Nowadays, many residents still make Ding Guan themselves in preference over more modern cooking tools. Apart from using aluminum today instead of iron, the process of making Ding Guan remains the same. It involves making a mold, heating liquid metal, mold casting, de-molding and polishing.

A local craftsman heats liquid aluminum to make Ding Guan. [Photo/Xinhua]

A Ding Guan mold is made. [Photo/Xinhua]

A craftsman de-molds a Ding Guan. [Photo/Xinhua]

Rice cooked in a Ding Guan is said to take on a unique and moreish flavor.

According to the local government, Feishan town has investigated over 200 types of local folk traditions, and submitted 15 of them to be listed as national intangible cultural heritages, including Yao costume-making industry.

The local government plans to establish a cultural database, training courses on traditional crafts, and promote greater historical conservations, according to an official.

Finished Ding Guan piled up together. [Photo/Xinhua]