The hind legs of Jinhua black pigs are hung up in a factory. [Photo/Tide News]

Visitors to Jinhua Ancient City in Zhejiang province can now experience the city's signature delicacy at the Damuzhi Jinhua Ham Intangible Cultural Heritage Theme Restaurant, where traditional ham dishes are presented in a modern setting.

Having opened for trial operation in April, the restaurant has since attracted visitors from across China, including Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Macao. During the May Day holiday, it served more than 4,000 diners in a single day, according to Gong Junxiao, its general manager.

Jinhua ham, together with Spanish Iberian and Italian Parma, are widely regarded as three of the world's most renowned traditional hams. Made from the hind legs of high-quality Jinhua black pigs, the product undergoes eight major steps and 48 processes through about 10 months of fermentation.

Gong, who represents the third generation of his family's business, said he aims to elevate the thousand-year-old food beyond gift boxes and cooking ingredients by bringing it into everyday dining. The restaurant features displays on ham-making traditions and offers appetizing dishes such as ham duck soup.

Since taking over the business in 2022, Gong has combined traditional techniques with modern production methods, introducing products like low-salt ready-to-eat ham and sliced ham for hotpot. The company's annual output has increased from 20 million yuan (about $3 million) to more than 40 million yuan.

The restaurant is part of Gong's broader effort to expand the Jinhua ham industry through integrated development covering raw materials, production, sales, and culinary experiences, helping the traditional delicacy appeal to younger consumers.