Shop of Jingfuzhai in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Crispy crackers, walnut cookies, and sesame pancakes — these traditional tea snacks, rich with the taste memories of Nantong, have recently once again become the city's highlight.

During the 10th round of the Jiangsu Football City League in the city, Nantong's historic Jingfuzhai created a home-game atmosphere by giving out custom gift boxes of local specialties to fans and residents.

In 1825, a young man with the surname Sun rented a shop on the bustling Xida Street in Nantong, where he made and sold traditional pastries such as walnut sesame cakes, pan crisps, and walnut cookies. He wanted to bring culinary delight to everyone with his tea snacks, so he named the shop "Jingfuzhai".

Following the "Three Excellences" philosophy, Jingfuzhai's tea snacks are favored by locals. Especially the walnut sesame cakes, known for their bright color and authentic fragrant flavor, are crispy and aromatic, making them popular gifts for officials traveling to the capital, earning the nickname "official tea snacks". The crispy crackers are also valued gifts for dignitaries, diplomats, and foreign merchants in Beijing.

As the third-generation heir, Yang Zhuqin preserves tradition while actively seeking innovation, constantly strengthening the reputation of the "Jingfuzhai" brand.

The introduction of automated and intelligent equipment has enabled standardized production of Jingfuzhai's tea snacks, increasing output while ensuring quality.

Yang references an example involving baking equipment. At first, traditional coal stoves were used, followed by flat electric ovens that could only handle six trays per batch. Today, automated rotating ovens can produce 36 trays per batch, significantly increasing capacity. Meanwhile, the company has established a research team dedicated to tea snack production processes. This team converts traditional techniques into manageable data and incorporates them into operational programs for automated control, ensuring consistent product quality across batches.

"Not all processes rely on automation," Yang said. The key to traditional tea snacks' flavors still lies in handmade craftsmanship. Therefore, Jingfuzhai insists on pure manual operation and secret recipes in critical steps. Selecting ingredients, rolling dough, and making pastry layers are all done by hand.

Beyond technical innovation, Jingfuzhai emphasizes product innovation. Yang leads the research and development team, inviting experts for onsite guidance, resulting in trendy new products like qingtuan and flower cakes. Today, there are over 30 types of tea snacks, all popular with consumers.

As the company grows and prospers, Jingfuzhai has increasingly engaged in philanthropy. In recent years, Jingfuzhai has hired over 20 individuals with disabilities, offering hands-on training in tea and snack production techniques to help them find self-worth and integrate into society.

"A truly century-old shop sells not just tea snacks but also cultural warmth, innovative vitality, and social responsibility. Its flavors should satisfy the palate and warm the heart," Yang said.