Recently, Caowa Market in Linshu County, Linyi City, Shandong Province, has become an online sensation, attracting 190 million netizens to “cloud shopping” and drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from afar to enjoy local delicacies and shop for specialties, making it one of the strongest cross-provincial shopping destinations of the year.

A Feast for the Senses

At Caowa Market, the most enticing aspect is the variety of authentic snacks. At the entrance, there is always a long line in front of the oil-fried bun stall, which has been serving customers for 40 years. Priced at just 0.5 yuan each, these buns, made with the traditional “boil then fry” technique, can produce 220 buns in just six minutes. The crispy exterior wraps around fillings of beef and celery or radish, releasing savory juice the moment you take a bite.

Nearby, the rice cake stall emits steam, with traditional flavors like black rice and honey dates juxtaposed with modern, layered rice cakes made from yellow millet, purple sweet potato, and black rice. Each bite is sweet and chewy, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia.

The hearty lamb soup at 20 yuan a bowl and the fragrant soybean cakes at 5 yuan each are highlights, while the Linyi fried chicken, enhanced with scallions and chili, is particularly delicious. Paired with freshly made candied chestnuts, customers can enjoy a satisfying meal for just over ten yuan.

Additionally, golden crispy fried dough sticks, freshly steamed tofu pudding, and aromatic roasted sweet potatoes and pancakes abound, making the market a must-visit for food lovers.

Culture Infused

The charm of the market extends beyond food; intangible cultural heritage and red memories add depth to the experience. As the “Capital of Willow Weaving,” the non-heritage area in the southeast corner of Caowa Market is like a “classroom of intangible heritage,” showcasing willow weaving techniques passed down for over 1,400 years. The willow from the Shushui River is transformed into flower baskets, screens, and “Linshu Gifts” creative items, merging traditional skills with modern aesthetics.

At the gourd painting stall, intricate designs of the twelve zodiac animals and various floral motifs come to life, with artisans explaining their craft techniques. During festival times, stalls for paper cutting and dough figurines are crowded, each piece reflecting folk wisdom.