BEIJING – The ancient Chinese pastime of rolling wenwan walnuts is experiencing a revival, with enthusiasts from various backgrounds embracing its significance for relaxation and craftsmanship. This unique hobby has caught the attention of individuals like Carolina Di Condio, an Italian content creator. Di Condio first encountered the tradition eight years ago when she met her husband in Milan, who often rolled walnuts in his palm. Intrigued, she tried it herself, only to realize the skill required. Her curiosity peaked when she wondered aloud if the walnuts could simply be eaten, a question that left her husband torn between amusement and disbelief.
Wenwan, which translates to “plaything walnuts,” are specially cultivated for this age-old practice, allowing individuals to polish the shells through rolling, eventually creating treasured pieces. Di Condio’s interest deepened when she saw a Dior invitation featuring these walnuts, prompting her to draw parallels between this Chinese tradition and high-end craftsmanship.
Wang Hongduo, a walnut dealer from Laishui County in Hebei province, has seen a growing interest in these collectibles. He specializes in rare wenwan walnuts and acquired a distinctive specimen with nine ridges about five years ago. “A good walnut should have a well-balanced shape and evenly arranged ridges. To make a pair, the walnuts must resemble each other,” Wang explained. He completed the pair when another matching walnut was made available, later winning a top award for them at a local competition on October 16, 2026. Although he received an offer of 450,000 yuan ($67,670) for the pair, he declined, emphasizing its unique worth to him.
According to local authorities, Laishui is a major production center for wenwan walnuts, benefiting over 80,000 farming households and generating more than 2.2 billion yuan annually. The appeal of these walnuts as collectibles dates back to China’s Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, where they were highly prized for their craftsmanship and aesthetic qualities.
Wang noted a shift in the demographics of walnut enthusiasts, with over 90 percent of his customers being born in the 1990s or 2000s. Younger collectors like 26-year-old Song Yuxuan have turned to this hobby for comfort amid work-related stress. After spotting older collectors in a park, Song practiced rolling ordinary walnuts until he acquired his first set. He now owns 20 to 30 pairs, enjoying the sense of achievement that comes with watching the walnuts change color as they are polished.
Beyond China, videos showcasing the walnut-rolling tradition have garnered millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, expanding its reach globally. Di Condio, who occasionally engages with her husband’s wenwan walnuts, relates the practice to the Italian concept of la dolce vita, emphasizing its role in encouraging individuals to slow down and appreciate simple pleasures in life.
