Core Viewpoint - The Hubei Provincial Rural Work Leading Group has issued the "Three-Year Action Plan for Revitalizing Hubei Authentic Medicinal Materials (2025-2027)", aiming to enhance the quality and market presence of local medicinal herbs, promote the development of leading enterprises, and expand both domestic and international markets [1][2]. Group 1: Action Plan Objectives - The plan focuses on key varieties such as Qiai and Fubai chrysanthemum, selecting leading counties for each variety to promote coordinated development across the medicinal materials industry [1]. - By 2027, the plan aims to stabilize the planting area of traditional Chinese medicinal materials at approximately 5.6 million acres, with ecological planting of authentic medicinal materials reaching 2.8 million acres [1]. - The plan targets an industry output value exceeding 100 billion yuan for the entire medicinal materials supply chain [1]. Group 2: Technological and Quality Enhancements - Hubei will release a directory of authentic medicinal materials and promote suitable planting practices, focusing on the "Top Ten Hubei Medicines" and establishing around 30 main production counties [2]. - The plan includes the implementation of a 515 action for agricultural industry chain technology services, promoting new ecological planting techniques and enhancing quality assurance in medicinal materials [2]. - Emphasis is placed on technological innovation to support the transformation of medicinal materials into medicines, including research on the mechanisms of authentic medicinal materials and the development of traditional Chinese medicine preparations [2]. Group 3: Supply Chain and Market Development - The plan aims to enhance the trading market for authentic medicinal materials and create a comprehensive online service platform for the industry [2]. - It includes the construction of storage facilities for medicinal materials at production bases and the establishment of a logistics hub for medicinal materials in Hubei [2].

Core Insights - Qichun County, known as "China's Ai Capital," has a strong medicinal culture and has seen significant economic growth driven by the Qichun Ai industry, which employs around 300,000 people [1][2] - The Qichun Ai industry cluster achieved a total industrial output value of 16.306 billion yuan in 2014, with a year-on-year growth of 27.12% [1] Industry Development - The Qichun Ai industry has evolved from raw material to over 1,200 processed products, including daily chemicals, medical, and health products [4] - The establishment of the Li Shizhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Trading Center and the 7S Qichun Ai Public Service Platform has improved quality control and market efficiency [5][6] - The Qichun Ai industry has seen a significant increase in market participants, with over 4,000 companies and 1,500 new market entities in the last three years [4] Technological Advancements - New Qichun Ai varieties have been developed, enhancing yield and oil extraction rates, with ongoing research for further product innovation [3] - The introduction of AI technology in products, such as the "Guo Jiu Xiao Bao" smart moxibustion robot, has gained market attention, with hundreds sold this year [4] Market Dynamics - The Qichun Ai industry has established pricing power through standardized practices and a unified service model for farmers, leading to doubled earnings per acre [5][6] - E-commerce and live streaming have become vital sales channels, with projected online sales of Qichun Ai products reaching 5.7 billion yuan in 2024 [6] Logistics and Supply Chain - Enhanced logistics capabilities, including direct rail transport, have reduced delivery times and costs, significantly benefiting local businesses [7] - The Qichun Ai supply chain is being developed to integrate various aspects of production, quality control, and sales, aiming for a brand value of 16 billion yuan [8] Tourism and Wellness Integration - Qichun is expanding its industry matrix to include cultural tourism and wellness, with a notable increase in tourist numbers and revenue [9]

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant growth and development of the Qichun County's Qiai industry, emphasizing its transformation into a key economic driver and cultural symbol for the region [1][7]. Industry Overview - Qichun County's Qiai industry cluster has achieved a comprehensive output value of 16.306 billion yuan in 2024, marking a year-on-year growth of 27.12% and establishing itself as a provincial key industry cluster with over 4,000 enterprises [1][7]. - The Qiai industry has attracted over 30,000 jobs across the entire industry chain, contributing to local economic development [1][4]. Cultural Significance - Qichun County is recognized as "China's Ai Capital," with deep cultural roots linked to traditional Chinese medicine and the legacy of the famous physician Li Shizhen [1][2]. - The design of Qichun South Station reflects local cultural elements, enhancing the region's identity as a hub for traditional medicine and tourism [1]. Entrepreneurial Spirit - Local entrepreneurs, such as Chen Zhixiang and Xiao Benda, embody a "craftsman spirit," focusing on traditional handcrafting methods and innovative product development within the Qiai industry [2][4][6]. - The industry has seen a rise in new market participants, with over 1,500 new entities established in the past three years, indicating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem [6]. Market Expansion - The demand for Qiai products has grown at an annual rate exceeding 20% over the past decade, with market expansion reaching international markets including the USA, UK, France, and Australia [7]. - Qichun has implemented digital marketing strategies, including establishing a live-streaming base and e-commerce platforms, resulting in online sales of Qiai products reaching 5.7 billion yuan in 2024 [7][8]. Tourism Development - The integration of cultural tourism with the Qiai industry has led to the development of a modern industrial matrix, enhancing the region's appeal as a tourist destination [8][10]. - During the recent May Day holiday, Qichun County welcomed over 250,000 tourists, reflecting a 23.1% increase in tourism revenue, which reached 167 million yuan [8].

Core Viewpoint - Hubei Province aims to enhance the development of its "Characteristic Towns" through a new action plan, targeting the establishment of 10 nationally recognized and 20 regionally influential "Characteristic Towns" by 2030, thereby boosting local economies and industry vitality [1]. Group 1: Action Plan Overview - The action plan outlines a strategy of "supporting a batch, cultivating a batch, and optimizing a batch" to leverage regional advantages and strengthen characteristic industries [1][3]. - The plan emphasizes the importance of integrating various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, industry, and culture, to enhance the competitiveness of "Characteristic Towns" [3][4]. Group 2: Specific Initiatives - Hubei will focus on supporting 12 key "Characteristic Towns," including Xiantao, known for its eel industry, and other towns recognized for their unique agricultural products [3]. - The plan includes eight main tasks aimed at strengthening characteristic industries, such as enhancing development scale, creating distinctive supply chains, and promoting cultural integration [4][5]. Group 3: Economic Impact - Xiantao's eel industry has achieved a comprehensive output value exceeding 10 billion yuan, with a projected brand value of 22.67 billion yuan for "Xiantao Eel" by 2024 [2]. - The non-woven fabric industry in Xiantao has expanded to cover over 130 product varieties across 32 categories, showcasing significant growth and international trade competitiveness [2]. Group 4: Future Goals - By 2030, Hubei aims to create a synergistic relationship between the "Characteristic Towns" and their respective industries, enhancing both brand recognition and economic impact [1][3]. - The action plan encourages the establishment of smart agricultural and industrial facilities, promoting digital integration within characteristic industries [5].