In Nanjing, when people talk about qingtuan (green rice balls), the name that springs to mind is often Auntie Xu’s Pastry Shop. This thirty-year-old establishment began its journey in 1994 as a small pushcart at the entrance of an alley in Gulou District. Starting with just a few classic pastries, it has grown into an unmissable culinary icon on every visitor’s Nanjing checklist—”must-eat, must-take-home.” Through three generations of dedication, Auntie Xu’s has preserved the tender, chewy memory of old Nanjing’s glutinous treats.
In 2026, Auntie Xu’s Pastry Shop was recognized as a “Famous, Special, Superior and Innovative” sole trader in Jianye District for its traditional craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients. This official recognition not only affirms the shop’s quality but also makes it a trusted “springtime calling card” in the eyes of visitors from afar.
I. Signature Qingtuan: The “Evergreen Internet Sensation” with Thin Wrappers and Generous Fillings
Every spring, the long queue snaking outside Auntie Xu’s Pastry Shop is practically a defining scene of Jinling’s seasonal charm. The shop’s qingtuan are made using traditional methods, resulting in a soft, chewy, and springy exterior with a subtle fragrance of mugwort—sticky to the touch but never clinging to the teeth.
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Salted Egg Yolk and Pork Floss Qingtuan (8 RMB each): Undeniably the shop’s top seller. These qingtuan are generously sized, with a thin wrapper enveloping an entire rich, sandy salted egg yolk, surrounded by sweet-salty pork floss. With each bite, layers of glutinous, savory, and eggy flavors unfold—hailed by loyal customers as the “eternal favorite.”
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Red Bean Paste Qingtuan (approximately 4.5 RMB each): A classic sweet filling, with red bean paste slowly simmered in-house to a smooth, rich, and delicately sweet consistency—a beloved choice for those with a sweet tooth.
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Black Sesame Qingtuan (approximately 4.5 RMB each): The sesame filling is exceptionally smooth with a rich, runny center, delivering a burst of nutty aroma that lingers long after each bite.
II. Beyond Qingtuan: A Treasure Trove of Traditional Pastries
Beyond qingtuan, Auntie Xu’s other traditional pastries are equally worthy of attention:
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Water Chestnut Cake (approximately 3 RMB each): Sweet and soft with a delightful chew, featuring a layer of fine red bean paste in the middle for added texture.
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Donkey Rolling Cake (Lǘdagun, approximately 3 RMB each): The exterior is coated in fragrant roasted soybean flour, wrapped around a soft, chewy glutinous layer filled with sweet red bean paste—a nostalgic favorite.
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Glutinous Rice Dumplings (approximately 3 RMB each): Soft and springy, filled with sweet fillings that evoke childhood memories for many.
III. Practical Information
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Main Store Address: 1st Floor, No. 109 Yanling Lane, Qinhuai District, Nanjing (approximately 370 meters’ walk from Exit 2 of Daxinggong Metro Station).
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Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM.
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Average Spending: Approximately 24 RMB per person.
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Tips: All pastries are freshly made daily and have a short shelf life—best consumed on the day of purchase or stored in the refrigerator. Due to its immense popularity, be prepared to queue during peak hours.
