The custom of making dough figurines can be traced back to the late Yuan Dynasty (1206-1370). At the time, Datong people were suppressed by foreign ethnic groups. During fights against rulers, the rebel group would stuff notes inside the dough figurines to deliver secret information.

When the war ended, the dough figurines were kept to commemorate the revolt. They also express people’s well wishes.

After new China was founded in 1949, dough figurines became more delicate and some were even dyed in different colors. Many housewives prefer to carve pictures on the figurines to display their ingenuity and to win praise from relatives and friends.

Cao Xiuyun, teacher of a Datong vocational school, makes the best dough figurines. Her works come in vast varieties, with beautiful colors and vivid images. They have won many honors at various exhibitions.