Tanghulu, a beloved Chinese snack, dates back to the Song Dynasty. It was first created as an imperial dessert and later became popular among ordinary people, especially during winter festivals in northern China.This treat is made by skewering fresh hawthorn berries (or fruits like strawberries or grapes) on bamboo sticks and dipping them into hot, melted sugar syrup. Once cooled, the sugar hardens into a shiny, glass-like coating. Tanghulu looks like a string of red gems and tastes sweet and crunchy outside with a slightly sour, juicy center.I love tanghulu not only for its perfect mix of sweet and sour flavors but also because it reminds me of happy childhood moments. Every bite brings back memories of family outings and festive joy, making it more than just a snack—it’s a taste of warmth and tradition.