Shaxian snacks, boasting more than 200 varieties, were included in the list of national-level intangible cultural heritage representative items in 2021. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In the decades since Shaxian's humble food stalls first became popular, their snacks have become a nationwide phenomenon. There are more than 80,000 outlets across China, as well as a presence in dozens of countries and regions.

The Shaxian snack industry ranges from small workshops to large factories, from itinerant vendors selling snacks from carts to modern franchise operations, and from humble village outlets to international operations. This thriving industry is now a powerful driver of both farm incomes and the local economy.