Xinshi Sauced Mutton is rich in flavor. [Photo/Tide News]

In Xinshi ancient town, located in Deqing county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, Xinshi sauced mutton is a popular local dish.

Xinshi ancient town is known as a bustling commercial hub with a history of over 1,000 years, and the locals have long mastered the art of cooking sauced mutton with huangjiu, a traditional Chinese yellow wine. Xinshi's sauced mutton cooking technique was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage item of Huzhou.

With the arrival of winter, the tantalizing aroma of mutton wafts through the town's eateries. Sampling a bowl of Xinshi sauced mutton or mutton noodles is a must for every visitor.

The dish is crafted using high-quality local Hu sheep. The mutton is slowly simmered over a wood fire in a large pot with an aged broth, soy sauce, huangjiu, rock sugar, and spices. The result is a dish of deep red, tender mutton that is rich in flavor.

Xinshi sauced mutton, paired with a sip of huangjiu, is one of the joys of winter among locals.