The main ingredient in traditional Chinese dumplings is flour, specifically wheat flour, which is used to create the thin wrappers that encase the filling. The dough is typically made by mixing flour with water and kneading until smooth. Dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients, but common choices include meat (like pork or chicken), seafood, and a mix of vegetables. These versatile morsels are often steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, and they hold significant cultural meaning, particularly during family gatherings and the Spring Festival.