Welcome to TaiShan. On the surface, it might seem like just another quiet town, but to me, it’s home in a way no other place can be. My connection to this place runs deep—like, thousands-of-years deep. Back when emperors ruled and soldiers roamed the fields with swords and horses, my ancestors were already here. 

In today’s modern society, many people are drifting away from their cultural roots. This project aims to reconnect us with our identity by documenting and celebrating some of our favorite aspects of culture, offering a way to rediscover and preserve the traditions that define us. From the charming hutongs to the delicious tanghulu snack, join us as we explore the iconic landmarks, mythical creatures.

In this blog, I reflect on how I took my Beijing culture for granted while living there, only to truly appreciate it after moving to Hong Kong. The bustling streets, rich history, and unique traditions that were once part of my everyday life became so much more meaningful once I was removed from them.

This blog explores how four traditional Beijing snacks—tanghulu, rolling donkey, douzhi, and niangao—carry deep cultural meaning beyond their flavors. As someone who has lived in Beijing for 17 years, I reflect on the memories, values, and traditions these foods represent. Through revisiting these bites, I invite others to see how everyday cuisine can open doors to understanding and preserving culture.