'Not old' Grass (Longevity Grass) 不老草（又名草苁蓉）
Bark Painting (Shu Pi Hua) 树皮画
Dehui Grass Weaving (De Hui Cao Bian) 德惠草编
Woodcarving (Mu Diao) 木雕
Woodcarving (mudiao) is an extremely old art form, with a history that dates back over 2000 years, and is almost as old as Chinese calligraphy. Over such a long time the practice has developed into an extremely fine and revered art form. Traditionally, the depictions are very vivid, but also tend to be simple in design, with subjects including mythical images, people and characters, and feature very detailed carving. Usually, the carvings are made from root clusters, allowing for unique shapes and styles, and interesting wood grains.
'Not old' Grass (Longevity Grass) 不老草（又名草苁蓉）
So named for its revitalizing and restorative properties, this grass grows on hills and cliffs in Jilin, at an elevation of 1300 to 2000m. It is believed that frequently ingesting the grass in soup or steeped in wine will reward the drinker with health and longevity. It is also used in cooking, especially in chicken dishes.
Bark Painting (Shu Pi Hua) 树皮画
The material for this style of local art is birch bark. The Changbai Mountain area is full of birch trees, and the locals have taken to using them to develop this beautiful art form. Fresh bark is pliant and tough, ideal for shaping and carving, allowing the artist to show off the different colored layers that the bark possesses. Particularly favored by artists are local natural scenes.
Dehui Grass Weaving (De Hui Cao Bian) 德惠草编
Principally made from corn husks and stems, weavers have developed their techniques over many years to become adept at forming the grass into a number of styles, ranging from hand baskets to slippers to boxes. These products are typically flexible, heat and moisture resistant, and fairly strong. They are available both naturally and dyed, making a practical and beautiful souvenir.
Ginseng (Shen) 参
Among the most important plants used as an herbal remedy, ginseng is popular throughout China and the world. Wild ginseng from the Changbai Mountain region is particularly sought-after. Ginseng is known to be a mild stimulant, and laboratory studies have proven that it enhances libido.
Deer Antler (Lu Rong) 鹿茸
Like ginseng, deer’s antler is an important local product produced in the Changbai Mountain area. Especially sought after are the new antlers of deer. Deer's antler has very high nutritional value, and is frequently used in TCM after being ground into powder. It is believed to enhance the immune system and is full of amino acids.
Zibeline (Zi Diao Pi) 紫貂皮
Along with ginseng and antler, zibeline (the fur or pelt of the sable, a type of marten) is a treasure of northeastern China. It is a rare and expensive material from which people produce fur coats and other garments of an extremely high quality. During the Qing Dynasty, only royalty and senior officials were permitted to use it.
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