Locals get richer via caterpillar fungus harvest in SW China's Sichuan-Xinhua

This photo taken on May 23, 2024 shows a caterpillar fungus in Shade Town, Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan)

GARZE, May 28 (Xinhua) -- From early May to late June every year, caterpillar fungus enters its harvest season in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Found only at high altitudes, caterpillar fungus, known in China as "winter-worm summer-grass," is said to be effective in boosting the immune system.

During the harvest season, the locals will start heading for alpine ground over 4,000 meters above sea level to collect the fungus. The caterpillar fungus harvest time can last over 40 days. For the locals, collecting this precious fungus offers them seasonal jobs and helps increase their income.

In recent years, the average household income could be increased by 20,000 to 60,000 yuan (about 2,760 to 8,282 U.S. dollars) per year by selling caterpillar fungus in Shade Town of Kangding City, one of the main producing areas of the caterpillar fungus.