As an intangible cultural heritage of Shanxi province, traditional Jinyang steamed buns continue to thrive through exquisite craftsmanship preserved by generations of dedicated artisans.

Wang Chunyan, a master artisan from the Xinghualing district of Taiyuan city, has dedicated herself to the creation, development, and preservation of Jinyang steamed buns. Her commitment ensures that this ancient folk art is passed down in a robust, innovative manner.

Wang Chunyan transforms steamed buns into visually appealing folk art pieces rich with meaning. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

In preserving this tradition, the making of Jinyang steamed buns strictly adheres to time-honored methods. High-quality wheat flour is carefully selected as the primary ingredient, with natural fruit and vegetable juices, such as pumpkin, spinach, and dragon fruit, used for coloring. This approach retains the traditional flavor while aligning with modern health-conscious dietary trends.

Artisans skillfully employ traditional techniques such as kneading, rolling, pinching, and cutting to intricately craft buns that blend folk symbolism with artistic design, harmoniously uniting cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetic tastes.

Wang Chunyan's team discusses the plans for enhancing steamed bun products. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Through the dedication and innovation of its practitioners, the art of making Jinyang steamed buns is dynamically preserved through handcrafted artistry and cultural transmission, breathing new life into this once dormant traditional skill.

The cut-out patterns are pasted onto the dough, making it more visually appealing. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Wang Chunyan's team introduces Jinyang steamed buns via live streaming. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]