Chengdu Handmade Treats: Bingfen, Liangxia & Lianggao

Chengdu is known for pandas, historic alleys, and spicy hotpot. Among its local flavors, three handmade specialties stand out: Bingfen (Ice Jelly), Liangxia (Cold Rice Drops), and Lianggao (Rice Cake). These treats are enjoyed by locals throughout the year, offering a refreshing and culturally rich taste of the city.

1. Bingfen (Ice Jelly): A Soft, Translucent Dessert

Overview
Bingfen is a translucent, soft jelly with a naturally cool texture. Its subtle sweetness and bouncy feel make it a classic handmade treat in Chengdu.

Toppings

• Brown sugar syrup
• Crushed peanuts
• Hawthorn flakes
• Ciba (small sticky rice cakes)
• Optional: raisins, fermented rice (laozao), red beans, sesame seeds

When Locals Enjoy It
People enjoy Bingfen while strolling through parks or after a meal with spicy dishes. It is a refreshing snack year-round.

Handmade Process

1. Rub ice jelly seeds in cool boiled water to release pectin.
2. Stir and extract the thickened water.
3. Mix with clarified lime water, stirring in one direction.
4. Chill until it sets into a clear, bouncy jelly.

Recommended Shops

• Chanquan Bingfen (Kuixinglou Branch)
  Location: No. 23-2, Kuixinglou Street, Qingyang District
  Price: ~15–20 RMB
  Transport: Metro Line 4, Kuanzhai Alley Station, Exit B, 800m walk
  Features: Handmade jelly with fresh fruit toppings; seasonal flavors; minimalist decor.
• Juan Shu Bing She (Chunxi Road Branch)
  Location: No. 36-4, Lower East Street, Jinjiang District
  Price: ~12–18 RMB
  Transport: Metro Line 2/3, Chunxi Road Station, Exit D, 300m walk
  Features: Creative toppings and generous portions; central location.

2. Liangxia (Cold Rice Drops): Small, Chewy Rice Treats

Overview
Liangxia is made from rice paste dripped into cold water, forming tiny, chewy drops resembling shrimp. Served in brown sugar syrup and sometimes mint water, it is a refreshing handmade snack.

Handmade Process

1. Soak rice until soft, then blend into fine rice milk.
2. Cook rice milk until thick and translucent.
3. Press through a slotted spoon into cold water to form “little shrimps.”
4. Serve with brown sugar syrup, mint, or optional fruit/seeds.

Where to Buy
Available at street carts, small dessert shops, and many hotpot or Chuanchuan restaurants. Simple versions cost 5–8 RMB; authentic handmade versions are common year-round.

3. Lianggao (Rice Cake): Silky, Sweet, and Soft

Overview
Lianggao is a soft, snow-white rice cake with a mild sweetness. The combination of glutinous and regular rice creates a chewy, melt-in-the-mouth texture, often paired with brown sugar syrup.

Handmade Process

1. Soak and grind rice into a smooth paste.
2. Cook slowly over low heat, stirring constantly until thick.
3. Pour into containers, cool naturally or in the fridge, then cut into blocks.
4. Top with boiled brown sugar syrup before serving.

Recommended Shops

• Double Eagle Mama Lianggao (Shuangliu)
  Location: No. 100, South Section 2, Cangwei Road, Shuangliu District
  Price: ~8–12 RMB
  Features: Balanced syrup, seasonal fruit flavors, traditional recipe.
• San Mei Lianggao (Jianshe Road)
  Location: No. 1-32, Jianshe Alley, Chenghua District
  Price: ~7–10 RMB
  Features: High-quality rice, seasonal specialties like mint or osmanthus flavors.

4. Local Treats Pairing with Chengdu Life

• Kuanzhai Alley: Enjoy Bingfen while exploring ancient architecture.
• Jinli Ancient Street: Try Liangxia after tasting street snacks.
• Wuhou Shrine: Refresh with Lianggao after walking and sightseeing.

These handmade local treats capture the cultural rhythm and lifestyle of Chengdu, offering a taste of the city beyond hotpot and spicy snacks. For a deeper taste of the city, visit our Chengdu Local Food Trails guide to explore traditional snacks, street food, and the everyday dishes locals truly love.