Mooncake madness: China cracks down on extravagant versions of festival staple

Modest packaging, capped pricing and auditing of sellers form part of Xi Jinping's war on societal excess and rampant money worship'

Chinese authorities have launched a crackdown on sky high" mooncake prices ahead of this weekend's autumn festival, amid government efforts to curb corruption and societal excesses.

Mooncakes, a small customary dessert baked with varying designs and fillings, are traditionally given to family and friends to celebrate one of the most important holidays in the Lunar New Year. Known as mid-Autumn festival in China and Taiwan, it is called Tsukimi in Japan, Chuseok in South Korea, and Tet Trung Thu in Vietnam.