Lijiang Tricholoma Matsutake

Lijiang, located at the junction of the Tibetan Plateau and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, boasts a unique combination of high altitude, low latitude, large diurnal temperature differences, and abundant sunshine. These conditions create an ideal environment for the growth of matsutake mushrooms (Tricholoma matsutake), making Lijiang one of China’s most important production areas for this precious fungus.

Lijiang is a major hub for matsutake production in China. In the Gucheng District (古城区) and Yulong County (玉龙县) alone, matsutake mushrooms are sourced from various regions, including Quhe (七河), Tacheng (塔城), Laojun Mountain (老君山), Ludian (鲁甸片区), Lashi Lake (拉市海), and Tai’an (太安). Among these, the Ludian area is renowned for its high-quality matsutake, with an annual output of approximately 25 to 30 tons. The Yulong County production area, including Lashi Lake and Tai’an, yields around 150 tons annually. The total matsutake production in Lijiang reaches 350 – 400 tons per year, making it a highly productive region. Lijiang matsutake is highly regarded for its appearance, color, texture, and aroma, comparable to the core production areas of Shangri-La.

Lijiang’s matsutake industry is closely intertwined with tourism. On July 28, 2023, the Qianjungge Restaurant in Yulong County hosted a grand matsutake culinary event as part of the China Lijiang Matsutake Festival and Live Streaming Competition. The event attracted numerous media journalists and live streamers, featuring a rich program that included introductions to Naxi culture and cuisine, explanations of Lijiang’s matsutake industry, and cooking tutorials for fresh matsutake dishes such as sashimi, charcoal grill, butter-fried, and stewed with local chicken. The event also included food tasting and a bonfire dinner, showcasing the charm of Lijiang matsutake to the participants. Experts, renowned chefs, and food bloggers from various regions were invited to demonstrate cooking techniques and creative recipes through live streaming, significantly promoting Lijiang matsutake.

On August 23, 2023, the Matsutake Picking Tour, part of the China Lijiang Matsutake Festival and Live Streaming Competition, was held in Lashi Town (拉市镇), Yulong County. Participants visited Qinan Village, Jiyu Village Committee, in Lashi Town, where they followed local villagers to experience matsutake picking. Matsutake mushrooms grow in specific seasons and regions in moist and clean mountainous areas, making them difficult to find. However, the joy of discovering matsutake during the picking process was evident, highlighting the precious nature of this fungus.

Lijiang’s matsutake festivals and related activities not only showcase the unique charm of Lijiang matsutake but also aim to promote it globally. The development of the matsutake industry has brought significant economic benefits to the region, becoming a distinctive calling card for Lijiang. It attracts numerous tourists and food enthusiasts who come to explore and taste this delicacy. The integration of matsutake with tourism is driving high-quality economic and social development in Lijiang, promoting rural revitalization, and shining brightly in the process of China’s modernization.

Lijiang’s matsutake industry is a prime example of how natural resources can be leveraged to boost local economies and cultural heritage. With its unique growing environment, rich cultural background, and strong market potential, Lijiang matsutake continues to captivate the world.