Nian gao (rice cakes) are prepared for the Chinese New Year as a symbol of festivity. Because of the sound of the word "nian gao" and the variety of flavors, nian gao has become a must-have food for almost every family. There are square-shaped yellow and white rice cakes, symbolizing gold and silver, which are meant to bring wealth in the New Year.

Northern rice cakes are mainly sweet, either steamed or fried, and some people simply dip them in sugar. In the south, rice cakes are both sweet and salty, such as those from Suzhou and Ningbo, which are made of round-grained rice and have a light flavor. In addition to steaming and deep-frying, they can also be sliced and stir-fried, or boiled in soup. Eating rice cakes on New Year's Day is a symbol of joy and celebration. Because of the harmonic sound of "year high" and its varied flavors, rice cake has become a must-have food for almost every family.