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 ).

China Snow Town
China Snow Town in Dongbei

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.

China Snow Town in Dongbei
China Snow Town in Dongbei

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.

China Snow Town in Dongbei
China Snow Town in Dongbei

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.

China Snow Town in Dongbei
China Snow Town 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.

Take a pickled Chinese cabbage preserved in a big ceramic vat.
Take pickled Chinese cabbage preserved in a big ceramic vat.

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.

Plan your Northeast China Tour (Dongbei tour)? Don’t miss having a bite of Suan Cai Jiaozi!

Pickled Chinese cabbage
Pickled Chinese cabbage
Chopped pickled Chinese cabbage
Chopped pickled Chinese cabbage
Suan Cai Jiaozi fillings: pickled Chinese cabbage and minced port
Suan Cai Jiaozi fillings: pickled Chinese cabbage and minced port
Mixing chopped Suan Cai with minced port
Mixing chopped Suan Cai with minced pork
Making Jiaozi
Making Jiaozi
Finished Jiaozi
Finished Jiaozi
Boiled Suan Cai Jiaozi
Boiled Suan Cai Jiaozi
Eating Jiaozi (Dumplings)
Eating Jiaozi (Dumplings)

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:

Harbin Tour
Harbin 3 Day Tour Package
Changchun Tour
Shenyang Tour
Dalian Tour
Dandong Tour
North Korea Tour
Northeast China Tour

Further Readings


Top Attractions in Northeast China
Top 10 Attractions in Harbin
Top 6 Things to Do in Heilongjiang
Top 10 Attractions in Shenyang
Top 10 Attractions in Dandong
Top 10 Attractions in Ji’an
Top 10 Attractions in Panjin
Top 10 Attractions in Dalian (Tips, Photos and Maps)

Best Time to Visit Harbin
Where to Stay in Harbin
Harbin West Railway Station
Top Things to Do in Winter in Harbin
Harbin Ice and Snow Happy Valley
Harbin Ice and Snow World
Harbin Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo
Harbin Winter Swimming
Madie’er Popsicles in Harbin
Harbin Jihua Ski Resort
Suan Cai Jiaozi – New Year’s Soul in Dongbei
What to see in Harbin, things to do in Harbin

Yabuli Ski Resort

China Snow Town
Scenic Drive from Harbin to China Snow Town

Shuttle Bus from Harbin to China Snow Town
Harbin – Yabuli – China Snow Town Shuttle Bus
Sunrise Glow over China Snow Village
Night View of China Snow Village

Qiqihar Taxi: Qiqihar Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Mudanjiang Taxi: Mudanjiang Taxi Fares, Tips and phones
Harbin Taxi: Harbin Taxi Fares, Tips and Phone
Yanji Taxi: Yanji Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Jilin Taxi: Jilin Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Changchun Taxi: Changchun Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Dandong Taxi: Dandong Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Shenyang Taxi: Shenyang Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones

Any questions, just drop a line.

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