Located at the northern foot of Changbai Mountain, Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture in Jilin province boasts a rich ecological environment and abundant natural resources, offering rare advantages for cultivating authentic Chinese medicinal materials.

Li Donghao, a chemistry professor at Yanbian University in Jilin province and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has in recent years put forward a series of proposals aimed at advancing the development of the ginseng industry in Jilin.

In 2025, he visited ginseng processing enterprises, spoke with numerous ginseng farmers, and participated in product research and development forums, going deep into the grassroots to better understand the industry's real conditions.

Li has promoted the concept that medicine and food share the same origin. He said he focuses on the development of biological resources in the Changbai Mountain such as ginseng, and the industrial use of plants that serve both medicinal and dietary purposes.

"It's important to guide and promote the utilization of these plant resources and boost industrial development," said Li, who is attending the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC held from March 4 to 11 in Beijing.

He also suggested expanding traditional Chinese medicine resources to rural areas, creating employment opportunities for young TCM practitioners, and leveraging authentic Chinese medicinal materials. "This would enable more young TCM practitioners to apply their expertise while helping pass on this invaluable traditional heritage."

He said it's essential to gradually introduce affordable TCM preparations and appropriate techniques to village clinics and township health centers, so that local people can access TCM close to home.