Tang Hulu (Candied Hawthorn)

Tang Hulu is a northern Chinese winter street snack dating back to the Song dynasty, featuring scarlet hawthorn berries or strawberries skewered on bamboo sticks and dipped in liquid crystal sugar. Each stick typically contains 6–8 berries, providing 40 IU of vitamin C per serving—5 times the amount found in #3 Stinky Tofu. The sugar coating adds about 15 grams of sugar, but the treat's low cost of 5–10 CNY and mesmerizing appearance make it a photogenic favorite. Its refreshing tartness balances the sweetness, creating a candy-like snack that has stood the test of centuries.