Explore Suanye, a sour snack in S China's Guangxi

Suanye, a snack of pickled fruits and vegetables from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is famous for its unique sweet, sour, spicy and salty flavor.

To make Suanye, locals wash fruits and vegetables, peel or slice them, and place them into pickling vessels. They are then combined with rice vinegar, salt, sugar, chili, and purified water, and left to ferment.

Photo shows pickled fruits at a shop in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Liu Luyao)

Recognized as an autonomous region-level intangible cultural heritage, the craft of making Nanning Suanye is famous for its inclusiveness. Almost anything can be pickled, making it a unique symbol of Guangxi in the summer.

At a store which is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage workshop, located in Nanning, capital of the autonomous region, visitors can pick from a colorful array of seasonal fruits, including plums, guavas, papayas, pineapples, and even mangoes. Vegetables are just as versatile: radishes, cabbage, cucumbers, and more all find their way into the jars.

Photo shows pickled vegetables at a shop in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Liu Luyao)

Photo shows pickled fruits at a shop in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Liu Luyao)

Photo shows pickled plums at a shop in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Liu Luyao)

Suanye preserves the natural sweetness of fresh produce while adding a signature tangy crunch. Each bite begins with a satisfying "crunch," followed by a lively mix of fruit acidity and seasonings, creating a layered sensation of crisp, sweet, sour, and spicy. This rich medley of flavors leaves a lingering, unforgettable impression.

Photo shows pickled radish (left) at a shop in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Liu Luyao)

Photo shows pickled fruits at a shop in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Liu Luyao)

Today, the beloved street food is moving toward commercial production and spreading nationwide, and the growing number of enthusiasts ensures that these traditional techniques continue to flourish.