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Residents make mooncakes in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

As the Mid-Autumn Festival nears, the people of Shangyu district, Shaoxing continue a century-old ritual, enjoying handmade mooncakes that reflect the region's deep-rooted traditions, Tide News reported on Sept 11.

In Tangpu town, the Rongsheng Food Factory remains a local favorite, producing mooncakes crafted entirely by hand. With the festival approaching, production has hit its peak as workers devote themselves to preserving a method passed down through generations.

Li Yinfang, a pastry chef and inheritor of Shangyu's intangible cultural heritage, has been making mooncakes since she was 16. She knows each step of the process by heart, from kneading the dough to preparing the fillings. 

Li Yunsheng, the factory's 73-year-old head, has spent 58 years perfecting the craft. His precision in portioning dough and filling, done without scales, ensures each mooncake maintains an ideal balance.

Rongsheng's mooncakes stand apart from mass-produced varieties by following traditional methods. Each step — from dough preparation to filling, shaping, and baking — requires care and attention, resulting in a pastry that offers a unique contrast between its crisp outer layer and its rich filling. 

A commitment to technique keeps the mooncakes true to their original taste. While large brands dominate the market, many in Shaoxing still favor these handmade mooncakes. Year after year, people seek them out, drawn by their authenticity and connection to tradition.