Among the countless traditional pastries of Guangdong, few carry a name as intriguing – or as romantic – as the Wife Cake (老婆饼). Known also by its elegant alias “Winter Melon Pastries” (冬茸酥, 冬蓉酥, Dongrong Su), this golden, flaky pastry is one of the most beloved dim sum treats in southern China. But what…
This article focuses on Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan, leaders of the Tang Dynasty’s Ancient Prose Movement. It covers their literary reform against flowery parallel prose, their close friendship, and their moral integrity. It also tells Han Yu’s bold protest against Buddhism that led to exile, Liu Zongyuan’s achievements in exile, and how their…