Jinan released a new youxuan-themed creative transit card on June 23, following the earlier success of its Bazirou pork card.

Youxuan is a traditional delicacy in Jinan, characterized by its crispy skin and tender interior, flavored with green onions. Its spiral shape and golden surface give it the name youxuan.

The card's design mimics the crispy texture and spiral shape of freshly baked youxuan, turning everyday transit into a cultural experience.

The new card is part of a local government initiative to promote the city's traditional delicacies through transit-themed cultural products, blending Jinan's century-old culinary heritage with modern urban life.

The card can be used on buses in Jinan and in other cities nationwide that are part of the China T-Union network. It is now available for online purchase via WeChat, Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok and Xiaohongshu app.

Cardholders can also enjoy exclusive perks at local eateries. For example, at Jinan's century-old restaurant Jufengde, customers using the card receive a 12 percent discount on meals or a free youxuan with orders over 100 yuan ($13.95).

A youxuan-shaped transit card. [Photo/Jinan Daily]