Shaxi town in Taicang is home to a wealth of intangible cultural heritage items. Let's explore some of its most notable traditional crafts and foods.

Bamboo Weaving

Shaxi bamboo weaving dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). During the early Republic of China (1912-1949) days, influenced by Shanghai's culture, bamboo weaving in Shaxi evolved from being purely practical into a form of art, including over one hundred types of items, such as sewing baskets, bamboo-thread plates, bamboo mats, and intricate handicrafts. The weaving techniques used are exquisite, while the designs are both beautiful and functional, with a strong ethnic flair.

Wood Carving

Redwood carving is a traditional craft that uses redwood as its primary material. Known for its hardness and luster, redwood is typically used to create small items. In Taicang, these include figures, animals, brush pots, armrests, trays, boxes, and cases, which showcase the immense skill and creativity of the artists who made them.

Barrel Making

In the past, various types of wooden barrels were an essential part of daily life in Shaxi. Barrel makers, or coopers, were indispensable for crafting these items. Nowadays, in Shaxi Ancient Town, a 60-year-old cooper named Yang Baoming continues to uphold this traditional craft with dedication and passion. 

Cooper Yang Baoming makes a barrel in Shaxi Ancient Town. [Photo/WeChat account: TaicangTourism]

Green Rice Balls (Qingtuan)

The tradition of eating qingtuan around the Qingming Festival has been a part of Taicang culture for centuries. These treats have a vibrant green appearance and a delightful texture. Each bite reveals a non-sticky outer layer with a subtle fragrance of fresh grass, perfectly balanced by just the right amount of sweetness.

Qingtuan made in Shaxi town. [Photo/WeChat account: TaicangTourism]

Lard Rice Candy

During the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Shaxi's "Dingshengxiang" pastry shop invented lard rice candy, inspired by popcorn. This treat is made from rice, lard, osmanthus flowers, and sugar. The rice is fried until each grain is plump, then mixed with syrup made from melted sugar, compressed into blocks, and sprinkled with more sugar and osmanthus. This delicacy has become a renowned Taicang snack, cherished throughout the generations.

Lard rice candy made in Shaxi town. [Photo/WeChat account: TaicangTourism]