1. Kudzu Vine: Kudzu is widely distributed in North China and can be easily found in the mountains. It serves two purposes: first, it can be made into ropes, and second—and more importantly—it can solve food problems. The kudzu vine has thick, large tuberous roots with a high starch content. Each root can weigh up to one kilogram. Digging up just one root per day can keep you from starving for many days. Moreover, these roots remain available even in winter. So if you're considering outdoor survival, finding kudzu means you’re far from death.
2. Oak Tree: Oak trees are abundant in northern forests. Where there are oaks, there are acorns. Although acorns don’t taste great, they are rich in starch. Finding oak trees in autumn or winter means you’ve found food. Additionally, oak trees are often surrounded by squirrels, which are probably the easiest animals to catch in winter. If you find a squirrel’s den, you can usually dig up plenty of food. As far as I know, squirrels in North China differ from those in the northeast—most of their dens are not in tree hollows but on the ground.
3. Linden Tree: Linden trees are very common in northern forests, and their leaves make excellent wild vegetables, edible in spring, summer, and autumn. While they may not provide as much energy as acorns or kudzu roots, they can certainly prevent starvation. Linden trees are also widely distributed, making it easy to gather their leaves. If you were to starve in North China’s forests during summer or autumn, I’d say you must be quite dim-witted.
4. Kiwi Vine: In the dense forests of North China, kiwi vines are everywhere and easy to identify. Their fruits are delicious, and the leaves can also serve as food. If you run out of water, simply cut a kiwi vine and you’ll see sap flow out. Though the taste isn’t great, it can definitely save your life.
5. Birch Tree: This one is the easiest to recognize. Like the kiwi vine, it solves your water problem—natural birch sap is a well-known drink. If you can’t even find a birch tree in the wild, I suggest you stay in the city.
6. Wild Lily: Wild lilies are abundant in nature and easy to identify. Their roots, leaves, and flowers are all nutritious and have a pleasant taste. However, they are not as commonly found as the previous five.
There are many plants in the wild that can save your life, but the ones listed above are the easiest to recognize and most widely distributed. Generally speaking, knowing just these few plants can ensure you won’t starve for at least ten days or half a month. Unless you’re being hunted, that’s usually enough time for rescuers to find you.