[Guarding the Culinary Flame, Simmering with Millennia-old Craftsmanship] Zichen Hui Tang Duck Ignites Luqiao's "Hundreds of Millions in Consumption" Engine, Intangible Cultural Heritage Technique Revitalized, Aroma Spreading Across the Nation

Recently, Luqiao District successfully ignited a regional consumption boom, using cuisine as a medium and culture as its soul. A related report, From "Hearth Flames" to "City Card": How Did Luqiao's "Taste Bud IP" Ignite Hundreds of Millions in Consumption?, garnered widespread attention. As an important representative of Luqiao's profound food culture and bearer of the district's intangible cultural heritage glory, "Zichen Hui Tang Duck" is honored to be a shining highlight in this wave of enthusiasm.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Technique, Artisan Inheritance

Meeting Modern Revitalization

At the flagship store of "Zichen Hui Tang Duck" in Tongyu Subdistrict, Luqiao, the figure of Ms. Wang Dongju, the fourth-generation inheritor, is always closely linked to the century-old simmering aroma. Simmering Hui Tang Duck, an ancient technique embodying ancestral wisdom, once required over a dozen hours of patient attendance, carefully managing the subtle temperature changes of dying embers. Today, while adhering to the 49 ancient procedures (including ingredient selection, preparation, and sealing in clay pots), "Zichen Hui Tang Duck" have boldly embraced innovation.

Technology Empowering Ancient Methods: We introduced electrically heated simmering ovens combined with stone heat conduction technology, precisely and stably controlling the simmering temperature at 240 degrees Celsius. This not only scientifically shortens the simmering time to 5 hours but also ensures every pot of duck achieves the ultimate tender and flaky texture sought by traditional methods. "With precise temperature control, efficiency has improved, but the essence of the texture—'so tender it falls off the bone, leaving a lingering fragrance in the mouth'—that our ancestors required, we haven't just preserved it; it's become more stable and controllable," says Inheritor Wang Dongju.

Upholding Tradition is the Foundation of Innovation: From the rigorous selection of ducks, to the meticulous proportioning of every seasoning, to the sealed simmering in clay pots, we understand that it is the almost obsessive adherence to these ancient procedures that endows Zichen Hui Tang Duck with its irreplaceable soulful flavor. This "upholding of tradition" is the very foundation of our brand's existence.

Standardization and Scaling Up,

Bringing the Delicacy of Intangible Heritage to the Nation

To propel this heritage cuisine from "niche inheritance" to "shared public enjoyment," standardization and scaling up are essential paths. To this end, Zichen has established a comprehensive operational system:

Rigorous Technique Inheritance: Chefs at all franchise stores must undergo unified, strict training under the guidance of the inheritor, ensuring that every detail, from ingredient selection to simmering, remains authentic.

Unified Quality Assurance: A robust supply chain system has been established. Core ingredients are uniformly selected or distributed by the headquarters. Whether you are at a Zichen branch in Taizhou, Shanghai, Jiangsu, or any other city, you will taste the authentic simmered duck flavor, originating from the Luqiao headquarters and passed down through a single lineage.

From Local Flavor to Health-Conscious Card: We are committed to forging this delicacy, which carries the local customs and sentiments of Luqiao, into a resounding "Health-Flavor Business Card." Zichen Hui Tang Duck is not just a pleasure for the taste buds; its unique simmering process and ingredient selection also align with modern people's pursuit of healthy, nourishing meals.

Joining the "Hundreds of Millions in Consumption" Wave

Unremitting efforts have yielded fruitful results:

Steady Growth in Store Count: Currently, the "Zichen Hui Tang Duck" brand has successfully opened over 100 stores nationwide, allowing this intangible cultural heritage delicacy from Luqiao to spread its fragrance far and wide, serving as a link connecting food lovers across the country with Luqiao culture.

Boosting Luqiao Cultural Tourism: We are pleased to see that, as Luqiao District empowers cultural and tourism integration through cuisine, Zichen Hui Tang Duck, as a representative of local specialty foods, has contributed its share. Whether in daily consumption or during major festivals, Zichen simmered duck, with its unique charm, gathers a palpable sense of "hearth warmth and vitality."

Inheritance Forever, Fragrance Spreading Farther

As the leaders of Luqiao District's Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau stated, promoting the deep integration of culture and tourism and supporting the full-chain development of the food industry is the future direction. Zichen Hui Tang Duck will actively respond to this call:

Continue Deepening Heritage Inheritance: We will persist in the protection and inheritance of our techniques, exploring more expressions that meet modern demands, allowing the traditional craft to continuously radiate "new aromas."

Deepen Brand Building: Leveraging the momentum of Luqiao District's efforts to create an integrated "Food +" business format, we will actively participate in various cultural tourism activities and food promotions, telling the story of Zichen simmered duck well, and making the golden card of the "Luqiao Flavor" even brighter.

Expand Market Territory: While ensuring quality, we will prudently expand our market, bringing this healthy and delicious heritage simmered duck to more cities and more families.

Translator：Jiayang Lin