These simple figures are a type of traditional folk art created from dough made of flour and glutinous rice flour, dyes, paraffin and honey. The figures depict well-known Chinese characters from opera, folklore, fairy tales, cartoons, zodiac signs, and other animals. As with many art forms, the dough figures enjoy a history that dates back thousands of years and today’s specialty shops in Beijing keep this tradition alive, both for local Beijingers, and those travelers curious about the historical significance they represent.
Update: June 10, 2021
