Leigou cloth has been listed as one of the fourth batch of provincial intangible cultural heritages. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

Leigou cloth has been listed as one of the fourth batch of provincial intangible cultural heritages (ICH), according to an announcement made by Jiangsu provincial department of culture.

The cloth is a kind of homespun textile that originated in the Leigou area, which is today's Jin'gang town in Zhangjiagang. It is a traditional craft with a history of more than 500 years. It was once a tribute of the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911).

The craft features a standard and rigorous process including cotton selection, spinning, weaving and dyeing.

The department officials said that in 2007, Leigou cloth entered the first list of Zhangjiagang intangible cultural heritages. Zhangjiagang Jinling Textile Co was designated as an inheriting unit in 2009 to protect Leigou cloth. With innovative Leigou cloth products, Jinling has established partnership with over 10 world famous brands such as Polo and Levis. Its annual output reaches 25 million meters of cloth, generating sales volume of 500 million yuan ($78.27 million).

Jinling is now planning for a Leigou cloth experiencing museum and tourism products to better promote the heritage, added the officer.

Edited by Shahnawaz Akhtar