Harnessing New-Generation Productive Forces and Preserving the Essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine

At the recently concluded National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, “new‑type productive forces” emerged as a central topic of discussion among deputies and members. In January this year, during the 11th collective study session of the 20th CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, it was emphasized that “new‑type productive forces are themselves green productive forces; we must accelerate the green transformation of our development model to support carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. We must firmly uphold and put into practice the philosophy that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, unswervingly pursue an eco‑priority, green‑development path, speed up innovation in green technologies and their widespread application, strengthen green manufacturing, develop green services, expand the green energy sector, foster green, low‑carbon industries and supply chains, and build a green, low‑carbon circular economy.” This important directive on “developing new‑type productive forces” has charted a clear course for the inheritance, innovation, and high‑quality development of traditional Chinese medicine.

The development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the cultivation of authentic medicinal materials are closely intertwined and mutually reinforcing. Authentic medicinal materials serve as the cornerstone of TCM’s advancement, while the flourishing of TCM, in turn, further stimulates demand for and safeguards these high‑quality resources. They constitute a core element in the growth of the TCM sector. Growing under specific natural conditions and ecological environments, these materials possess distinctive therapeutic properties and superior quality. As essential components of TCM formulas, they play an irreplaceable role in treating a wide range of ailments. Consequently, the conservation and sustainable development of authentic medicinal materials are of paramount importance for preserving the unique characteristics and strengths of TCM and for driving the continued progress of this vital field.

As the international recognition of traditional Chinese medicine continues to grow, demand for authentic medicinal materials is steadily increasing. This has encouraged more farmers and enterprises to engage in the large-scale cultivation and development of such materials, spurring rapid growth in the industry. At the same time, to safeguard the resources and quality of these authentic herbs, both the government and various sectors of society have intensified efforts to protect them, implementing measures such as establishing dedicated cultivation bases and promoting standardized farming practices. The cultivation and advancement of authentic medicinal materials have also fueled progress in TCM research and innovation. By conducting in-depth studies on the active constituents and mechanisms of action of these herbs, TCM researchers are able to continuously uncover new therapeutic approaches and pharmaceuticals, injecting fresh vitality into the ongoing development of traditional Chinese medicine.

The cultivation of authentic medicinal herbs often thrives in remote, high-altitude regions with extreme climates, or in environments characterized by poor soils and limited rainfall. Many medicinal plants require specific cultivation techniques and harvesting methods to ensure their therapeutic efficacy and quality. However, most medicinal herb farms still rely on traditional farming practices, lacking scientifically grounded and standardized production protocols. As a result, both the quality and yield of these herbs are difficult to guarantee, severely undermining the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine in disease prevention and treatment.

Located in Pan’an, Zhejiang—a veritable treasure trove of natural medicinal herbs—JibaiChuan Pharmaceutical specializes in the cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum and the research and development of Ganoderma‑related products. The brand traces its origins back to the ninth year of the Xianfeng era (1859 AD), with a heritage spanning more than 160 years. Through the dedicated efforts of five generations of successors, it has evolved into a comprehensive enterprise integrating Chinese medicinal herb cultivation, pharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing, sales, and cultural‑tourism initiatives.

Ji Baichuan Pharmaceutical takes “making traditional Chinese medicine more effective” as its guiding principle, adhering to time-honored techniques and craftsmanship in the preparation of herbal medicines. From selecting and cultivating medicinal materials to processing, refining, and packaging, the company implements a rigorous, end-to-end quality management system, ensuring that its product quality remains at the forefront of the industry. At the same time, while staying true to traditional principles, Ji Baichuan continuously pursues innovation. It collaborates with Zhejiang University and numerous other institutions and academic organizations to establish doctoral innovation workstations for new‑product R&D, and partners with top-tier hospitals—including Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Xixi Hospital affiliated with Zhejiang University School of Medicine—to conduct clinical research on Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, achieving seamless integration across R&D, production, and market deployment. The company has built an alpine ecological Ganoderma cultivation base in Pan’an, enabling source‑level control over the quality of both Ganoderma and its spore powder. It has also formulated comprehensive organic cultivation standards for Ganoderma and established full‑process ecological processing protocols for Ganoderma spore powder. Recognizing that superior medicinal materials hinge on three key factors—origin, cultivation, and processing—Ji Baichuan deeply understands these essentials. To produce high‑quality Ganoderma spore powder, the company spares no expense, adhering to stringent “all‑organic, fully ecological” criteria in both cultivation and processing. When choosing a premium Ganoderma cultivation site, Ji Baichuan prioritizes three critical elements: soil, air, and water. By returning its cultivation base to nature, the company has creatively introduced the concept of “bringing Ganoderma home.” Within the Dapan Mountain National Nature Reserve, which is supported by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji Baichuan has established an ecological Ganoderma cultivation base characterized by an elevation of approximately 820 meters, pristine spring water suitable for drinking straight from the source, consistently excellent air quality with an annual compliance rate exceeding 95%, and rich, organically certified soil. This approach ensures that authentic, regionally sourced medicinal materials truly become “authentic” products. Rather than extracting Ganoderma spore oil, Ji Baichuan preserves a greater abundance of bioactive constituents in the spore powder, delivering more comprehensive therapeutic benefits. The company refrains from adding synthetic Ganoderma powder, triterpenes, polysaccharides, or other industrially derived extracts to artificially boost so‑called “active ingredients.” Instead, it employs cutting‑edge low‑temperature physical cell‑breaking technology and purified steam sterilization, safeguarding higher levels of active compounds while minimizing secondary contamination and enhancing overall efficacy.

As medicinal‑herb cultivation has largely shifted toward “greenhouse‑based industrialization,” JibaiChuan Pharmaceutical has adopted a “trailblazing” approach, pursuing the wild‑adaptation of Ganoderma lucidum. Prioritizing quality and green productivity, the company intercrops “wild‑adapted” Ganoderma beneath ecological forests. Its pioneering six‑step “refinement” protocol for wild‑adaptation cultivation imbues the mushroom with an even more robust, natural character. Although this strategy raises production costs, it yields high‑quality Ganoderma spore powder. Thanks to JibaiChuan’s exceptional product quality, leading industry players such as Taiji Group, East China Pharmaceutical, and Wuhan Jianmin have established multi‑dimensional, in‑depth partnerships with the company, fully embodying the principle that “new‑type productive forces are, above all, green productive forces.”

It has pioneered a new pathway for the “authenticity‑oriented” development of genuine medicinal materials, and its practical outcomes have validated the profound principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”