It all comes from this finely ground white powder, soft to touch, yet essential to our existence. On the way flour turns into noodle, however, there is some magic involved.

They knead it and beat it.

They slice it and dice it.

They fling it and swing it.

They wiggle it and jiggle it.

They make it long enough to go around the city, and as thin as a strand of hair.

They turn it into a feat for the eye – before turning it into a delight for the palate.

In Shanxi, you can have the magic and eat it, too.