Paotang soup intangible cultural heritage event kicks off in Guiyang

Visitors enjoy a traditional Paotang feast at the event. [Photo/Wudang media center]

The opening ceremony of the "Fuyun Wanggang, Paotang Warm Winter" intangible cultural heritage event was held on Dec 20 in Wanggang village, Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Paotang soup is a traditional New Year dish in Guizhou made with fresh pork. This warm winter feast, integrating folk customs, culinary delights, and intangible cultural heritage, is part of Guiyang's 2025 hot springs season.

During the event, villagers dressed in traditional Bouyei attire served traditional ginger tea and sang the Bouyei song to welcome visitors from afar.

A Bouyei elder held incense and paper for the Paotang opening ceremony, reciting blessings in the ancient Bouyei language, praying for abundant ingredients and the well-being of visitors. Meanwhile, butchers wielded their knives, marking the start of the Paotang feast.

As night fell, the Paotang banquet officially began. Dry pot Paotang sizzled over the fire, with freshly slaughtered pork tender and flavorful, wood-fired tofu absorbing the rich broth, and sweet radish strips cutting through the richness. Paired with the authentic local flavors of "three plates, four dishes, and eight bowls," the meal was a feast for the senses.

This folk feast allowed visitors to savor the authentic flavors of Bouyei cuisine, and experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage. It created a warm memory for Wudang's winter cultural tourism.