Xifeng Deer Antler Velvet

Xifeng Deer Antler Velvet

Xifeng Deer Antler Velvet is a protected geographical indication product.

　　“Xifeng Deer Antler Velvet” is a famous and specialty product of Xifeng County, Liaoning Province. Deer antler velvet in China mainly comes from the northeastern region, with Xifeng County as the primary production area. Deer antler velvet refers to the external genitalia of deer, i.e., a stag or a doe. It has functions such as nourishing kidney, strengthening yang, enriching essence, activating blood, and promoting lactation. It is used to treat fatigue, soreness and pain in the waist and knees, deafness and tinnitus due to kidney deficiency, impotence...

　　...It is used to treat fatigue, soreness and pain in the waist and knees, deafness and tinnitus due to kidney deficiency, impotence, seminal emission, chronic inflammation, cold uterus leading to infertility, and failure of milk secretion, among other conditions. In 2010, after review by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, it was decided to implement national geographical indication product protection for “Xifeng Deer Antler Velvet.”

　　Historical Background

　　　　Xifeng has a long history and a unique charm. Since ancient times, different ethnic groups have lived and thrived here. In 1619, Nurhaci, the founding emperor of the Qing Dynasty, after annihilating the Yehe tribe, designated this area as an imperial hunting ground. Legend has it that Emperor Kangxi once hunted here, shot a deer, and the deer fled while still carrying the arrow. Emperor Kangxi exclaimed, “This is an escaping deer!” Hence the place came to be known as “Escaping Deer.” In 1896, hunting restrictions were lifted and land cultivation was encouraged; in 1902, the county was officially established. It was named “Xifeng” (literally meaning “westward flowing abundance”) because the river flows westward and the area is rich in natural resources. Excessive hunting eventually led to a sharp decline in the deer population, so local authorities assigned local residents to raise deer domestically, releasing them during imperial hunts to provide game. This practice was passed down and eventually developed into an industry in Xifeng County.

　　Protected Area

　　　　The protected geographical indication area for Xifeng Deer Antler Velvet covers the administrative regions of 18 towns and townships in Xifeng County, Liaoning Province, including Xifeng Town, Pinggang Town, Anmin Town, Gaojia Store Town, Zhenxing Town, Liangquan Town, Fangmu Town, Tiande Town, Gengke Township, Taoran Township, Jinxing Township, Mingde Township, Diaoyu Township, Dexing Township, Baiyu Township, Chengping Township, Helong Township, and Yingchang Township.