（Photo by Zhang Yun, Zhao Yaling, Wei Linna)

From April 12 to 13, a delegation of over 30 Chinese and foreign photographers, photography enthusiasts, and social media influencers ventured into Taizhou, capturing the essence of local culinary traditions through nationally recognized geographical indication(GI) products, including Huangqiao sesame cakes, Xinghua fish balls, and Jingjiang pork jerky. 

Hosted by Jiangsu Provincial Intellectual Property Office, Xinhua Daily Media Group, and Jiangsu Photographers’ Association, the event was organized by Taizhou Cyberspace Administration, Taizhou Market Supervision and Administration Bureau (Intellectual Property Office), and other relevant online platforms.  

Seven centuries ago, Italian explorer Marco Polo described Taizhou as a small place where people enjoyed every comfort and happiness that life could provide. For the people of Taizhou, such happiness includes their morning tea tradition—an age-old custom that not only offers delectable delicacies but also embodies the cherished family bonds created when generations gather around the table.

（Photo by Zhang Yun, Zhao Yaling, Wei Linna)

After trying to make Gansi (Taizhou dried tofu shreds), one of the GI products, under the guidance of Liu Mingxi, a representative inheritor of the Taizhou Gansi-making craft in Hailing District, in the time-horned Haitangchun Restaurant, Tkachuk Aleksandra from Russia exclaimed, "the whole family gathering around the dining table, savoring an array of delicacies and sharing heartwarming conversations about everyday life, really reminds me of my childhood mornings spent with my parents. I must bring my family here to experience Taizhou’s morning tea culture someday."

（Photo by Zhang Yun, Zhao Yaling, Wei Linna)

A national GI product refers to a product originating from a specific region, whose quality, reputation, or other characteristics are essentially attributable to its geographical origin, including natural and human factors, and which has been approved and named after that geographical designation. 

（Photo by Zhang Yun, Zhao Yaling, Wei Linna)

Featuring local seasonal ingredients and traditional culinary techniques, Taixing's landmark "geographical feast"—showcasing signature dishes like ginkgo nuts, Gaogang pufferfish, and Huangqiao sesame cakes—drew repeated exclamations from Aryan Mohammad Hussain, a visitor from Afghanistan. "Every corner of China has its own culinary treasures," he marveled, "the same ingredients are transformed through distinct regional techniques into flavors that tell unique stories. It’s pure magic!"  

A breeding pond for crabs in Haorunhong Fisheries (Photo by Zhu Na)

Geographical indication products embody not only the wisdom of traditional agriculture but also the "digital DNA" of modern technology. At the breeding ponds for Chinese mitten crabs in Haorunhong Fisheries Science and Technology Industrial Park, water quality monitoring sensors transmit real-time data, while intelligent devices automatically regulate water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. The new crab seedling variety cultivated here boasts rapid growth rates and enhanced hypoxia tolerance. These traits not only allow mature crabs to reach markets earlier but also ensure stable yields under extreme climatic conditions. Currently, Haorun Group’s crab seedlings account for approximately 15% of the national market share.  

（Photo by Zhang Yun, Zhao Yaling, Wei Linna)

In April, Xinghua scallions—a national GI product—will usher in their harvest season. At the production facility of Taizhou Xinghua Topower Technology Co., Ltd., workers were busy arranging trays of freshly cleaned and sterilized scallions. Leveraging freeze-drying technology, the tender greens undergo nearly 20 processing stages to become dehydrated vegetables. With an annual output value now reaching 1.7 billion yuan, the industry has driven income growth for over 1,000 local farming households.  

As of 2024, Taizhou has secured approval for 20 GI trademarks and 11 protected GI products. With rich repository of GI resources, the city launched the "Taizhou Flavors•Geographical Feast" initiative last year, designating 16 inaugural experiential venues. Centered on local ingredients, traditional techniques, and regional culture, the program features seasonal menus, aiming to amplify the brand influence of geographical indications and bolster rural revitalization.  

Contact us at english@jschina.com.cn