Pretty as a picture
Lin Ying is a 38-year-old entrepreneur who has turned her passion for design and food into a thriving business at the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Luoyang, in Central China's Henan province.
Her peony-inspired ice cream cones have become a viral sensation. Each handmade creation features stunning depictions of peonies, with intricate petal details brought to life through soft pinks, vibrant oranges, and hints of gold — reminiscent of a blossoming flower.
These ornate ice cream cones have captured the imagination of young visitors and become a "must-try" treat for tourists visiting the region.
Holding one of the ice creams while posing in front of the ancient grottoes or amid peony flowers has become standard poses for visitors, with their photos often shared on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (RedNote). The photos of the visually striking ice creams have gone viral, further fueling the buzz about Lin's work.
The demand for Lin's ice creams has been overwhelming, particularly during peak tourist seasons such as the annual Peony Culture Festival of Luoyang — which runs from mid-April to mid-May — and the May Day holiday. During these times, her shop sees brisk business with more than 600 ice creams sold in a single day.
"During our busiest times, the line stretches out the door of the shop," Lin said, describing demand during the peony festival.
Each ice cream is handmade, with Lin's team spending up to 10 minutes piping decorations of a single flower. The flavors vary, with most priced at around 25 yuan each, and are carefully crafted to suit young people's preferences.
"We adjust the sweetness based on research, as most younger people prefer a more subtle sweetness," she explained.
Born in Fujian province, Lin moved to Henan after marrying her husband 10 years ago. They first settled in Zhengzhou, before relocating to Luoyang six years ago.
Lin trained as an architect, and worked as a designer before she decided to change careers after settling in Luoyang.
"Desserts, like architecture, require craftsmanship. Both are forms of spatial art," Lin said, emphasizing how her architectural training has informed her approach to creating visually striking, yet delicious "cultural treats".
Her eye for detail and spatial design is evident in every one of her ice cream creations, from the Longmen Grotto-shaped cakes to the peony-patterned cookies and artistic sugar sculptures that decorate her shop.
Today, Lin oversees a growing product line, with six main categories and over 100 cultural and creative items, which include various sweets and handmade treats inspired by Luoyang's rich history.
"Luoyang's culture is rich and deeply rooted in history — it's something worth exploring and sharing," Lin proudly said. "But it's also important to present that culture in ways that speak to younger generations, especially in the digital age."
Lin's innovative approach aligns with a broader shift in contemporary tourism, as travelers seek more personalized, engaging, and sensory experiences, experts said.
Deeper connections
Niu Xiaoxia, deputy director of the operations management department of Jinan Culture and Tourism Development Group, believes that cultural and creative products, like Zheng's and Lin's ice creams, are helping to generate deeper connections between tourists and the destinations they visit.
"There's an increasing demand for deeper cultural engagement in tourism today. Unlike the mass-market tourism of the past, contemporary travelers want experiences that resonate with them on a personal level," said Niu.
"Cultural and creative productions play a significant role in this, fostering emotional resonance by tapping into shared cultural narratives, values, and histories. These elements help create a profound connection between the audience and the culture represented."
The Baotu Spring-themed ice cream launched on Jan 1, 2021 was the first ice cream to incorporate a scenic spot's intellectual property into its design, Niu said.
Within its first year, the Baotu Spring ice cream sold over 700,000 units, with daily sales peaking at over 5,000 on busy days. Despite launching in the winter months, it defied expectations by attracting significant attention and becoming a much-loved treat.
Niu said having an ice cream in winter was an unexpected and pleasant experience for many of the tourists. "It's a perfect example of how modern tourism is personalized and innovative, providing tourists with experiences that are both memorable and Instagram-worthy," he said.
During the May Day holiday this year, the Baotu Spring scenic area saw over 1.6 million visitors, marking a 10.57 percent year-on-year increase. The Baotu Spring section alone attracted 288,900 visitors, with 20,000 ice creams sold during the period.
Zheng's ice cream has become an iconic cultural product for the area, with many tourists considering it a must-try item.
"A trip to Baotu Spring is no longer complete without a photo of the visitor holding the iconic ice cream in front of the Guanlan Pavilion," Niu added.
"The fusion of culture, creativity, and marketing innovation has transformed the ice cream into a symbol of the place, offering visitors more than just a treat, but an unforgettable cultural experience."
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