China established its first national association for ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey hide, in ejiao's birthplace, Dong'e county in East China's Shandong province, on Nov 21.

Ejiao is a national-class intangible cultural heritage, which has a 3,000-year history in Shandong. It is known to improve blood circulation and boost energy levels.

Water resource

The underground water quality in Dong'e county is conducive to making ejiao. Trace elements in the water can help liver better retain blood and regulate the amount of blood.

A worker processes ejiao products. [Photo by Wang Qian/chinadaily.com.cn]

Ejiao represents Chinese wisdom

"We feel grateful that we inherited from our ancestors such invaluable techniques to make ejiao", said Qin Yufeng.

Qin Yufeng (R). [Photo by Wang Qian/chinadaily.com.cn]

Quality standard for manufacturing Ejiao

Stricter quality requirements are the new focus for the fast-developing ejiao industry.

Ejiao products in the factory. [Photo by Wang Qian/chinadaily.com.cn]