Chinese officials are no longer able to use public money to buy mooncakes as gifts . The new restriction is part of a campaign against corruption . Mooncakes are pastries made with egg whites and lotus seed seeds . Although gifts and `` lucky '' envelopes filled with cash are exchanged during Chinese New Year , these must typically be accompanied by personal visits to people 's homes . Expensive mooncake gifts have become important in Chinese popular culture .
Chinese officials are no longer able to use public money to buy mooncakes as gifts . The new restriction is part of a campaign against corruption . Mooncakes are pastries made with egg whites and lotus seed seeds . Expensive mooncake gifts have become important in Chinese popular culture .