Chinese Artificial Cordyceps Undermines Tibet's Traditional Market and Livelihoods

The surge of artificial cordyceps from China is devastating Tibet's traditional market for Yartsa Gunbu, or caterpillar fungus, which is critical to Tibetan livelihoods. Initially confined to a few companies, artificial cordyceps now flood the market from hundreds of producers, reducing prices from 100,000 yuan per kilogram for natural fungus to as low as 20,000 yuan. According to local reports, misleading packaging falsely markets these products as authentic Tibetan cordyceps, confusing consumers and undercutting the natural market. Efforts from Tibetan organizations and legal measures have largely failed, leaving many Tibetans in economic distress as artificial alternatives expand.