The scent of fermented rice wine mingled with sugar painting aromas as the Chenghuang Cultural Gathering commenced on June 10 at the square in front of the historic Chenghuang Temple, alongside the Haohe River.

Organized by the Chongchuan District Cultural Center, this vibrant festival transformed the area into a celebration of traditional Chinese culture, featuring an immersive intangible cultural heritage (ICH) market. The event integrated folk activities, temple parades, and art exhibitions, offering residents a multifaceted cultural experience.

The market enticed visitors with an array of authentic local specialties. Tangjiazha rice wine captivated passersby with its rich, fragrant aroma, while handmade Chongchuan crispy cakes offered a satisfying golden crunch. Soft, chewy Qingtuan (glutinous rice balls) and fragrant Yerongtuan (coconut rice balls) provided unique taste sensations.

Exquisite craftsmanship was on full display. Artisans demonstrated meticulous redwood carving, while Nantong embroidered silk amazed with its painting-like fineness. Nantong lantern makers crafted glowing "rabbit lanterns" and "lotus lanterns" on-site, their warm light illuminating the riverbank at dusk.

Interactive experiences captivated both young and old: sugar painters used molten syrup to create intricate zodiac animals, drawing cheers from children, and long-spout teapot performances blended tea aroma with impressive skill, showcasing the elegance of tea culture.

Ji Desheng snake medicine stall, a traditional Chinese remedy with over 300 years of history, also presented various medical derivative products. It gave residents detailed explanations on snake bite first aid, educating them on proper emergency response protocols through interactive sessions.

In the future, the Chongchuan district aims to continue promoting ICH through sustained and diverse activities, empowering more people to protect and carry forward the ICH skills.

A Chinese intangible cultural heritage market commences on June 10 at the square in front of the historic Cheng Huang Temple. [Photo/WeChat account: chongchuanonline]