The sticky rice cake eaten during Chinese New Year to symbolize higher achievements is nian gao.
Nian gao, also called niangao, is a dense cake made primarily from glutinous rice flour. Depending on the region, it may be sweet or savory and can be steamed, sliced, fried, or incorporated into other dishes. It is particularly associated with New Year meals and gifts in southern and eastern China.
The name creates the symbolism. Nian means “year,” while gao sounds like “high” or “higher,” producing the auspicious idea of getting higher year by year. That can refer to improved prosperity, progress in school or work, career advancement, or a better standard of living.
Nian gao is sometimes confused with tangyuan, the sweet rice balls served especially at the Lantern Festival, or with mooncake, which belongs primarily to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Dumplings and spring rolls also have New Year associations, but their symbolism is commonly linked to wealth rather than rising achievement.