Generally, fresh Yuanxiao takes about seven minutes to float, but the quick-frozen Yuanxiao takes a little longer, which takes about ten minutes. You can thaw the quick-frozen Yuanxiao at room temperature first, and then put it in after the water is boiled. When the Yuanxiao floats, use slow fire to heat it, and add an appropriate amount of cold water every time to keep it rolling, and boil it for two or three times.

The folk custom of eating Yuanxiao during the Lantern Festival. Yuanxiao is called "Tangyuan", "Yuanzi", "Floating Yuanzi" and "Shuiyuan" in the south. It is made of glutinous rice (made of sweet potato in some areas), solid or stuffed. Stuffing includes bean paste, sugar, hawthorn, etc., which can be boiled, fried, steamed and fried.

At first, people called this kind of food "Floating Yuanzi", and later called it "Tangtuan" or "Tangyuan". These names are similar to the word "reunion", meaning reunion, which symbolizes the reunion of the whole family, harmony and happiness, and people also miss their parting relatives and place their good expectations on their future life. Eating Yuanxiao symbolizes family reunion like a full moon, and places people's good wishes for future life.