1. Changbai Mountain Ginseng
Three Treasures of the Northeast: National Geographical Indication Protected Product
Changbai Mountain ginseng, along with mink fur and deer antlers, is known as one of the Three Treasures of the Northeast. It is a specialty of Jilin City and Baishan City in Jilin Province and a National Geographical Indication Protected Product. Known for its miraculous properties of "tonifying the five internal organs, calming the mind, calming the soul, dispelling evil spirits, relieving anxiety, improving eyesight, improving mood, and, with long-term consumption, lightening the body and prolonging life," it is known as the king of herbs and a rare treasure. Locally, ginseng is called the first of the three treasures of Changbai Mountain and a renowned Chinese herbal specialty in Jilin Province. The Changbai Mountain region, where ginseng is produced, is Northeast Asia's largest natural medicinal herb repository and the core production area for the "King of Herbs," Chinese ginseng. It's often said, "For Chinese ginseng, look to Jilin; for Jilin ginseng, look to Baishan; and for the best ginseng, look to Fusong." Ginseng is characterized by its beautiful shape, firm texture, visible cracks in the bark when cross-sectioned, a distinct cambium layer, a subtle fragrance, and a slightly bitter yet sweet flavor, making it a renowned specialty of Jilin. Famous ginseng in Jilin includes Fusong ginseng, Ji'an ginseng, Jingyu forest ginseng, Jingyu American ginseng, and Ji'an Bian Tiao ginseng.
2. Jilin Deer Antler
Jilin Deer Antler is one of the Three Treasures of Northeast China, along with ginseng and sable fur. Primarily produced in the Changbai Mountain area of Jilin Province, it is a renowned specialty of Baishan City, Jilin Province. It is harvested from the tender antlers of newly born sika deer, before they have matured into hard bones. Historically, due to its nutritious properties and remarkable medicinal properties, it was presented as a tribute. Today, various antler products, such as antler slices, are still popular internationally. Deer antler grows in spring and autumn, with spring-grown antlers offering the best quality. Its medicinal value is so high that it was listed as a top-grade product in China's earliest work, the Shennong Herbal Classic. It is a highly valued product for personal use or gift giving, and a renowned Jilin souvenir. Mink fur, deer antler, and Linzhi, all produced in the Changbai Mountain area, are also renowned Jilin specialties.
3. Chagan Lake Bighead Carp
Specialty Fish, National Geographical Indication Protected Product
Chagan Lake bighead carp is a specialty fish native to Chagan Lake, located in Qian Gorlos Mongol Autonomous County, Songyuan City, Jilin Province. It holds a National Geographical Indication designation. Due to its unique climatic conditions and habitat, its exceptional quality has earned it recognition as a "China Famous Agricultural Product" and one of China's four major carps. Chagan Lake is Jilin Province's largest natural lake and a renowned fishery production base. The bighead carp produced here is robust, pollution-free, and plump. It boasts a delicious, authentic flavor, tender meat, and large, plump, yet not greasy fish. MAIGOO recommends other Jilin Province specialty fish: live fish from Jiaohe and Qingling, and pollack.
4. Yushu Qian Liquor
Specialty and Famous Liquor, National Geographical Indication Protected Product
Yushu Qian Liquor is a local specialty of Yushu City, Changchun City, Jilin Province. It holds a National Geographical Indication Protection. Renowned for its "genuine storage and authentic brewing," it is hailed as a prime example of northern-style Luzhou-flavor baijiu and a renowned specialty liquor from Changchun, Jilin Province. Founded in 1812, the 17th year of the Jiaqing reign, Yushu Qian Liquor boasts a legendary 200-year history. This rich and complex baijiu is brewed from shelled red sorghum, wheat, and peas, utilizing the traditional five-steamer (co-steaming and co-firing) process. Low-temperature cellaring, slow fermentation, and gentle distillation ensure a mellow, long-lasting aroma, creating the uniquely refreshing flavor of northern liquors. Yushu Qian Liquor has won over 100 international wine industry awards, including the Special Gold Medal at the Paris International Exposition, and has been recognized numerous times as a "Famous Liquor of Jilin Province." The Yushu Qian Liquor brewing technique is listed as a "Jilin Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage."