Workers are busy making mantou at a steamed bun shop in Wanggezhuang subdisrict of Qingdao. The buns are made into different shapes according to certain occasion. Popular shapes are those with auspicious implication such as dragons and phoenixes, tigers and longevity peaches. [Photo by Du Chunlai/qingdaonews.com]

The Qingdao specialty - Wanggezhuang giant mantou is embracing its selling season as the 2018 Chinese Lunar New Year approaches.

Wanggezhuang subdistrict area in Qingdao's Laoshan district is a renowned regional bakery hub for mantou, the traditional steamed bun that is a staple for millions in northern China.

Many mantou shops in the area still adhere to traditional production methods. They mix wheat meal and spring water from Laoshan Mountain to create dough, then use their hands to knead the dough and steam the shaped buns on traditional wood burners.

Buns made in this area are in high demand both at home and abroad as they are rich in minerals, nourishing and easy to digest.