TCM becomes a pillar industry in Pingyao

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry rose rapidly and became one of the seven pillar industries of Pingyao county during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20).

The total planting area of TCM materials in Pingyao has reached more than 4,000 hectares.

Take local TCM industry leader Jinwei TCM Comprehensive Development Cooperative as an example: The cooperative expanded its planting area of TCM materials, innovated in development and helped the county develop an industrial chain covering planting, processing, storage, sales, e-commerce and tourism related to TCM.

In 2020, with the strong support of local authorities, the cooperative signed an agreement with 12 poor villages in Buyi town and invested more than 39 million yuan ($6.01 million) in building a 1.3-ha processing and storage workshop. The facility has helped solve storage problems for TCM materials.

The cooperative also focused on exploring the culture of TCM and healthcare, developing herbal tea drinks and creating distinctive brands, which have played a role in protecting and promoting the development of the TCM sector in Pingyao.