Jinzhai Lingzhi

Jinzhai Lingzhi

Jinzhai Lingzhi is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　　    Jinzhai has been renowned for its lingzhi production since ancient times. Located in the heart of the Dabie Mountains, Jinzhai boasts abundant biodiversity. The history of lingzhi cultivation in Jinzhai dates back many years. Both Li Shizhen’s *Compendium of Materia Medica* and Tang Shenwei’s *Revised and Expanded Classified Emergency Materia Medica to Aid the Living*, written during the Song Dynasty, contain detailed descriptions of the geographical environments where six types of lingzhi grow. There is a saying: “Red lingzhi grows in Huoshan, green lingzhi in Taishan, yellow lingzhi in Songshan, white lingzhi in Huashan, black lingzhi in Changshan, and purple lingzhi in high mountain valleys.” In ancient times, “Huoshan” referred to the Dabie Mountain region at the junction of what are now Hubei, Henan, and Anhui provinces. Wild lingzhi was widely distributed across this area, particularly in mid-to-high altitude zones above 500 meters elevation, where it could be found growing in dark, damp broadleaf forests—around decaying tree trunks, fallen branches, and stumps. For many years, local medicinal herb gatherers have considered wild lingzhi an important product to harvest.

　　    The artificial cultivation of Jinzhai lingzhi began in the 1990s. In February 1993, the county Science and Technology Commission introduced lingzhi cultivation techniques from the Lu’an Regional Agricultural Research Institute and conducted trial cultivations in Quanjun Village of Quanjun Township and Nianwan Village of Shahe Township. A total of 41 households participated, cultivating lingzhi on 12 mu of land. The lingzhi fruited well in summer, and all the produce was sold, marking a successful small-scale trial. In March 1994, Lu’an Lingzhi Company partnered with Jinzhai Edible Fungus Seed Factory to promote short-log lingzhi cultivation in Chantang Village and Nianwan Village of Shahe Township through a credit-based distribution of lingzhi spawn. This effort yielded a bumper harvest—one farmer surnamed Li alone earned 4,000 yuan from lingzhi fruiting bodies and 20,000 yuan from lingzhi spore powder that year, causing a sensation among farmers across the county. From then on, lingzhi production rapidly expanded throughout Jinzhai. By 1995, the number of lingzhi-growing households in Shahe Township exceeded 100, with a total output of over 10 tons. Merchants from Jiangsu, Jilin, Fujian, and other regions came to purchase the product, giving Jinzhai lingzhi a growing reputation nationwide. In 1996, the cultivation area expanded to seven townships including Guanmiao, Shuizhuping, Qingshan, and Yanzihe, producing 90 tons of lingzhi, 11 tons of spore powder, and achieving an output value of 5.3 million yuan—with Shahe Township alone contributing 3.7 million yuan, or 70% of the county’s total. In 1997, 19 townships across the county were involved in lingzhi cultivation, yielding 500 tons and generating a total output value of 16 million yuan. By 1998, Shahe Township reached its peak, producing over 600 tons of lingzhi with an output value of 25 million yuan. This single industry increased per capita income by 1,500 yuan, attracting coverage from media outlets such as *People’s Daily*, CCTV, and Xinhua News Agency, earning Shahe the title of “China’s No. 1 Lingzhi Township.” In 2003, the county’s total lingzhi output reached 1,205 tons, including 260 tons of spore powder, with a total output value of 52 million yuan. Subsequently, Jinzhai County adjusted its lingzhi development strategy, adhering to principles of controlled volume, rational distribution, and sustainable growth. Annual production was capped at around 5 million logs, yielding approximately 500 tons—yet the county remains China’s largest log-grown lingzhi production base. Owing to its early development and national recognition, Jinzhai has established a well-known lingzhi trading market, with annual trading volumes reaching up to 1,000 tons.

　　    The main components of lingzhi include polysaccharides, ganoderic acids, adenosine, organic germanium, and other active compounds.

　　    The pharmacological effects of lingzhi include anti-tumor properties, liver protection, benefits for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, effects on diabetes, and benefits for chronic bronchitis.

　　    Lingzhi Spore Powder: When lingzhi reaches maturity, a brown, smoke-like powder rises from the caps—this is lingzhi spore powder. Modern medical research shows that the efficacy of lingzhi spore powder is 75 times that of the lingzhi fruiting body (the mushroom itself), as the spores are rich in polysaccharides, ganoderic acids (triterpenes), peptides, and other beneficial substances.

　　    Jinzhai enjoys unique advantages for developing lingzhi production: first, abundant and high-quality resources; second, ample rainfall, mild climate, and a suitable ecological environment; third, a skilled workforce in fungus and medicinal production, along with tens of thousands of households engaged in lingzhi cultivation. Building on its mature lingzhi production base, the potential for developing lingzhi processing enterprises is enormous. All are welcome to join us in developing the lingzhi industry in our county.

　　    Jinzhai Lingzhi

　　    Jinzhai County Traditional Chinese Medicine Association

　　    12973042

　　    Lingzhi (Traditional Chinese Medicine)