Dingsheng cakes made using traditional techniques. [Photo/Tide News]

In Huzhou, Zhejiang province, the tradition of eating dingsheng cakes — a rice cake whose name means "certain victory" — before major exams has been observed for generations.

Today, local artisans preserve the traditional techniques used to make the cakes while innovating flavor and design to meet modern tastes.

Dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), this treat was originally made as a way to pray for military victory. Over time, its meaning expanded to include success in education and work.

At the Xu Zhongliang Dingsheng Cake shop, skilled craftsmen meticulously prepare the cakes using a blend of polished Japonica and glutinous rice. The mixture is carefully sifted into molds, filled with red bean paste, and enhanced with lard for aroma. Once steamed, the cakes emerge soft and sweet.

According to designer Jin Yating, the shop enriches its offerings while respecting tradition. For children, they have introduced a cheese-filled version, while the classic red bean filling remains popular among older customers. New flavors like rose and custard blend traditional and contemporary tastes.

The shop's fragrant cakes attract many customers, and their exam-themed gift boxes are seeing a surge in orders. For locals, buying dingsheng cakes before major exams, such as the national college entrance exam, is a way to wish for academic success.

Today, the local specialty stands as a symbol of Huzhou's rich cultural heritage, with Xu Zhongliang's craft recognized as a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage item.