With the Mid-Autumn Festival just around the corner, mooncakes are a seasonal favorite across China — and what you find on the shelves can vary greatly from region to region. From Cantonese and Beijing-style mooncakes to Suzhou, Chaozhou, and Yunnan varieties, each has its own distinctive flavor and character. For international visitors, the mooncakes are a great way to taste local specialties and pick up a few to take home as gifts for family and friends.

1. Cantonese-style mooncakes

Cantonese-style mooncakes are among the best-known and most widely enjoyed mooncakes in China and overseas. Originating in Guangdong and neighboring areas, they are known for their thin, tender crust and generous, rich fillings. After baking, the crust develops a glossy sheen as it absorbs oil from the filling, while traditional auspicious patterns add an elegant touch.

Classic fillings include lotus seed paste, red bean paste, jujube, chestnut, mixed nuts, salted egg yolk, and fruit. With a balanced mix of sweet and savory flavors, they tend to be a good choice for first-time mooncake tasters.

Time-honored brands to try:

Guangzhou Restaurant (广州酒家): Known for elegant gift boxes and tins that can be used for storage later.

Lianxianglou (莲香楼): A century-old brand famous for its white lotus seed paste, made with a long-established craft.

Tao Tao Ju (陶陶居): A long-established Cantonese dim sum brand offering a wide range of classic mooncake flavors.