In the heart of central China’s Henan Province lies Dongping village, a once impoverished mountainous area in Xixia county. This quiet village has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, thanks to the cultivation of medicinal herbs and the development of tourism. Today, Dongping stands as a vibrant example of how Chinese medicine can drive economic prosperity and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Dongping’s rise to prosperity is deeply intertwined with the cultivation of Cornus officinalis, a plant that has long been valued in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its medicinal properties. Local villager Yang Youqing is one of the many who have benefited from this profitable crop. With 400 to 500 Cornus officinalis trees on his land, Yang earns an average of 150 yuan (about $20.67) per tree, leading to an annual income of over 60,000 yuan. In addition to his earnings from farming, Yang also supplements his income by working odd jobs at a nearby scenic spot, where he can make an extra 20,000 to 30,000 yuan each year. The cultivation of Cornus officinalis has not only provided him with financial stability but has also transformed his life and the entire village.
Cornus officinalis is more than just a valuable medicinal plant; it also adds beauty to the village with its vibrant blooms and fruits. From spring through to the National Day holiday in early October, Dongping attracts tourists who come to enjoy the picturesque scenery and escape the summer heat. In response to this growing demand, the village has opened more than 100 rural bed-and-breakfast accommodations. These B&Bs have become a source of income for local families, with an average income per person exceeding 40,000 yuan.
This success story is not limited to Dongping village alone but extends to the entire Xixia county. The county has planted over 220,000 mu (146.67 square kilometers) of Cornus officinalis, which yielded over 3,600 tonnes of fruit last year, generating a direct output value of 190 million yuan. The rise of Cornus officinalis as a key crop has significantly contributed to the local economy, making the village a model of sustainable growth through Chinese medicinal agriculture.
Henan Province itself is a national leader in the production of Chinese medicinal herbs, with an area of 5.7 million mu dedicated to herb cultivation and an output of 2.36 million tonnes. The province is expected to increase its medicinal herb planting area to 6 million mu by 2025, with an estimated output value exceeding 60 billion yuan. This growth is fueled by the continued demand for medicinal plants in both the domestic and international markets, as well as the increasing recognition of the health benefits associated with traditional Chinese medicine.
In Xixia, Zhongjing Wanxi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is one of the key players in this burgeoning industry. The company transforms the fruits of Cornus officinalis into medicines using state-of-the-art technology. The fully automated production line at the company’s workshop manages over 3,000 data points in real-time, ensuring that every step of the production process—washing, decoction, filtration, concentration, drying, granulation, and packaging—is precisely controlled. With nine such production lines, the company can produce 160 bottles of traditional Chinese medicine every minute, amounting to a total of 120 million bottles annually. Zhongjing Wanxi’s annual revenue exceeds 10 billion yuan, highlighting the significant economic impact of Chinese medicine in the region.
Henan’s growing TCM industry includes 189 traditional Chinese medicine enterprises, with total revenues surpassing 50 billion yuan. By 2025, the province plans to establish 10 TCM industrial parks and cultivate over 100 large-scale TCM enterprises. The integration of Chinese medicinal herbs into the region’s economy offers a promising future for both farmers and businesses, positioning Henan as a central hub in the global TCM market.
The success of Dongping village and the broader Xixia county exemplifies how Chinese medicine can provide sustainable development opportunities in rural areas. By harnessing the power of medicinal herbs like Cornus officinalis and combining them with modern industry and tourism, these communities have found a path to prosperity. As Henan continues to invest in the growth of its traditional Chinese medicine industry, the future of this sector looks increasingly promising, offering not only economic benefits but also a renewed appreciation for the healing power of nature.
Chinese medicine, with its deep historical roots and connection to natural wellness, is more than just a source of health—it has become a catalyst for economic revitalization, offering a model for other regions to follow in their pursuit of sustainable development.