Jiangsu provincial government recently announced a fourth group of 94 intangible cultural heritage items. Taicang's toned recitation and Mazu fiesta were included in the list.

After the two additions, Taicang now has seven items on the provincial intangible cultural heritage list.

Toned recitation is a way of reciting works of literature written in ancient Chinese, including poems and prose. It is said to be a 3,000 year old art form that contains research value for literature, music and linguistics. The tradition once gave way to the more western style of recitation, however due to the efforts of many Chinese scholars, the art form has been preserved.

Taicang educator, Tang Wenzhi, is one that is committed to reviving toned recitation. His recitation is called tang diao. Several primary schools in Taicang have set up programs for learning tang diao recitation. A research and education institute was established in Shaxi town in 2014.

Mazu, also known to the believers as Tianfei, is the patron goddess of seafarers. Taicang's Mazu fiestas were traditionally held at the Tianfei Palace at Liuhe town to pray for the safe water transportation of grains. The ceremony wasn't carried out for years until it resumed in 1992.

Edited by Owen Fishwick