Zhenning Bobo Candy

Zhenning Bobo Candy

Zhenning Bobo Candy is a protected geographical indication product.

　　　When traveling from Guiyang or Anshun to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall, you will pass through Zhenning — the birthplace of Bobo Candy.

　　　　Bobo Candy is made mainly from glutinous rice syrup and toasted, peeled sesame powder, which are carefully processed. When the syrup is heated to 40 degrees Celsius, the sesame powder is added, causing the syrup to form flaky layers. These flaky layers are then rolled into flat, round shapes, resulting in pure white, flaky candies that resemble gentle ripples stirred by the spring breeze — hence the name “Bobo” (波浪, meaning “waves”). Made from glutinous rice syrup, which is sweet, easily digestible, and can be converted into glucose by maltase to directly enter the bloodstream, providing rich nutrition, the candy becomes even more deliciously sweet, crispy, and melt-in-your-mouth when combined with the sesame. It’s a treat suitable for people of all ages.

　　　　Legend has it that Bobo Candy was originally a court delicacy in the nearby Miao king’s palace in Zhenning. Later, its recipe spread and was refined over time to become today’s Bobo Candy. Among the local Miao, Buyi, and Han communities, there is also a legend about using Bobo Candy to comfort the Taiping Rebellion troops.

　　　　In 1860, the Western Expeditionary Force of the Taiping Rebellion, led by Huang Jinyin, passed through Zhenning, bringing relief to the local people. The ethnic groups in the Bianshan Mountain area and those near Zhenning County Town celebrated the victory and expressed their gratitude to the rebel army by offering “silver glutinous rice,” “golden wheat yellow,” and the minority people from the remote mountainous areas of Mianyi and Liuma contributed the regional specialty “fragrant sesame.” They selected skilled representatives from various ethnic groups who, after several days and nights of hard work, produced the crispy, fragrant, and sweet Bobo Candy to share with everyone. The legend of how Bobo Candy was created reflects the fact that it is indeed a treasured confection jointly crafted by the various ethnic groups of Guizhou.

　　　　Bobo Candy has long been famous worldwide. In 1979, it was well received by domestic and international visitors at the Guangzhou Trade Fair. It is now exported to over 20 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Visitors to Huangguoshu Waterfall always enjoy tasting this local specialty and often take several boxes back as gifts for family and friends. As a result, the fame of Zhenning Bobo Candy has spread far and wide along with the footsteps of its visitors.

　　The protected geographical indication production area of Zhenning Bobo Candy includes the administrative regions of Chengguan Town, Dashan Township, and Dingqi Town in Zhenning Autonomous County, Guizhou Province.