Zhangjiagang's traditional chrysanthemum wine brewing technique, a Jiangsu provincial intangible cultural heritage, took center stage at the 9th International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on June 3.
The seven-day festival brought together 599 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items from 84 countries and regions. Wang Caiping, the designated inheritor of the time-honored Zhangjiagang craft, showcased the city’s culinary heritage of to a global audience at the event.
Wang captivated attendees by presenting the intricate process of brewing chrysanthemum wine through a puzzle display. From harvesting chrysanthemums to sealing the fermentation jars, each step of the millennia-old technique was vividly carried out, bringing to life the bustling scenes of chrysanthemum picking and the meticulous craftsmanship of local artisans.
Wang also introduced Zhangjiagang's signature sticky rice dumplings, known as cituan. These soft, chewy delicacies, filled with sweet black sesame or savory meat, paired perfectly with the chrysanthemum wine, earning praise from both Chinese and international attendees.
International attendees taste Zhangjiagang's chrysanthemum wine. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgwtgl]
Dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), chrysanthemum wine is a cherished tradition in Zhangjiagang's Heyang region, especially during festive occasions. Crafted from locally sourced wild chrysanthemums, sticky rice, and wheat koji, the wine undergoes meticulous selection, steaming, fermentation, and aging. The technique's essence lies in its harmony with the Yangtze River's unique terroir, careful selection of region-specific ingredients, and precise timing of fermentation, resulting in a seamless blend of floral and rice aromas.
The standout performance of Zhangjiagang's chrysanthemum wine at the festival reflects the city's robust efforts to preserve and promote its ICH items. Through systematic protection, dynamic inheritance, and innovative development, Zhangjiagang is bringing its local traditions onto a global stage, where they continue to captivate and inspire.