Have a date with spring in Zhouzhuang

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Relish seasonal dishes and snacks

Breaking into a restaurant, order some seasonal dishes or snacks with distinguished Zhouzhuang characters. Qingtuan or dishes made with fresh river fish and shrimps would be excellent choices.

Qingtuan, or green rice balls, in China's Jiangnan area - the region south of the Yangtze River. The green delicacies, sometimes shaped like dumplings, are usually made from glutinous rice mixed with pounded mugwort - an edible wild herb thought to prevent toxic insect bites.

Qingtuan, or green rice balls, served at a restaurant in Zhouzhuang. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]