(CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Making flower cake, or huagao, is a New Year tradition in the western region of Shandong province. Using mainly flour, red dates, some simple moulds and vegetable juice to colour the dough, local artisans are able to create a variety of vivid images.

The Chinese character for cake is gao, whose homophonic means growth, improvement or greater accomplishment. So huagao usually embodies people's best wishes for their family and friends.