The Kingdom of the Golden Herb: A Journey into the Mystery of Panax Notoginseng at Wenshan Sanqi Cultural Park

The Hometown of the "Divine Herb"

1.Located in Wenshan: City, the capital of the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, the Wenshan Sanqi Cultural Park is a unique destination dedicated to one of China's most precious medicinal herbs: Sanqi (Panax notoginseng), often referred to as the "Southern Country Divine Herb" or "Golden Not Exchanged" (Jinbu huan). Wenshan is recognized as the origin and main production area of Sanqi, accounting for over 90% of the world's supply due to its unique low-latitude plateau climate. The park is not just a garden; it is a comprehensive cultural and industrial tourism site that integrates the history, cultivation, processing, and cultural significance of this miraculous plant, offering a deep dive into the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine.

A Museum of Medicinal History

2.The core of the park is the Sanqi: Culture Museum. Here, visitors can explore the millennia-long history of Sanqi, from its ancient discovery to its modern application. The museum showcases a vast collection of specimens, historical documents, and cultural relics related to the herb. One of the most impressive exhibits is the "King of Sanqi," a massive specimen that highlights the plant's value. The museum also narrates the "Red History" of Sanqi, detailing its role in saving lives during wartime and its contribution to the nation's health, evoking a strong sense of historical weight and national sentiment.

From Seed to Medicine

Walking into the Sanqi Domestication and Sightseeing Area, visitors enter a lush, shaded world. Sanqi requires a specific environment—"three parts sunlight, seven parts shade"—to thrive. In this area, you can observe the plant at various stages of its life cycle, from one-year-old seedlings to mature three-year-old plants. It is a living classroom where you can see the red berries and green leaves of the Sanqi plant up close, understanding the delicate balance of nature and human care required for its cultivation.

A Feast for the Senses

3.No visit to: Wenshan is complete without tasting the local specialty: Sanqi Cuisine. The park offers a unique culinary experience where the herb is integrated into delicious dishes. The most famous is the Sanqi Steam Chicken (Sanqi Qiguoji), where the medicinal bitterness of the Sanqi roots blends perfectly with the savory flavor of local chicken, creating a nourishing and tasty soup. Visitors can also enjoy Sanqi Flower Tea, a refreshing beverage made from the plant's flowers, known for its cooling and calming properties. This "health feast" allows you to experience the herb not just with your eyes, but with your palate.

Legends on the Tea Horse Road

4.The history of: Sanqi is deeply intertwined with the ancient Tea Horse Road. For centuries, this herb was a vital commodity traded along the caravan routes from southwest China to the world. In the park, you can learn about the local legends, such as the story of a Miao youth who discovered the herb with the help of a mountain god to cure injuries. This cultural depth transforms the park from a simple industrial site into a place where nature, history, and ethnic folklore converge, offering a profound look at how a single plant shaped the economy and culture of a region.