Taizhou serves up a feast of intangible heritage

The opening ceremony of an intangible cultural heritage fair at Wanghai Tower Scenic Area in Taizhou, Jiangsu. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Traditional flavors, time-honored craftsmanship and cultural creativity came together in Taizhou as an intangible cultural heritage fair transformed Wanghai Tower Scenic Area into a vibrant showcase of Jiangsu's living traditions.

Held from June 5 to 7, the event brought together 100 booths representing all 13 prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu province. Nearly 90 percent of the exhibitors focused on food, offering visitors a rare opportunity to sample an impressive array of regional specialties in one place.

From Wuxi's signature braised pork ribs, known for their delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors, to Changshu's beggar's chicken with its tender, fall-off-the-bone texture, the fair highlighted the diversity of Jiangsu's culinary heritage. Xuyi crayfish, famous for their glossy appearance and bold seasoning, proved a crowd favorite among visitors eager to experience authentic local flavors.

Visitors flock to sample delicacies. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

But the event offered far more than a gastronomic journey.

Beyond the food stalls, artisans demonstrated skills passed down through generations, revealing the artistry behind some of Jiangsu's best-known intangible cultural heritage traditions.

Masters of Changzhou's green bamboo carving transformed thin bamboo surfaces into miniature landscapes. Craftspeople from Nanjing showcased the intricate gold foil forging technique. Meanwhile, Yixing's distinctive Jun-glazed pottery captivated audiences with its ever-changing kiln effects.