Baipu town in Rugao, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province was the former site of Putao county, which was built in 411. It got its current name Baipu (white cattail) for the blooming white cattail found in the surrounding wetland in the early stage of construction.

The town boasts a profound history, and is home to a number of cultural relics, as well as intangible cultural heritages. Let's have a look!

Baipu bean curd. [Photo/WeChat account: baipufabu]

Baipu bean curd

Baipu bean curd is a representative of Rugao delicacies that dates back to 1696, the 35th year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The technique has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage item of Nantong.

A worker seals chaogao to make decorations. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Linzi Chaogao

Linzi Chaogao in the former Linzi town, which has been merged into Baipu town, is among the most popular foods in Rugao and boasts a history of nearly 300 years.

Local tea house Laowanhe made a name for itself by producing chaogao, according to a book about renowned dishes and snacks in Jiangsu province.

Over the centuries, the brand has continued to use traditional production techniques, which have led to it being listed as an intangible cultural heritage item of Nantong and a "Chinese Time-honored Brand."

Baipu yellow rice wine

Baipu yellow rice wine is a national geographical indication product. It is made of rice through a saccharifying process. The technique has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage item of Nantong.

Rugao fish meat balls filled with crab roe. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Fish meat balls filled with crab roe 

Fish meat balls filled with crab roe in Baipu town, Rugao dates back to the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and early Qing Dynasty.

The fish ball tastes tender, with a perfect combined aroma of crab and fish. The technique was listed as a Nantong intangible cultural heritage item in 2014.

Baipu pork with sliced ginger. [Photo/WeChat account: baipufabu]

Baipu pork with sliced ginger

Baipu pork with sliced ginger is a Rugao specialty. The technique of making the dish dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties and was listed as a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage item in Nantong in 2017.