Entering the twelfth lunar month,
In Qingdao, Shandong Province, the wind is biting and the winter snow is falling.
However, on Wanggezhuang Street at the foot of Laoshan Mountain,
But it was filled with steaming smoke.
The sweet aroma of wheat fills the air...
Three kilograms of traditional Wanggezhuangda steamed buns. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
In the workshop steamer filled with hot steam,
The cute baby dragon,
Brightly colored lucky bags
There are also the huge longevity peaches, golden locks, tigers...
Steaming and lifelike, it appears in front of people.
These doll-like foods,
They are all the most common staple foods in life.
--Steamed bun.
All kinds of pastries. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
This is
It is well-known in China and can be called the "Big Mac" in the steamed bun industry.
——Wang Ge Zhuangda Steamed Buns.
Not a grain of wheat is produced
But the steamed buns were made into "golden lumps"
Because northern China is rich in wheat, pasta is the staple food.
Steamed buns play an important role in this.
However, what is unexpected is that
The highest peak on the Chinese coastline
Wanggezhuang Street at the foot of Laoshan Mountain
Mainly focused on fishing, it is a famous local fishing port.
does not grow wheat
But it was conceived here
Wanggezhuangda Steamed Buns with a history of 500 years.
This gastronomic miracle makes people marvel at it.
The freshly baked Wanggezhuangda steamed buns are full of wheat aroma. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
Wang Gezhuang’s steamed buns,
It once caused a craze in the country,
Become the center of attention for food.
Huang Bo once described this "steamed bun bigger than his face"
Give it to Shu Qi as a unique gift
For a time, it triggered widespread discussion and curiosity among netizens.
Shu Qi compared the big steamed bun with her face, sparking curious discussions among netizens. Picture source: Weibo pictures
undoubtedly,
The word "big" is the golden signature of Wanggezhuangda Steamed Buns.
Its size is huge, ranging from half a catty to three catties.
Sizes range from as small as the mouth of a bowl to as large as a basin.
The shop owner displays steamed buns as big as a basin. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
However,
Wang Ge Zhuang Da Steamed Buns
It’s not just its size that attracts diners;
Its unique deliciousness also contributes a lot.
According to Yu Qian, the owner of Laobao Zhai Steamed Bun Shop,
“The secret to making Wang Ge Zhuang’s steamed buns is
Specializing in flour, Laoshan water, hand kneading,
Iron pot steaming and wood-fired barbecue
Only the pure spring water of Laoshan Mountain,
Only then can we give the big steamed bun that indescribable
Authentic flavor. "
Local Laoshan spring water must be added when kneading the noodles. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
The charm of Wang Ge Zhuang’s steamed buns,
Due to its unique production technology and selected ingredients
Local streets work closely with main production areas
Specially supplied high quality flour,
Coupled with the unique clear spring water source of Laoshan Mountain
Maximizes the sweetness of malt.
To ensure quality, the flour used in the steamed buns comes from special flour provided by the street. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
in the traditional production process
Big steamed buns are steamed and baked in an iron pot.
The part where the bottom is in contact with the iron pot shows an attractive golden color.
This is what people call the "golden bottom".
It is also the unique symbol of Wanggezhuangda Steamed Buns.
The large steamed buns piled up for delivery each have a "golden bottom". Photo by Wang Yuxuan
Big steamed buns with "gold base"
It is indeed a "golden pimple" worthy of the name.
Provide a powerful engine for local development.
Yu Qian, a native resident of Wanggezhuang Street
He is one of the beneficiaries of this cause.
Ten years ago, Yu Qian and her husband lost their jobs due to poor management of their electronics factory.
Carrying a debt of 800,000 yuan, life was in trouble.
However, under the advice of villagers in his hometown,
She decided to join the big steamed bun business,
“When I was little, I watched my grandma steam buns.
That golden glutinous rice is my sweetest memory. "
Yu Qian recalled
Relying on childhood memories and original intentions,
She started a big steamed bun business.
Yu Qian is steaming big steamed buns. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
The dough needs time to ferment.
to expand into a perfect shape,
Similarly, Yu Qian's life has also experienced years of precipitation.
Only then can life be rejuvenated.
The big steamed buns that are freshly baked are plump and tempting. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
After a year and a half,
Yu Qian's big steamed bun business started from scratch.
Gradually get on the right track.
Not only did she successfully pay off her debt;
Now it can generate two to three million yuan in revenue every year.
Dan Yu Qian’s story
It’s just a microcosm of the local development driven by big steamed buns.
Villagers are making traditional steamed buns in the shape of golden locks. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
By the end of 2023,
Wanggezhuang Street has gathered
More than 160 large steamed bun manufacturers
Form a huge industrial cluster.
According to the statistics,
The street consumes more than 400,000 bags of flour throughout the year
In order to support this characteristic industry, the government
Annual subsidies for flour and yeast were distributed
A total of more than 2.3 million yuan.
Wang Ge Zhuang Da Steamed Buns
The total output in 2023 will be nearly 14,400 tons.
Created an output value of approximately 120 million yuan
The steamed bun business has made outstanding contributions to local employment. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
It is worth mentioning that,
In this street with a population of less than 50,000
Big steamed bun industry
It has provided employment opportunities for more than 5,000 women,
Become an important force in promoting local economic development.
With policy support and promotion,
Wang Ge Zhuang Da Steamed Buns
has gradually developed into Qingdao and even Shandong
One of the most representative characteristic industries,
Its brand influence is growing day by day.
Century-old steamed buns "bloom new flowers"
Wanggezhuang Street is located in Jiaodong area.
The "Hua Mo Mo" dough sculpture also has a long history in the local area.
On important occasions such as weddings and birthdays,
Various types of steamed buns are an indispensable symbol of ritual.
All kinds of big steamed buns express meanings and blessings for a better future. Photo courtesy of Wanggezhuang Street Office
Elderly people should have longevity peach steamed buns to celebrate their birthdays.
Baby should have golden lock steamed buns for 100 days
The wedding banquet must include pomegranate steamed buns...
Different shapes represent different meanings and blessings,
However, the traditional big steamed bun dough sculpture
It is no longer able to meet the current market demand.
Wang Ge Zhuang Da Steamed Buns
We are also seeking innovation and change in the fierce market competition.
Ah Jiu is showing off the image of "Baby Bunny". Photo by Wang Yuxuan
More and more teams
Make bold innovations based on traditional dough sculptures.
Ah Jiu, workshop manager of Li Ji Hongfu Steamed Bun Factory
Responsible for the research and production of patterned steamed buns.
She keeps up with the trends of the times,
Place zodiac animals, lucky bags, lions, koi, etc.
National trend elements are integrated into the design of patterned steamed buns.
Create a new type of "flower bun" that is both beautiful and affordable.
Flower steamed buns made with great care by the Ajiu team,
It's a work of art.
The most amazing thing is that
When you gently break off the flowered steamed buns,
There are actually eight golden "gold ingots" hidden inside.
It means wealth and good luck.
Flower buns contain "gold ingots". Photo by Wang Yuxuan
Ah Jiu’s inspiration comes from life and festivals.
She is good at capturing market trends,
and transform it into product innovation.
For example,
Year of the Dragon themed "Dragon Baby" steamed buns
Online sales are booming,
Won the warm pursuit of consumers.
This kind of combination of traditional culture and modern aesthetics
design concept
Wanggezhuangda Steamed Buns have taken on new life.
Flower steamed buns with the theme of the Year of the Dragon have become the hottest best-sellers at the moment. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
at the same time,
The Ahjiu team also responded positively
Consumer concerns about nutrition and health,
The team abandoned the food coloring used in traditional dough sculptures.
Switch to pumpkin, dragon fruit, spinach and more
Natural fruit and vegetable powders are used as pigments to blend colors
The patterned steamed buns are not only beautiful in appearance, but also
More nutritious and healthy.
Knead various colors of fruit and vegetable powder into the dough. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
In sales channels,
Ah Jiu also made a bold attempt,
Relying on her previous experience in the home furnishing e-commerce industry, she
Shifted the sales focus of Wanggezhuangda Steamed Buns to online.
at present,
More than 90% of the team’s orders come from online platforms.
This shift not only broadened sales channels,
It also reduces operating costs and improves efficiency.
Through the dual strategies of creative processing and online layout,
The patterned steamed buns sold by the Ahjiu team have a higher premium.
The price of a single steamed bun is three to four times that of traditional steamed buns.
despite this,
Consumers are still interested in these beautiful and affordable pastries
Rushing like a duck.
Ajiu said:
“Our goal this year is to double our turnover again.
We are confident that through continuous innovation and market expansion,
Jiang Wangge Zhuangda Steamed Buns
This traditional cuisine is carried forward. "
The flower buns shaped like lucky bags are very popular among consumers. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
In recent years,
Wanggezhuang Street vigorously develops steamed bun e-commerce.
Relying on the rural revitalization digital platform, the e-commerce live broadcast headquarters was established.
Launch e-commerce incubation camp.
Through live training and other methods
Improve e-commerce marketing skills of practitioners,
More than 70 enterprises and merchants have now tasted the benefits.
Ajiu sells large steamed buns through online short videos. Photo provided by interviewee
While maintaining integrity and innovating in the big steamed bun business,
It has also been constantly improving and updating itself...
2023 "Wangge Zhuangda Steamed Bun Group Standards"
Start preparation work,
Wanggezhuang Street held a pasta craft training class.
Held the Wanggezhuang Style Steamed Bun Contest,
Launched Wanggezhuangda Mantou IP "Mantou Likes You"
Launched a series of cultural and creative products and WeChat emoticon packs,
Launched an extended version of IP cultural tourism "Manman Goes to Travel",
Carry out various cultural tourism promotions...
In the fancy steamed bun competition, a crab-shaped steamed bun came to life. Photo courtesy of Wanggezhuang Street Office
At the Wanggezhuang Damantou Cultural Festival, Damantou IP set up a special booth. Photo courtesy of Wanggezhuang Street Office
Wang Ge Zhuang Da Mantou IP "Manman likes you". Photo courtesy of Wanggezhuang Street Office
Wanggezhuang Street surrounds the big steamed bun industry
Promote the in-depth integration of business, tourism and culture,
Continuously add new impetus to the development of local economy.
now,
Wanggezhuang steamed buns are no longer limited to the Shandong market.
But nationwide
It has won wide acclaim and popularity.
Its unique "Hua Pastry" series
With the help of the online platform Dongfeng
Crossing geographical boundaries,
Marketing to the southern hinterlands such as Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai where rice is the main food.
It has caused a craze especially among young people.
Whether it is celebrating a birthday or a wedding banquet,
Or the romantic "520 Valentine's Day",
Wanggezhuang's steamed buns have become an important ritual expression.
Wanggezhuangda steamed buns specially customized for your lover’s birthday. Photo courtesy of Wanggezhuang Street Office
What is even more proud is that
Wanggezhuangda Steamed Buns have also appeared on the international stage many times.
Shine brilliantly at various overseas exhibitions.
These pastries with different shapes and auspicious meanings
It not only conveys a strong Shandong style,
Let international friends from all over the world
Appreciate the profoundness and infinite charm of Chinese food culture.
During the Qingdao Cooperation Summit, the steamed bun appeared in the CCTV live broadcast room and attracted much attention at home and abroad. Photo courtesy of Wanggezhuang Street Office
The Spring Festival is approaching,
Wanggezhuang steamed bun order
Coming like snowflakes,
Already overwhelmed.
This prosperous scene,
Not only the persistence and inheritance of traditional craftsmanship,
It is also a vivid reflection of people’s yearning for a better life.
Looking to the future,
Wanggezhuang’s “Small Town Big Steamed Bun”
will continue to carry this deep expectation,
with its unique charm
Inject continuous new vitality into the local economy.
And the "golden lumps" in the steamer in the small fishing village,
It will also shine brightly for a long time.
Illuminating every soul that loves life and pursues beauty.
The Spring Festival of the Year of the Dragon is approaching, and Wanggezhuangda’s steamed buns are already overwhelmed with orders. Photo by Wang Yuxuan
Author: Hu Yaojie, Wang Yuxuan