The Chinese sugar painting, or sugar sculpture and the skills for making Dafulin steamed buns in Baotou city - located in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region - were recently put on the recommended list of intangible cultural heritage items at the autonomous region level.

Both of these were recognized by the Qingshan district of Baotou. Chinese sugar painting, or sugar sculpture, can be both appreciated as works of art and eaten as sweet treats. Characterized by various patterns, vivid shapes and bright colors, they are widely popular, especially among kids.

Its history can be traced back to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when it became very popular at grand feasts and won a broad popular base.

Its exponents pinch, paste, press and use other methods to make characters, animals, flowers, birds, fish and even insects. Their shapes are full and the color vivid.

A delicious-looking sugar sculpture figure goes on show in Baotou. [Photo/Baotou news network]

With Dafulin steamed buns, the technique is quite elaborate and is divided into six major steps.

The bun was rated as Baotou's famous snack and was recognized as a Chinese time-honored brand by the Ministry of Domestic Trade.

In recent years, Baotou is said to have done a great job in the protection, management and utilization of intangible cultural heritage. In particular, Qingshan district has four autonomous regional-level projects, 13 municipal-level projects and 20 district-level projects on the go.