Ding Ding Sugar

Ding Ding Sugar

　　Ding Ding Sugar is actually maltose, a white solid substance. When purchasing, it is sold in units of 1 yuan or 2 yuan. The sugar seller uses a small wooden mallet to chip away at a small steel chisel to separate out the corresponding amount. The chipping produces a crisp “ding ding” sound, hence the name “Ding Ding” Sugar.

　　In Yangshuo, there are no dedicated shops selling Ding Ding Sugar. Only some traditional rural sugar makers carry their wares around on shoulder poles, weaving through the alleys without calling out. If you want to buy any, you have to greet them first. Every time you happen to get some, and let a piece slowly melt in your mouth, you recall how as a child, whenever a sugar seller came to the village, all the kids would run around excitedly spreading the news — and you’re reminded of the line from Mona Lisa’s song: “How many wishes made by linked pinkies went unfulfilled? As we grow up, we slowly realize they were all just empty promises.”