Zhuang Yuan Qiu（状元球）, fish balls with fillings [Photo/Official WeChat account of Huzhou culture, radio and TV, press and publication bureau]

Fish balls are made of minced whitefish and pork. The dish used to have a name of Sheng Yan Qiu (ball for grand banquet), but now it is called Zhuang Yuan Qiu since in Huzhou dialect the pronunciation of Sheng Yan is close to that of Zhuang Yuan, the Number One Scholar of the ancient Chinese imperial examinations. Consequently the dish is a necessity at banquets for graduation and teacher appreciation.