'Soft candy' — that's the literal meaning of 软糖 (ruǎn táng), formed from 软 (ruǎn, 'soft') and 糖 (táng, 'sugar' or 'candy'). Unlike hard candies or chocolate, soft candy is chewy, elastic, and often fruit-flavored. It’s widely sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, and snack shops across China, frequently packaged in colorful boxes or bags with cartoon characters to appeal to children.

The term refers specifically to gummy-style confections — like bear-shaped gummies, fruit strips, or jelly beans with a chewy texture — not marshmallows (棉花糖) or caramels (焦糖). While it’s a common treat for kids, adults also enjoy it as a casual snack or gift. In Chinese food culture, soft candy is associated with fun, celebration, and reward rather than daily nutrition, and it’s rarely consumed during meals.