Nantong will focus on making zuozhen, a unique redwood species in the city, another  of its calling cards, following blue calico, local officials announced at the electing conference of the local zuozhen protection association on Jan 23.

Zuozhen is a rare type of redwood that is mainly used to make furniture due to its hardness and clear grain. Nantong has been China's major production center of zuozhen furniture since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

With its unique styles and techniques, Nantong zuozhen furniture is an importance part of traditional Chinese furniture art and has been included on the list of the city's intangible cultural heritage items.

However, it is much less known as a Nantong specialty compared to blue calico, embroidery, and Nantong-style bonsai.

Zuozhen, a unique redwood species grown in Nantong. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The total plantation of zuozhen is currently less than 100 mu (6.67 hectares) in Nantong, with no more than 100 big trees.

Members of the association consider it an urgent priority to expand the planting scales and cultivate superior varieties.

Efforts will also be made to collect and streamline the complicated techniques of making zuozhen furniture, so that the ancient art form can be passed on to younger generations.

Furniture made of zuozhen wood is on display at a Nantong zuozhen furniture museum in Tangzha town, Nantong. [Photo/ntfabu.com]