Eat Beat

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Rice cakes

Almost every city in eastern China claims to be the originator of plum-flower-shaped, palm-sized, sweet-red-bean stuffed rice cakes. But Wuzhen has a legend that supports its claim.

The story says the water town was often besieged during wars, since it used to occupy a strategic location. That is, until a general surnamed Wu amassed a local army so mighty that nobody dared attack the settlement.

Locals named the town after him and created the rice cakes to show their gratitude.

The treats were traditionally enjoyed during such events as festivals, weddings and birthdays. There is only one place selling the cakes inside the town's sightseeing area.

It has no sign, no telephone number and no public contact information. But it's hard to miss because of the crowds it draws.