and creativity.

🏮 Stroll through the hutongs and search for Beijing's sweetest bite.

The best way to enjoy candied hawthorn is not by sitting in a restaurant, but by strolling through Beijing's hutongs and old streets.

In winter, you can often see stalls selling candied hawthorns on the streets of Gulou, Shichahai, and Qianmen Street. Holding a string of crystal-clear candied hawthorns, admiring the ancient courtyards, and experiencing the leisurely street life of Beijing is a travel experience that many foreign tourists love.

✨ Why is it worth trying candied hawthorn?

• 🍓 Savor China's most representative traditional street desserts
• 🍬 Experience the unique taste of "crispy on the outside and sweet and sour on the inside".
• 📸 Bright red candied hawthorn berries are one of Beijing's most popular food items for taking photos.
• Stroll through hutongs, night markets, and old streets to experience authentic Beijing life.
• 🇨🇳 Learn about traditional Chinese festivals and winter food culture

❤️ A string of candied hawthorns, a memory of Beijing

The beauty of travel often lies in the simplest flavors.

When you stroll through the ancient streets and alleys of Beijing and take a bite of the crisp and sweet candied hawthorn, the sweet and sour taste will become the most unforgettable memory this city leaves you with.

Candied hawthorn berries – a string of sweet and sour treats that capture the winter romance of Beijing.