The long rice dumpling from Suichang county and Huiming tea from Jingning She autonomous county in Lishui, Zhejiang province have been selected for the provincial cultivation pilot program of rural "local specialties".

A long rice dumpling from Suichang county, Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The long rice dumpling from Suichang is an intangible cultural heritage item with a unique shape and delicious taste. Unlike other rice dumplings, the Suichang rice dumpling is cylindrical with a length of 20 to 30 centimeters.

Made with glutinous rice from the high mountains of Suichang and wrapped in bamboo leaves, the rice dumpling offers a savory and flavorful experience. It is often cut to share among various people, earning it the nickname "sharing rice dumpling". It also holds cultural significance in Suichang as a symbol of enduring affection. 

People pick tea leaves to make Huiming tea in Jingning She autonomous county. [Photo/Tide News]

Huiming tea from Jingning, known as "white tea" in ancient times, has a cultivation history of over 1,100 years. It got its name from a monk named Huiming who planted tea in Jingning in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

The tea is renowned for its fresh, sweet, and mellow flavor and orchid fragrance. The leaves used in making the tea are characterized by their plump buds and tenderness, resulting in a clear and bright green-colored tea.

The provincial cultivation pilot program of rural "local specialties" in Zhejiang aims to support 15 counties in developing strong and distinct industries such as tea, fruits, and Chinese medicinal materials.