Core Viewpoint - Zhaoqing aims to become the "Capital of Southern Medicine and Food Therapy" in China, leveraging its rich resources and cultural heritage to develop the Southern medicine industry and promote health-oriented products [4][6][37]. Group 1: Industry Development - A national-level Southern medicine and food therapy industry conference was recently held in Zhaoqing, highlighting the city's growing importance in this sector [2][3]. - Zhaoqing has a strong foundation for Southern medicine, with a planting area of 1.566 million acres, a total output of 660,000 tons, and a total output value exceeding 10 billion yuan [20][21]. - The city is strategically located as a hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating access to technological innovation and talent resources [23][25]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - Zhaoqing has a deep-rooted culture of Southern medicine and food therapy, with local culinary practices integrating medicinal ingredients into daily diets [26][29]. - The city is recognized as one of the birthplaces of Cantonese culture, which contributes to its unique advantage in developing the Southern medicine and food therapy industry [26][29]. Group 3: Future Plans and Goals - Zhaoqing's government plans to promote the integration of Southern medicine with health food and biomedicine, aiming to create a comprehensive industrial chain and high-quality regional brand [31][34]. - The city is set to host the 2025 China Southern Medicine and Food Therapy Industry Conference, signaling its ambition to capture a leading position in the industry [36][37]. - The local government is focused on transforming resource advantages into industrial advantages, enhancing product value and brand influence, and fostering deep integration of industry, academia, and research [41][42].

Core Insights - The conference focused on the development of the southern medicine and food nurturing industry, emphasizing high-quality growth through technology and ecological practices [3][5][8] Group 1: Technology Empowerment - Experts highlighted the need for technological innovation to overcome challenges in the cinnamon industry, including value chain fragmentation and strict EU standards [13][14][18] - Four innovation pathways were proposed for cinnamon: genetic innovation, low-temperature oil extraction, controlled release technology, and comprehensive utilization of raw materials [19][20][22] - The development of the agarwood industry was discussed, with breakthroughs in cultivation reducing the yield time from 8-10 years to 3 years, enhancing both profitability and product quality [25][27][30] Group 2: Resource Development - The potential of the medicinal plant Baji Tian was explored, with emphasis on its historical use and modern pharmacological benefits, including anti-osteoporosis and immune regulation [38][46][48] - The integration of food and medicinal uses of orchid species was discussed, highlighting their dual value and the need for industry-oriented research to enhance competitiveness [52][56][60] Group 3: Ecological Practices - The concept of "returning to nature" for medicinal materials was introduced, advocating for organic cultivation methods that improve quality without chemical inputs [66][68][72] - The "rubber and medicine" co-cultivation model was presented, demonstrating a 40% increase in land utilization while reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide use [78][81][84] Group 4: Industry Integration - The integration of tropical agriculture with health tourism was emphasized as a means to create a sustainable value chain that encompasses production, ecology, and lifestyle [90][92][99] - The case of Cai Zhi Lin was shared as a model for integrating medicine, healthcare, and nutrition, showcasing a comprehensive approach to the southern medicine industry [100][103][106]

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 China Southern Medicine and Food Nourishment Conference will be held in Zhaoqing from November 19 to 21, showcasing local medicinal materials and creating a platform for the display of southern medicine and processing products from across the country [2][3][4]. Group 1: Event Overview - The conference aims to connect the entire industry chain and innovative concepts, moving beyond simple product displays [4]. - It will feature high-quality southern medicine resources and deep processing products from provinces such as Guangxi, Yunnan, Hainan, and Fujian, promoting collaborative development in southern medicine [8][11]. Group 2: Exhibitor Highlights - The Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences will present excellent tropical southern medicine varieties and research results, demonstrating the role of national research institutions in the industry chain [10][11]. - Exhibitors from Guangxi will showcase various local medicinal materials and innovative products, highlighting the depth and vitality of the southern medicine industry [14][17]. - Yunnan's exhibitors will focus on the dual-use characteristics of medicinal and edible plants, showcasing products with significant development potential [22][23]. Group 3: Product Innovations - Various innovative products will be presented, such as cinnamon oil, Luo Han Guo tea, and health foods derived from traditional medicinal materials [19][21][28]. - The conference will also feature modern interpretations of traditional southern medicine, including functional foods and beverages that integrate health concepts into daily life [64][72]. Group 4: Regional Contributions - Zhaoqing will present a comprehensive view of the entire industry chain, from raw medicinal materials to deep processing and cultural creativity, reinforcing its position as "China's Southern Medicine and Food Nourishment Capital" [49][50]. - The event will highlight the rich diversity and authenticity of Zhaoqing's southern medicine resources, including live plants and processed products [51][54]. Group 5: Cultural Integration - The conference will include a Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Culture Night Market, allowing the public to engage with southern medicine through experiential products [67][68]. - The integration of southern medicine with modern technology and health concepts will be emphasized, showcasing innovations in functional foods and health services [72][74].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the preparations for the 2025 China Southern Medicine and Food Health Industry Conference, highlighting the importance of local resource collection and utilization in Zhaoqing's southern medicine industry [2][5][7]. Group 1: Conference Preparation - The China Agricultural Reclamation Economic Development Center and the Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs conducted a field study in Zhaoqing to understand the local southern medicine industry [2][3]. - A meeting was held at the Zhaoqing Agricultural and Rural Bureau to discuss the conference's agenda, key processes, and local collaboration, laying a solid foundation for the preparation work [5][6][7]. Group 2: Resource Collection and Utilization - The research team visited the Zhaoqing Agricultural and Forestry Academy's Shapu base, focusing on the construction and utilization of local southern medicine germplasm resource nurseries [8][10]. - The Zhaoqing Agricultural and Forestry Academy has established a 45-acre germplasm resource nursery, collecting over 140 varieties of southern medicine resources, showcasing the city's solid foundation in resource protection and utilization [13][15][16].

Core Insights - Zhaoqing is a major cultivation area for southern medicinal herbs, with a total planting area of 1.5662 million acres and a total output of 659,900 tons in 2024, generating a total output value of 10.605 billion yuan [9][12][102] Summary by Categories Overview of Southern Medicinal Herbs - Zhaoqing is recognized as one of the primary cultivation areas for southern medicinal herbs, featuring a rich variety of species [2][8] - The southern medicinal herbs are integral to rural revitalization and contribute to farmers' income [3][4] Key Varieties and Economic Impact - The four main traditional varieties are cinnamon, Ba Jitian, He Shou Wu, and Guang Fo Shou, with significant planting areas and economic contributions [10][12] - Cinnamon has the largest planting area of 1.2709 million acres and generates an output value of 5.724 billion yuan [10][15] - Ba Jitian covers 62,800 acres with an output value of 1.085 billion yuan, while He Shou Wu and Guang Fo Shou have planting areas of 28,500 acres and 41,600 acres, respectively, with output values of 546 million yuan and 544 million yuan [11][12] Development and Sustainability - The Zhaoqing southern medicinal herb industry is experiencing significant economic benefits due to collaborative efforts [12] - The establishment of a genetic resource nursery and standardized planting demonstration areas is underway to support sustainable development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [87][90][99] - The industry aims to achieve a target of a 10 billion yuan industrial cluster as part of the broader rural revitalization strategy [102]