Wansan pork shank is a traditional dish for treating guests in Zhouzhuang. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang named it after Shen Wansan, a man of huge wealth.

As a local saying goes, "where there is a family feast, there is the dish of crisp Wansan Pork Shank."

Over several centuries, the dish has become a main course at festivals and banquets in Zhouzhuang.

Wansan Pork Shank is prepared with superb materials. Well-marbled roasts of hind legs are steamed or braised for a whole day in a large casserole with mixed ingredients.

Wansan Pork Shank is eaten in a unique style. The thinner of the two bones running through the shank is taken out gently, keeping the shank intact.