Wu Meiying rolls glutinous rice balls in a sieve with layers of flour. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

In Dingyan town, Rugao, a small handmade glutinous rice ball workshop has been crafting these beloved treats for 35 years.

Shop owner Wu Meiying follows a time-honored technique—placing the filling into a plastic basket, dipping it in water, and then rolling it in a sieve with layers of glutinous rice flour. The process is repeated seven to eight times, gradually making the balls larger, much like rolling a snowball on a winter's day.

The result is chewy, firm, and delightfully elastic glutinous rice balls that offer the perfect balance of softness and resilience with every bite.

Known for their unique texture, the shop's products have gained popularity far beyond Rugao, reaching markets in Nanjing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Many loyal customers, unable to forget its distinctive taste, go out of their way to have these handmade delights delivered to them.