The matsutake freshly unearthed from the soil of Yanbian, Northeast China's Jilin province. [Photo/Cailian News]

In Yanbian, matsutake mushrooms – globally prized for their delicate texture and rich aroma – have become a precious ingredient on dining tables worldwide. To promote this local delicacy internationally, the government has built a full-chain system linking forest protection, harvesting, processing, and cross-border trade.

"Matsutake thrive only in pristine mountain ecosystems," said Yu Lin, vice manager of Qingshan Forestry Co. He explained that the region's altitude, soil, and humidity provide ideal conditions for growth.

Located in the Hailan River Source Ecological Conservation Area, Qingshan and other key production areas such as Hunchun and Helong have implemented grid-based forest patrols, cracked down on illegal harvesting, and launched forest restoration projects to ensure sustainable growth.

Matsutake are packed for transport overseas. [Photo/Cailian News]

For villagers like Su Yiming, the mushrooms bring tangible benefits: "We start picking before dawn. In a good season, a family can earn up to 30,000 yuan ($4,200)."

To ensure every mushroom is fresh and traceable from forest to table, Yanbian authorities have developed a comprehensive traceability system. Given the mushroom's short 3-5-day freshness window, Yanji customs have implemented a green channel for rapid clearance, cutting inspection time to as little as two hours and offering 24/7 service.

From January to September this year, 256 metric tons of matsutake worth 56.6 million yuan were exported. Prices have risen 10 percent, with top-grade mushrooms reaching nearly 1,500 yuan per kilogram, yet international demand remains strong.