Four enterprises in Nantong's Tongzhou district have been included in the fifth batch of Jiangsu province's representative intangible cultural heritage protection units.

These include the Xianfeng Pyrography Creative Studio for Nantong pyrography, Nanhengxuan Handicraft Shop for Nantong birdcage craftsmanship, Nantong Mattisu Food Co Ltd for Nantong walnut sesame cake craftsmanship, and Shizhu Teahouse for Shigang Yingao cake craftsmanship. 

Nantong pyrography

Nantong pyrography is a rare and valuable art form with a history spanning over 2,000 years. This unique style of Chinese painting uses fire to create art through techniques such as outlining, shading, and stippling, resulting in a distinctive work of art. 

Nantong pyrography. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Nantong birdcage craftsmanship

Birdcage making is a traditional folk craft with deep cultural roots. Initially crafted from bamboo, birdcages evolved to include wood and metal materials. Over time, they transitioned from functional bird enclosures to decorative art pieces with aesthetic value.

A Nantong birdcage. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Walnut sesame cake craftsmanship

This traditional treat is made using sesame powder, sugar, rice flour, and walnut kernels through a meticulous process. The production involves ingredient selection, fermentation, mixing, embedding walnuts, and baking for 15 minutes, resulting in a delicious and aromatic cake. 

Walnut sesame cakes. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Shigang Yingao cake craftsmanship

Yingao cake is a traditional specialty dessert from the ancient town of Shigang, with a history of over 150 years. It is only available for two months each year. The process begins with soaking rice for a week, changing the water daily, and grinding it into powder. The rice powder is then pressed into molds, filled with prepared stuffing, and undergoes steps like sealing, stamping, steaming, and cooling to create the final product. 

Shigang Yingao cake. [Photo/Nantong Daily]