A smart factory focusing on rhizoma polygonati production was put into operation in Tai'an, Shandong province on Oct 17.
Rhizoma polygonati, also known as huangjing in Mandarin, is a Chinese herb that is good for prolonging life.
At the launch ceremony, Zhang Tao, mayor of Tai'an, said that Taishang Huangjing Technology Company, which invested in the factory, has made great contributions to promote the development of the huangjing industry in Tai'an.
Huangjing has become a pillar industry to help locals increase their incomes and promote rural revitalization.
The factory is one of the projects of Taishan Immunity Economic Industry Intelligent Park in Daiyue Economic Development Zone.
The park covers an area of 107 mu (7.13 hectares). It will also construct the Taishan Immunity Economic Industrial Institute and the Taishan Yuquan Aquaculture Base.
After the three projects are put into operation, the park will be able to process 5,000 kilograms of huangjing a day. It is expected to be able to develop more than 60 varieties of huangjing healthcare products, generate an annual output value of 300 million yuan ($46.94 million), and create 200 jobs.The park has formed an industrial pattern integrating "industries + tourism", "online + offline", and "research + incubation" modes.
The Tai'an Immunity Economic Products Conference was also held at the launch ceremony. At the conference, 11 newly developed products were released, covering Taishan huangjing, Taishan jade, aleurone layer of wheat, and spring water. A 38-year-old wild Taishan rhizoma polygonati was auctioned and sold for 3.6 million yuan.