Ginseng lies at the root of Jilin's success

It was first marketed after being registered at the State Administration of Industry and Commerce in 2009. In 2012, a franchiser was created to recruit franchisees willing to follow the same management concept, and in 2017, Changbai Mountain Ginseng was officially recognized as a China Famous Brand, a Jilin Famous Brand and a Changchun Famous Brand.

After years of development, the popularity and influence of the brand continue to grow, and increasing numbers of producers and investors are getting involved with the ginseng industry.

The Changbai Mountain Ginseng Planting Alliance, which was set up in 2016, aims to improve yields and quality by finding better ways to grow and protect the crop.

"The improper use of chemical pesticides by some farmers in pursuit of higher yields may result in high buildups in the root and poor quality," said Xu Huaiyou, secretary-general of the alliance. "We are working to help farmers grow quality ginseng and increase yields by opening planting centers, setting standards for pesticide use and providing access to scientific planting methods."

At the Wanliang Ginseng Trading Market in Jilin's Fusong county — the largest ginseng trading market in Asia — a kilogram of fresh ginseng grown by the Changbai Mountain Ginseng Planting Alliance sells for 2 to 4 yuan more than the market price, due to its higher quality.