Five container-sized modules resembling trucks were recently spotted in Dainan town, Xinghua, housing golden-yellow fungus resembling chrysanthemums on shelf-like racks.
These are Tremella fuciformis (golden ear fungus), a rare edible fungus rich in polysaccharides, dietary fiber, and amino acids. Known as "vegetarian abalone", they require only a quick blanch before being served with wasabi.
Golden ear fungus. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_5349c6007021]
Operated by Taizhou Boyou Biotechnology, a subsidiary of China Sanyou Southwest (Group) Company, the project repurposes assets from a former Dendrobium herb park. The 5,000-square-meter facility will soon expand to 40,000 sq m with 16 smart containers, two cold storage units, and harvesting robots. Daily output will reach 50 metric tons of varieties like reishi and kale, generating 1.3 million yuan ($182,660) in revenue.
The company emphasizes synergy between food and medicine, planning on-site traditional Chinese medicine consultations for customized fungus-based remedies. Educational initiatives include DIY farming zones, a smart agriculture training center, and free tours for students. A breeding lab will supply new strains to Sanyou's global network.
Rendering of the area designed for picking and farming. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_5349c6007021]
The model has been praised for transcending seasonal constraints through controlled environments, enabling year-round production — a breakthrough in smart agriculture.