In the autumn days of October 14, I visited the picturesque village of Meifeng in the Shangzheng Township of Taizhou, Zhejiang Province. Here, amidst the lush greenery of the Lei Guyan forest, I encountered rows of healthy “caitou shen,” or “earth prince ginseng,” standing over 10 centimeters tall, their light purple flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Local farmer Wang Tianfei, along with his wife and some workers, was busy weeding around his precious crop.
Wang explained that caitou shen, known for its medicinal properties, is used in herbal dishes primarily in Guangdong and other regions. “It thrives in shady, cold environments,” he noted. The seeds of these plants were sown around the Qingming Festival this year.
As a longtime resident of the mountains, Wang mentioned how villagers often forage for herbs during the off-season to supplement their income. This venture into cultivation began in 2007 when his wife inadvertently planted some wild caitou shen roots under their loquat tree. To their surprise, the plants thrived, and they realized they could cultivate them intentionally. This leap led them onto the path of professional farming.
Today, Wang manages over 70 acres of caitou shen. “Cultivating this plant isn’t labor-intensive. We only need to fertilize twice a year; the main task is weeding. After about two and a half to three years, they’re ready for sale. Buyers come directly to us, and we can harvest at any time during the year. Prices can reach as high as 75 yuan per pound,” Wang shared, reflecting on his journey with pride.
Digging with his hoe, Wang revealed a caitou shen plant, pointing out its thick main roots and slender fibrous ones. “This one was propagated through cuttings and is doing remarkably well. The spindle-shaped roots fetch the highest prices,” he explained. The average yield is around 800 pounds per acre, potentially bringing in over 100,000 yuan annually.
Nestled between 350 and 800 meters above sea level, Meifeng Village occupies a national first-tier drinking water source protection zone. The region boasts over 12,600 acres of forest with a coverage rate exceeding 95 percent, leading to deep, fertile soil perfect for cultivating herbs like caitou shen.
Wang’s initiative in cultivating wild caitou shen quickly spread throughout the village, inspiring many to explore this new opportunity for wealth. Recently, the village has actively promoted the cultivation of medicinal herbs, primarily focusing on caitou shen, along with supporting crops like Sanqi, Zhonglou, and Xuelikai. This growth has fostered a burgeoning local economy.
“Previously, villagers primarily sought employment elsewhere, and we became somewhat of a ‘hollow village,'” shared Wang Tianhe, the village’s Party Committee Secretary and Village Committee Director. “Now, more villagers are returning to engage in herbal cultivation, with over 2,500 acres of medicinal plants planted in the village.”
Retiree Lin Hualiang returned to his hometown and partnered with others to cultivate more than 200 acres of caitou shen. “There’s great potential in growing caitou shen, and local policies are supporting us. I’m increasingly confident about this venture,” he stated.
With backing from the local agricultural bureau and Shangzheng Township, the village has upgraded once-difficult mountain paths into cement roads. The village leaders also plan to improve paths through the forest to help residents expand their planting areas.
Currently, caitou shen has been prioritized for development in Huangyan District, with partnerships established with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine for researching the quality and cultivation techniques of this herb, ensuring technical support for its recognition, scaled operations, and industry chain development.
As the villagers continue to blend economic growth with ecological preservation, their commitment to the land becomes a testament to the adage that “green waters and lush mountains are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver.” The community is making great strides down this new path toward prosperity.
