Throughout China; cylindrical briquettes; called 'feng wo mei' (beehive coal) are used in purpose-built cookers.

These briquettes were invented in Japan in the 19th century; and spread to Manchukuo; Korea and China in the first half of the 20th century. Although they went out of use in Japan after the 1970s; they are still popular in China; Korea and Vietnam.

Each cylinder lasts for over an hour. The cylinders are delivered; usually by cart; to businesses; and are very inexpensive.