Celebrating culture through the craft of Dragon’s Beard Candy
Posted on September 09, 2025
Macleans College Year 13 NCEA Chinese students were honoured to welcome the fifth-generation inheritor of Dragon’s Beard Candy, who demonstrated how to make this traditional delicacy.
Dragon’s Beard Candy, recognised as an intangible cultural heritage, was once served as a tribute to the imperial court in ancient China. Its name comes from its resemblance to the whiskers of the mythical dragon.
The candy is made from sugar and maltose syrup, filled with crushed peanuts, sesame and other ingredients. Each piece contains tens of thousands of fine strands, as thin as hair. The craft lies in transforming a single piece of sugar into countless delicate threads within minutes, a process that highlights the artisan’s remarkable skill.
Through this hands-on workshop, students not only enjoyed the art of making the candy but also gained a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and the value of preserving cultural traditions.
