A special museum opened on Jan 6 in Laixi, a county-level city of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province to promote a local delicacy – Jiaodong huabobo.

Jiaodong huabobo, literally meaning flour flower, refers to flower-shaped steamed buns. The time-honored treat is often eaten during times of folklore activities such as a sacrificial ritual, celebration and traditional festivals, and is common in the Shandong Peninsula. It was listed as a Shandong provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2009.

Covering an area of more than 1,000 square meters, the museum displays 368 exhibits including tools used for wheat production and steamed bun making from different historical periods, as well as over 50 sets of dough figurines in various styles.

At the museum visitors can try their hands on the exhibited tools and learn how to make huabobo.

Local children learn how to make steamed buns at the newly-opened Jiaodong huabobo museum on Jan 6 in Laixi, a county-level city of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/dailyqd.com]

Jiaodong huabobo in different shapes are exhibited at the museum in Laixi, a county-level city of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. The meanings associated with the delicacy are good luck, blessings, peace, longevity and prosperity.[Photo/dailyqd.com]