For people in Yantai, mianyan is a beloved childhood flavor woven into their earliest memories. [WeChat account: ytkfqfb]

In the Jiaodong region where Yantai is located, a tradition of making mianyan cakes during Qingming Festival has been passed down from generation to generation. These swallow-shaped pastries carry people's hopes for spring and longing for loved ones.

Tools such as scissors, combs, straws, and peppercorns are essential for making mianyan. After kneading the dough, shaping, cutting out feather shapes, pressing textures, and adding the finishing touches, a small, delectable cake takes shape.

Today, mianyan cakes not only symbolize the passing down of folk customs, but also nostalgia for simpler times.