Celebrate China Tourism Day with Cultural Ice Cream Bars: Tasting Heritage in Every Bite
Rising summer temperatures boost popularity of culturally inspired ice cream bars at tourist spots across China.
As temperatures soar with the approach of summer, China’s tourist attractions are buzzing with a new sensation: culturally creative ice cream bars. These frozen treats, often modeled after famous landmarks, historic architecture, or unique flora and fauna from their localities, have become a fixture at some of the nation's most beloved destinations. The trend is more than just about beating the heat—it’s about tasting heritage and capturing moments that blend history, art, and refreshment in one delicious bite.
One striking example is the cherry blossom-shaped ice cream available at Beijing’s Yuyuantan Park, which draws crowds eager for both the treat and an Instagram-worthy photo. Meanwhile, venues like Wuhan’s Yellow Crane Tower offer tower-shaped ice creams, allowing visitors to literally hold a piece of history in their hands. These inventive creations are as visually distinctive as they are meaningful, providing a sensory link between modern leisure and ancient culture.
The origins of this trend can be traced back to 2019, when the Old Summer Palace in Beijing introduced a lotus-inspired ice cream crafted in homage to the centuries-old seeds that bloom there. This creative approach quickly gained traction, evolving into a widespread phenomenon across China. Now, it’s commonplace for younger generations—armed with smartphones and a keen sense for novelty—to document their travels through snapshots of these edible souvenirs, making the experience of heritage sites both personal and memorable.
On the occasion of the 15th China Tourism Day, which honors the spirit of the celebrated Chinese traveler Xu Xiake, tourist hotspots nationwide are seeing a surge in visitors eager to immerse themselves in culture and history. With cultural ice cream bars in hand, travelers now enjoy not only the sights but also a literal taste of the stories that define these iconic places. As cultural tourism continues to evolve, such creative endeavors are turning everyday moments into multi-sensory celebrations of Chinese heritage.
