China - Qingyuan
Forest-Mushroom Co-culture System in Zhejiang Province
The heritage site is located in 13 administrative villages and one
state-owned forest farm in three townships, including Songyuan
Street, Baishanzu Town and Wudabao Township, Qingyuan County,
with a total area of 14,117.43 hectares. It is the birthplace of the
world’s artificial cultivation technology of shiitake mushrooms.
Harsh Natural Environment
Qingyuan County has a forest coverage rate of up to 86%. Due to
poor soil, changeable weather and low agricultural returns, it is
difficult to produce enough food for the villagers. Therefore, more
than two-thirds of farmers leave their homes to grow mushrooms in
the mountains during the non-planting season (winter) and return
during the Qingming Festival (spring). Qingyuan has a subtropical
monsoon climate, which is warm and humid, with four distinct
seasons, an average annual temperature of 17.4℃, and a large
temperature difference between day and night, which is most
suitable for the growth of mushrooms and other fungi.
Harsh Natural Environment
Qingyuan County has a forest coverage rate of up to 86%. Due to
poor soil, changeable weather and low agricultural returns, it is
difficult to produce enough food for the villagers. Therefore, more
than two-thirds of farmers leave their homes to grow mushrooms in
the mountains during the non-planting season (winter) and return
during the Qingming Festival (spring). Qingyuan has a subtropical
monsoon climate, which is warm and humid, with four distinct
seasons, an average annual temperature of 17.4℃, and a large
temperature difference between day and night, which is most
suitable for the growth of mushrooms and other fungi.
Forest & Shiitake Co-Cultivation
Fengshui forests are not only ancient forests and tree species
resource gene banks, but also playing a role in conserving water
sources, preventing soil erosion, purifying the air, and maintaining a
good ecological environment. In addition, local people believe that
these forests are auspicious and human activities are restricted. To
better manage the forest, only 5 to 6 trees are cut per acre of forest each year.
Forest & Shiitake Co-Cultivation
Fengshui forests are not only ancient forests and tree species
resource gene banks, but also playing a role in conserving water
sources, preventing soil erosion, purifying the air, and maintaining a
good ecological environment. In addition, local people believe that
these forests are auspicious and human activities are restricted. To
better manage the forest, only 5 to 6 trees are cut per acre of forest each year.
Explore Related Topics
Discover more about the unique culture and biodiversity of the GIAHS region in
Qingyuan.