Ejiao gel combines millennia of tradition with innovation

Editor's Note:

The Yellow River runs through nine cities in East China's Shandong province and flows into the sea, bringing vitality and prosperity to the land. Along its banks, numerous intangible cultural heritage projects have been created and inherited, reflecting the colorful scenery, brilliant culture and rich diversity of Shandong. Shandong is a province with a long history and a splendid civilization. It boasts 186 national intangible cultural heritage projects, ranking it second in the country. Moreover, eight projects have been inscribed onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, according to the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Join me on a journey in Meeting the Sea Along the Yellow River in Shandong, to discover the treasures of intangible cultural heritage there and appreciate the charms of this ancient and modern land.

For over 3,000 years, ejiao – a popular traditional Chinese medicine that is derived from the gelatin found in donkey hides – has been celebrated as a cherished ingredient in TCM, offering vitality and well-being.

Administered by the prefecture-level city of Liaocheng in East China's Shandong province, Dong'e county is known as the birthplace of ejiao and it is widely said to uphold the essence of this ancient practice with unparalleled authenticity.

The journey of creating genuine Dong'e ejiao is also said to be a labor of love – spanning nine days, 99 meticulous steps and 842 control points.

From soaking and scraping to filtering and solidifying, it's been likened to a symphony of craftsmanship that culminates in the precious substance.

Ejiao production in Dong'e county has embraced innovation, so the local Dong-E-E-Jiao Corporation has become much more than a traditional manufacturer.

It has evolved into a hub for research, wellness, culture, leisure, education and tourism. In turn, this transformation has breathed new life into the millennia-old gelatin culture.

[Video by Hou Changming for chinadaily.com.cn]

Many people say that Dong'e ejiao is not just a health treasure – it's a national intangible cultural heritage that is a source of local pride.

In recent years, Dong'e county has focused on preserving and promoting this rich tradition, emphasizing a harmonious fusion of medicine, culture, well-being and tourism. That's ensured that the legacy of Dong'e ejiao will continue to thrive in the modern world. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)