A Hongjitang worker makes ejiao using a traditional method. [Photo/e23.cn]

Hongjitang traditional Chinese medicine culture and Laiwu Zhongyuan Festival customs in Jinan were included in the new batch of national intangible cultural heritage items released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The fifth batch has a total of 325 national intangible cultural heritage items, increasing the list established in 2006 to 1,557 items. The list includes folklore, traditional music, dance, opera, sports, arts, crafts, medicine, and a new category - diet.

Shandong Hongjitang Pharmaceutical Group, founded in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) has a history of more than 100 years. As the inheritor and promoter of traditional Chinese medicine culture, Hongjitang has a traditional Chinese medicine culture covering medicinal materials purchase, traditional Chinese medicine production, and talent training.

Laiwu Zhongyuan Festival customs focus on ancestors and family union. The Zhongyuan Festival falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.

Jinan currently has 13 national intangible cultural heritage items including Jinan shadow puppetry, Lyu Opera, Laiwu bangzi, and Jiyang yangko.