The techniques for making Wangshi Baochiwan, a traditional Chinese medicine used mostly to treat digestive problems, and Rugao silk carpets in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province were included in the list of the new batch of national intangible cultural heritage items that was recently released by the State Council.

Wangshi Baochiwan. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Wangshi Baochiwan was invented by Wang Luqing, a famous doctor in Nantong, during the reign of Emperor Daoguang (1821-50) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The production technique makes use of the centrifugal force to mix various medicinal powders in distinct order through 66 steps, reflecting the intricate preparation techniques used for traditional Chinese medicine.

In 1957, Wang's grandson donated the formula to the country's central government. The medicine was put into exclusive mass production by the Nantong pharmaceutical factory, the predecessor of the current Jinghua Pharmaceutical Group.

Over the past few decades, Wangshi Baochiwan has not only cured many domestic patients, but also has been included in international aid programs. 

A craftsman weaves a Rugao silk carpet in Rugao, Nantong. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Making Rugao silk carpets originated from weaving techniques dating back more than 2,000 years and developed its own regional style in the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing dynasties.

It uses high-quality wild silk and features colorful pictures made through 11 steps, including color matching, dyeing, as well as weaving by knotting.

The carpets have been on display at several foreign museums and sent as national gifts to foreign leaders. They can also be seen at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse and the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.