The Mushuihua Wild Mushroom Trading Center is the biggest mushroom market in China, selling more than 200 mushroom varieties. Wild mushrooms are on sale these days at the Mushuihua market in central Yunnan’s Kunming city.
Kunming, as the capital city of Yunnan province in China, is renowned for its vibrant markets where wild mushrooms play a significant role. Here are some of the top wild mushroom markets in Kunming:
These markets not only offer a rich variety of wild mushrooms but also provide a glimpse into the local culinary culture where mushrooms are highly valued for their flavors and health benefits. Visiting these markets during the mushroom season in Yunnan can be a rewarding experience for anyone interested in exploring the regional gastronomy.
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As mushroom season approaches, it’s crucial for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with wild mushrooms. Recently, an educational event aimed at raising awareness about mushroom identification was held at the Yunnan Shuimuhua Wild Mushroom Trading Center. Through brochures, on-site explanations, cooking demonstrations, and more, consumers learned about mushroom recognition methods and safe cooking practices.
Yunnan is renowned as the “Kingdom of Mushrooms,” boasting 2,729 mushroom species, which account for 56.9% of China’s total. Over 160 species hold significant ecological, economic, and developmental value. Annually, Yunnan sells approximately 500,000 tons of edible mushrooms, exported to over 40 countries including Japan, Italy, France, and the UK. The market value of Yunnan’s mushrooms exceeds 100 billion yuan.
While Yunnan residents have a deep appreciation for wild mushrooms, the popularity among tourists has also grown. Tang Liping from Kunming Medical University warns that many wild mushroom species share similar morphological characteristics, making accurate identification challenging without professional assistance.
Here are some essential guidelines for safely consuming wild mushrooms:
If you suspect mushroom poisoning:
Being informed about wild mushroom safety is crucial to enjoying these delicacies without risks. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, understanding these precautions ensures a safe and enjoyable mushroom season in Yunnan.
The rainy season in Yunnan is the time when edible mushrooms destined for the dinner tables. Truffle, matsutake, Jizong, Qingtoujun (green-headed mushroom) and other mushrooms have come to Yunnan Mushuihua Wild Mushroom Trading Market.
Among various species, there are some toxic or deadly mushrooms wearing colorful “coats” and leading some accidental ingestion every year. 7 Myanmar workers were killed by Trogia venenata, also known as “Little White”. A family of four in Dehong died because they had Amanita muscaria. It is important to identify the toxic ones from the edible mushrooms.
It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 species of toxic mushroom in the world, of which more than 400 are in China. They have similar shapes and colors, thus it is difficult to distinguish them completely by eyes and experiences, let alone by folk ways.
According to Yang Zhuliang, an expert of edible mushroom and the researcher of Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, toxic mushrooms can be differentiated by three features. The toxic ones usually wear “hats” on the top, “skirts” around the middle, and “boots” at the bottom. Most mushrooms with these three features are extremely poisonous. Yang said 50-70% of deaths from mushroom poisoning can be avoided if people don’t eat them.
Toxic mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and so on. Some hallucinations and mental symptoms may also be caused, for example, you may see “little people” dancing around you.
In the 6 hours after eating toxic mushroom, you can take the emetic method to vomit poison out. However, if the poisoned people have not been conscious, don’t make them vomit and call the emergency as soon as possible, and remember to bring the mushrooms they had to help the doctor decide what to do.
By understanding these precautions and being vigilant about mushroom identification, you can enjoy the culinary diversity of mushrooms in Yunnan safely and responsibly. Always prioritize safety when exploring local foods, especially during mushroom season.
Yunnan, known as the “Kingdom of Mushrooms,” offers a rich diversity of wild edible fungi due to its complex topography, various forest types, soil conditions, and unique climatic conditions. Here are descriptions and selection criteria for some of the most sought-after wild mushrooms in the region:
These mushrooms not only contribute significantly to Yunnan’s biodiversity but also offer exquisite culinary experiences, making them highly sought after in local and international markets alike. Whether you’re a mushroom enthusiast or a curious food lover, exploring these delicacies in Yunnan promises a memorable gastronomic adventure.
The South China Karst (simplified Chinese: 中国南方喀斯特; traditional Chinese: 中國南方喀斯特; pinyin: Zhōngguó Nánfāng Kāsītè), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2007, spans the provinces of Chongqing, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan. It is noted for its karst features and landscapes as well as rich biodiversity. The site comprises seven clusters Phase I: Libo Karst, Shilin Karst, and Wulong Karst inscribed in 2007, and Phase II: Guilin Karst, Shibing Karst, Jinfoshan Karst, and Huanjiang Karst inscribed in 2014. UNESCO describes the South China Karst as “unrivalled in terms of the diversity of its karst features and landscapes.”
UNESCO Inscription No |
Name |
---|---|
1248-001 | Shilin Karst – Naigu Stone Forest (乃古石林)
Shilin Yi Autonomous County |
1248-002 | Shilin Karst – Suogeyi Village (所各邑村)
Shilin Yi Autonomous County |
1248-003 | Libo Karst – Xiaoqijong (小七孔)
Libo County |
1248-004 | Libo Karst – Dongduo (洞多)
Libo County |
1248-005 | Wulong Karst – Qingkou Giant Doline (Tiankeng) (箐口天坑)
Wulong County |
1248-006 | Wulong Karst – Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥)
Wulong County |
1248-007 | Wulong Karst – Furong Cave (芙蓉洞)
Wulong County |
Yunnan South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yunnan. (中国南方喀斯特)
The Yunnan White-Browed Gibbon (云南白眉长臂猿), also known as the Gaoligong White-Browed Gibbon (高黎贡白眉长臂猿) or Tianxing Gibbon (天行长臂猿), is a primate species endemic to China. It belongs to the family Hylobatidae and the genus Hoolock. This gibbon is primarily distributed in the Gaoligong Mountains (高黎贡山) in western Yunnan Province (云南省), as well as parts of northeastern Myanmar.
In October 2024, a healthy infant gibbon was born at the Dehong Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (德宏州野生动物收容救护中心) in Yunnan Province, marking a new addition to China’s captive-bred white-browed gibbon population.
The Yunnan White-Browed Gibbon is a rare and endemic species in China, and its survival reflects the health of the ecosystem. Protecting this species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
The Yunnan White-Browed Gibbon (高黎贡白眉长臂猿) is a critically endangered primate species endemic to China, primarily distributed in the Gaoligong Mountains (高黎贡山) in western Yunnan Province. They can be observed at the Dehong Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (德宏州野生动物收容救护中心), Gaoligong Mountain National Nature Reserve (高黎贡山国家级自然保护区), and certain zoos such as Nanning Zoo (南宁动物园) and Nanchang Zoo (南昌动物园). Visitors must follow conservation guidelines and make prior arrangements to help protect this rare species.
Asian elephants in Yunnan are a distinctive ecological calling card of Yunnan. They have attracted global attention, bringing new opportunities to Yunnan’s tourism industry, giving rise to diverse tourism products and routes, and promoting the development of ecotourism. However, there are also issues such as potential safety hazards and damage to facilities. It is necessary to properly balance the protection of elephants and tourism development to achieve harmonious coexistence.
Yunnan Province in southern China has been called China’s new Shangri-La. The region contains one of Asia’s last untouched forests, where three of Asia’s mightiest rivers – the Yangtze, Mekong, and Salween – pass within 44 miles of one another as they flow from the world’s highest mountains.
Yunnan is a vital center of plant diversity, and is home to a resplendent variety of animals, such as the snow leopard, Yunnan golden monkey, the red panda, and 800 species of resident and migratory birds. Fourteen ethnic minorities, including the Naxi and Yi peoples, live there.
The Chinese government banned logging in the area in 1999 [see “Logging the top of the world,” Fall 1999 EIJ] after realizing massive flooding along the Yangtze River was a by-product of deforestation during the Maoist period.
What seemed like a simple solution triggered a cascade of complex economic and social problems. The timber industry was one of the main sources of income to the ethnic minorities living in the region, who are among the poorest in China. So the ban caused an acute economic crisis in the region.
Officials, aware of the area’s natural beauty and cultural significance, decided to replace the logging income of the ethnic minorities with tourism development in the region. The Chinese government invited the Nature Conservancy to collaborate in the creation of
an integrated conservation and economic-development project in the northwest corner of Yunnan Province.
To direct the multimillion dollar collaboration with the Nature Conservancy, Edward Norton, an environmentalist attorney, and his wife, Ann McBride, who gave up a high-profile job as president of Common Cause, moved to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan.
During the first phase of the Yunnan Great Rivers Project, the Conservancy developed a Global Network to study the region’s biodiversity, culture, and resources. McBride distributed cameras to villagers as part of a program called “photo voice,” which encouraged the local people to shoot pictures of the things they most value in their communities. “We had over 100 photographers in 20 villages, from the ages of 13 to 76. The program was designed to include the villagers’ centuries-old knowledge,” explains McBride. “Yunnan’s ethnic minorities have hardly had any relation with the Chinese people let alone foreigners, so we needed to be pro-active to win their trust.”
The conclusion was reached that the best option for Yunnan was to establish a system of wilderness preserves and protected national parks, develop community-based ecotourism and adjacent enterprises that benefit the local population, and develop human assets in government and local community that will sustain the entire effort.
Now the Conservancy is working to develop community-based ecotourism with local governments, and the Naxi and Yi people of Lashihai and Wenhai villages.
“The idea is to have small lodges and cabins run by the local people for tourists who like to escape the modern trappings of life and enjoy staying in stunning, pristine places,” explains Norton. Yunnan will attract tourists that enjoy nature, climbing, hiking or horseback riding, and perhaps even river rafting. There is a lot to see for tourists interested in culture, such as the old town of Lijiang, with cobblestone streets, crenellated houses and airy courtyards.
Getting local officials to recognize opportunities for low-impact ecotourism ventures has not been an easy matter. Tourism projects in China often follow the contrary path; they aim for the lowest common denominator and pack in as many people as possible.
One such is a small snowmobile track near the summit of the 18,360-foot Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The developer got a government award for his project, which was called a model for tourism development.
A massive nearby peak named Kawagebo raises issues of a less motorized sort. No one has ever scaled the glacier but many wish to; Tibetans oppose climbing because they consider Kawagebo sacred.
As “Shangri-La” advertising draws more and more tourists to the region, balancing environmental and biodiversity protection, cultural preservation, and economic development becomes more difficult.
In 1993, the Bitahai reserve near Zhongdian had 1,000 visitors. By 1998, that number was 10,000, prompting the government to spend 4 million yuan ($480,000) to build a paved road into the reserve, in anticipation of tourists coming to Yunnan for the Kunming International Horticultural Exposition. Zhongdian was flooded with some 120,000 tourists in 1999, bringing about 3 million yuan ($360,000) in ticket revenues. Some of this income has been used to build boardwalks, roads and other infrastructure.
Capitalizing on the tourist trade, local people supplement their income by selling homemade milk products and handicrafts, but most importantly by offering horseback rides. The net income for one horse can reach 8,000 yuan ($1,000) a year. Already, about 10,000 people in Zhongdian County work in the tourism industry.
That industry is already starting to extract a price on the environment and threaten the success of the reserves. Horseback riding near Bitahai Lake, for example, damages fragile wetlands and grasslands. There is also considerable concern that tourism development in the mountainous Haba Xueshan Reserve will badly damage vegetation there, and better planning is needed as more and more tourists visit the region.
One example of poor planning is seen at the Tiger Leaping Gorge tourism site on the Yangtze River. Zhongdian County first blasted a road along the west bank of the spectacular 3,000-meter-deep canyon to bring tourists to the narrow falls near the center. Worried about losing revenue to its neighbor, Lijiang County is gouging a road along the even steeper east bank, destroying the scenic properties of the site and adding additional rubble to the riverbed.
Officials at the US Embassy in Beijing have formally expressed concerns about land management in Yunnan. “It is particularly worrisome that reserve management officials at Zhongdian’s three wildlife reserves have little knowledge of wildlife conservation or tourism management and have no procedures for environmental monitoring or routine wildlife observation,” says a report by embassy staff. “Conservation staff also does little research. Instead, they are all busy with promoting commercial forestry and the tourism business.”
In many other reserves in the project region, the goals of wildlife protection and improving local incomes create direct conflicts of interest. The pursuit of tourist dollars distracts nature reserve managers from their wildlife protection mission.
As more tourists come to the region, the pressure to balance environmental protection and economic development will only increase.
Yunnan Geology resources contribute a lot to Yunnan tourism, such as the famous Stone Forest, Dongchuan Red Land, Yuanmou Earth Forest and Cluster of Volcanoes in Tengchong, etc.
Yunnan is at the far eastern edge of the Himalayan uplift, and was pushed up in the Pleistocene, primarily in the Middle Pleistocene, although the uplift continues into the present. The eastern part of the province is a limestone plateau with karst topography and unnavigable rivers flowing through deep mountain gorges. The main surface formations of the plateau are the Lower Permian Maokou Formation, characterized by thick limestone deposits, the Lower Permian Qixia Formation, characterised by dolomitic limestones and dolomites, the Upper Permian basalts of the Ermeishan Formation (formerly Omeishan plateau basalts), and the red sandstones, mudstones, siltstones, and conglomerates of the Mesozoic–Paleogene, including the Lufeng Formation and the Lunan Group (Lumeiyi, Xiaotun, and Caijiacong formations). In this area is the noted Stone Forest or Shilin, eroded vertical pinnacles of limestone (Maokou Formation). In the eastern part the rivers generally run eastwards. The western half is characterized by mountain ranges and rivers running north and south.
Yunnan is also a big geological museum. A large number of sauropod dinosaur fossils have been unearthed in the early Jurassic strata of Lufeng County, which are relatively intact. Now a dinosaur museum has been built in the county for tourists to visit. In addition, Maotianshan Shales and Zoolites Sites in Chengjiang County is a “star” in the geological field, because there are a large number of fossils of Cambrian multicellular organisms unearthed here, which are rich in species and well preserved. This strongly proves the existence of “Cambrian biological explosion”. Dongchuan District of Kunming City is also a national famous “debris flow museum”. In the early days, large-scale unscientific copper mining, coupled with the influence of climate, topography and other reasons, formed a large-scale debris flow frequent area, and debris flow phenomenon is typical. There are also many famous karst caves in Yunnan, such as Jianshui Swallow Cave, Alu Ancient Cave, Jiuxiang Cave, Mile Bailongdong Cave and Qingyuan Cave.
Yunnan possesses a mountainous terrain that stretches across the province and reaches a high point of 6,740m at Kawagebo Peak in Deqin. The average elevation is 1,980m. In addition to the vast mountains, Yunnan is also characterized by canyons and rivers, specifically the three parallel rivers that include the Nujiang River, the Yangtze River and the Mekong River. The eastern half of the province is a limestone plateau with karst scenery and unnavigable rivers flowing through deep mountain gorges; the western half is characterised by mountain ranges and rivers running north and south. These include the Nujiang and the Lancangjiang (Mekong). The rugged, vertical terrain produces a wide range of flora and fauna, and the province has been called a natural zoological and botanical garden. There are also many lakes in Yunnan that have provided a foundation for human civilizations for over a million years, most notably Dianchi Lake in Kunming, Erhai Lake in Dali and Lugu Lake in northern Yunnan. In the east, Yunnan covers a limestone plateau with dramatic karst formations and southern Yunnan covers a lush, tropical jungle along the border of Vietnam and Laos.
The Tropic of Cancer passes through Yunnan Province, marking a significant geographical and climatic boundary in southern China. Here, it influences the region’s climate, agriculture, and cultural aspects.
Yunnan Province, situated in southwestern China, spans latitudes that range from approximately 21°08′N to 29°15′N. The Tropic of Cancer crosses through the southern part of Yunnan, roughly near the border with Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Mojiang County, situated in Yunnan Province, China, is uniquely intersected by the Tropic of Cancer, marking its geographical significance. It serves as the capital of an Autonomous Hani County within Pu’er Prefecture, positioned to the west of the Ailao Mountains along the Red River’s right bank.
Mojiang County’s location on the Tropic of Cancer distinguishes it as a notable point on the Earth’s surface, delineating the southern boundary of the temperate zone. This positioning contributes to its climatic and ecological diversity.
Mojiang stands out as the sole Autonomous Hani County in Pu’er Prefecture, although it accommodates other ethnic minorities alongside the Hani people. This cultural diversity enriches the region’s social fabric and heritage.
The journey to Mojiang from Xinping County’s Mosha begins with a scenic bus ride that winds through the forested terrain of the Ailao Mountains. Approximately 30 kilometers into the journey, the road ascends around Dajianshan, reaching elevations of 2,278 meters, before descending into Mojiang County’s high plains near Malu village.
The route to Mojiang offers travelers encounters with the local culture and landscape, providing insights into the daily lives and traditions of the Hani people and other ethnic groups residing in the area.
The Tropic of Cancer’s presence in Yunnan Province underscores its role in shaping the region’s climate, agriculture, and cultural traditions. It serves as a geographical marker that influences life and activities in this diverse and scenic province of southwestern China.
The Mushuihua Wild Mushroom Trading Center is the biggest mushroom market in China, selling more than 200 mushroom varieties. Wild mushrooms are on sale these days at the Mushuihua market in...
As mushroom season approaches, it’s crucial for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with wild mushrooms. Recently, an educational event aimed at raising awareness about mushroom identification...
The rainy season in Yunnan is the time when edible mushrooms destined for the dinner tables. Truffle, matsutake, Jizong, Qingtoujun (green-headed mushroom) and other mushrooms have come to Yunnan...
Yunnan, known as the “Kingdom of Mushrooms,” offers a rich diversity of wild edible fungi due to its complex topography, various forest types, soil conditions, and unique climatic conditions....
The South China Karst (simplified Chinese: 中国南方喀斯特; traditional Chinese: 中國南方喀斯特; pinyin: Zhōngguó Nánfāng Kāsītè), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2007, spans the provinces of Chongqing, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan. It is noted fo ...
Population Status The Yunnan box turtle (Cuora yunnanensis) is an extremely endangered species endemic to Yunnan Province (云南), China, particularly in the areas around Kunming (昆明) and its surroundings....
Overview The Yunnan White-Browed Gibbon (云南白眉长臂猿), also known as the Gaoligong White-Browed Gibbon (高黎贡白眉长臂猿) or Tianxing Gibbon (天行长臂猿), is a primate species endemic to China. It belongs to the...
Asian elephants in Yunnan are a distinctive ecological calling card of Yunnan. They have attracted global attention, bringing new opportunities to Yunnan’s tourism industry, giving rise to diverse tourism...
Yunnan is located in Southwest China, bordering the Southeast Asian Peninsula, with a national border of 4,060 kilometers and a total area of 394,000 square kilometers. The name “Yunnan”...
Yunnan Province in southern China has been called China’s new Shangri-La. The region contains one of Asia’s last untouched forests, where three of Asia’s mightiest rivers – the Yangtze,...
Yunnan Geology resources contribute a lot to Yunnan tourism, such as the famous Stone Forest, Dongchuan Red Land, Yuanmou Earth Forest and Cluster of Volcanoes in Tengchong, etc. Yunnan...
The Tropic of Cancer passes through Yunnan Province, marking a significant geographical and climatic boundary in southern China. Here, it influences the region’s climate, agriculture, and cultural aspects. Geographic...
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