Zhou gained international recognition in 2017 when he won the top prize at Cake International in the United Kingdom. Leading his team, he secured three gold and two bronze medals at the prestigious competition, earning him the "sugar king" moniker in China.

"Taking the two wings as an example, they seem as light as a feather, yet each weighs around 250 kilograms. The challenge in making them is that every single feather component can weigh several kilograms, while the fondant material itself is fragile and prone to damage. We repeatedly glued and reinforced each component to ensure structural stability before the final display," Zhou says.

"The crystal-clear pupils, the dragon-shaped horns, hundreds of flowing mane strands and the horse's body fully covered in white fur required painstaking handwork. We spared no effort in the handcrafting process. The vivid Pegasus we present to visitors reflects our dedication," adds Zhou.

Born in Panzhihua city, Southwest China's Sichuan province, the Chinese fondant artist developed his fascination with craftsmanship while watching his father create traditional dough figurines. From childhood, he aspired to become a craftsman himself.

"We will certainly create more and even better works in the future. My aim is to reveal beauty through art that features historical stories and figures, as well as patriotic themes. This form of art can bring joy, delight and inspiration to everyone, encouraging people to strive to be better," says Zhou, who has more than 1.26 million followers on the Chinese video platform Bilibili.

Formally titled Get Happiness in the New Year, Fill the Spring with Sweetness, the themed New Year exhibition featuring Zhou's fondant artworks will be held until March 3 at Shanghai's Super Brand Mall in Lujiazui, Pudong.