Huangtutang shaobing, or Huangtutang sesame seed baked rolls. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

When you visit Wuxi, you must savor the city's authentic flavors. Here are the local foods that you must try.

With a history of over 100 years, the craft of making Huangtutang shaobing, or Huangtutang sesame seed baked rolls as illustrated in the above picture, reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Wuxi natives always order a Huangtutang shaobing with their morning tea, and it is also a popular gift when visiting friends and relatives.

Originating from the late Qing Dynasty, Yangxiang fried baked scallion pancake has a delicious scallion flavor, a balanced sweet and salty taste, and a crispy texture. Passed through several generations, it has become a cherished food in Yangxiang town.

Heqiao dried bean curd, which originates from the reign of Emperor Tongzhi of the Qing Dynasty, is characterized by its firm texture and chewy consistency. It features a uniform thickness and is balanced in flavor, as it is neither not overly salty nor excessively sweet.

Selected as a tribute in the third year of Tongzhi's reign, Xushe crunchy candy has a unique production process and temperature requirements, allowing for only six months each year. It is known for its fragrant, sweet, crispy, and crunchy taste, melting in the mouth without sticking to the teeth.

Yixing black glutinous rice. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Yixing black glutinous rice is made by steaming glutinous rice soaked in Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb leaf juice. When freshly cooked, it has a shiny black-blue color, a fragrant aroma, and a consistent fresh taste whether dipped in white sugar or with meat and vegetables.

Gaocheng female pig meat has a vibrant color, fresh taste, and a chewy texture. When eaten cold, it feels crisp and refreshing, and when reheated, it makes a rustling sound with each bite.

Pear-syrup candy is made by simmering pear juice with Chinese medicine, said to have originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It comes in paste and solid forms. Medicinal pear-syrup candy has throat-clearing and lung-cleansing effects, while the tasting type does not have therapeutic effects but offers a variety of flavors.