Five entities in Zhangjiagang, a county-level city in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, were recently recognized as municipal-level protectors of iconic intangible cultural heritage items by the Suzhou bureau of culture, radio, television and tourism.

1. Music of Zhengyi School of Taoism

A group of Taoists play a variety of musical instruments. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]

The Zhengyi School of Taoism has been based in the Xiangshan Mountain area in Zhangjiagang for a few hundred years. The Taoist music particular to the region uses a variety of musical instruments and features elements of Kunqu Opera and folk music.

The villagers' committee of Zhanwen village, Jin'gang sub-district is the protection entity of the music.

2. Symmetrical paper-cutting

Symmetrical paper cuts. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]

The symmetrical paper-cutting technique can create different kinds of patterns by simply folding paper. The Yangshe town culture and sports services center is the protection entity of the art.

3. Tangqiao steamed dishes cooking technique

Tangqiao steamed dish. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]

Tangqiao steamed dishes have a fresh flavor and are popular among local residents. The Tangqiao town culture and sports service center is the protection entity of the cooking technique.

4. Gaozhuang dried bean curd making technique

Gaozhuang dried bean curd. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]

Gaozhuang dried bean curd is made in traditional ways and no chemicals are used in the process. It is rich in nutrients and has a good taste.

The Fenghuang town culture and sports service center is the protection entity of the cooking technique.

5. Plum flower cake making technique

The cake, shaped like plum flowers, has thin skin and various stuffing. The residents' committee of the Houcheng central community in Houcheng sub-district is the protection entity of the technique.