The 7th group of Rugao intangible cultural heritage items was released by the Rugao government in Nantong, Jiangsu province, local media reported on Feb 18.

Seven skills which originated in Rugao were on the list, including roast chicken cooking method, Shihetai fotiaoqiang (Buddha jumps over the wall) cooking method, tiger-head shoes craft, Motou tofu cooking method, classical furniture craft, sausage cooking method and bone fracture therapy.

Rugao Shihetai fotiaoqiang cooking method

A cook prepares dozens of ingredients to make Rugao Shihetai fotiaoqiang. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu] 

Rugao Shihetai fotiaoqiang consists of dozens of ingredients, including abalone, sea cucumber, fish lip, fish maw, tendon and scallop, all of which need to be separately made into dishes, and then gathered together with soup-stock made with Rugao specialties such as yellow chicken, ham and Baipu yellow wine. After being covered with lotus leaves, it needs to be simmered for several hours.

Rugao tiger-head shoes craft

Shoes with tiger head patterns are made for young children. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Shoes with tiger head patterns are a kind of Rugao traditional handicraft which are usually made by seniors for young children to learn to walk. The shoes, which are thought to bring good luck, are entirely handmade and require exquisite workmanship, including preparing the shoe soles, embroidering the tiger head, and sewing.