Celebrate China Tourism Day with Cultural Ice Cream Bars: A Delicious Journey Through Heritage
Culturally creative ice cream bars conquer China's tourist spots as rising summer temperatures boost their popularity.
As summer temperatures soar across the country, an inventive and refreshing trend is taking hold at popular tourist destinations: culturally creative ice cream bars. These unique treats are designed with inspiration drawn from some of China's most cherished landmarks, historic relics, celebrated figures, and regional flora and fauna. The result is a fusion of flavor and artistry, turning a simple ice cream bar into a memorable cultural keepsake.
Visitors strolling through famous sites like Beijing's Yuyuantan Park can now be seen snapping selfies with cherry blossom-shaped ice cream, while those at Wuhan's Yellow Crane Tower enjoy frozen confections modeled after the tower itself. It is not only the taste that delights but also the aesthetic appeal of these treats, which double as edible souvenirs. This playful, interactive experience continues to attract crowds eager to share their picturesque moments online, adding a modern twist to cultural appreciation.
The phenomenon began gaining traction in 2019 when the Old Summer Palace in Beijing unveiled a lotus-inspired ice cream bar — its design paying homage to the ancient seeds that once lay dormant beneath the palace’s waters. The idea caught on rapidly, with sites such as the Palace Museum releasing a variety of themed ice creams depicting beloved icons from Chinese heritage. For many visitors, particularly younger generations, collecting photos with these imaginative desserts has become a highlight of their travels, transforming tradition into hands-on fun.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of China Tourism Day, a celebration honoring famed explorer Xu Xiake and the enduring spirit of discovery. Across the nation, travelers are venturing out to immerse themselves in scenic landscapes and centuries-old narratives. With a cultural ice cream bar in hand, tourists are savoring both local history and the sweet joys of summertime, forging new connections to the past through a simple — yet innovative — frozen delight.
