With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, Chengdu’s zongzi (leaf-wrapped glutinous rice dumpling) market has moved far beyond the traditional debate between sweet and salty varieties. From wellness-oriented zongzi to trendy co-branded IP products, and from classic flavors to spicy hot pot-inspired varieties, which zongzi do you prefer?

 

 

On Ma’an East Road, Chengdu’s well-known street for traditional zongzi, vendors fill their stalls with fresh green bamboo leaves, glossy and plump glutinous rice, and an array of fillings. They wrap zongzi with their skilled hands on site, filling the air with a lively festive atmosphere.

 

 

In addition to the enduring classics, such as pork, red bean paste, and candied jujube fillings, this year is seeing the emergence of hot pot-inspired zongzi and other innovative varieties. They cater both to longtime food enthusiasts seeking familiar tastes and to young people eager to try something new.

 

 

Based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory that “the five colors nourish the five organs”, the Clinical Nutrition Department of Chengdu Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital has introduced the wellness zongzi in five colors—green, red, white, black, and yellow—combined with Poria cocos, Chinese yams, and Chinese chestnuts. All zongzi features healthier recipes with reduced oil, salt, and sugar.

 

 

Meanwhile, local time-honored brands have joined in by exploring regional medicinal and food resources, such as Sichuan-grown dried tangerine peel and Chinese yams. They have formed a Chengdu-specific wellness zongzi product mix.

 

POP MART has launched the SKULLPANDA-themed zongzi, which is now selling well at the POPBAKERY pop-up store in Chengdu MixC. Daoxiangcun’s 2026 co-branded gift boxes with Punishing: Gray Raven and Ghost Story: Love Destiny are now available at supermarkets in Chengdu, complete with complimentary game merchandise. 

 

 

A “post-95s” consumer commented, “Now I can easily buy milk tea zongzi and IP-themed zongzi in business districts. They bring a full sense of festive occasion.”

 

Edited by Zhang Yuanlin

Source: Home in Chengdu