Aershan Local Specialties & Shopping Guide

Aershan is known as China’s largest village yet smallest city. All local businesses cater solely to tourism, leading to relatively high prices. Local native products include wood ear mushrooms, wild mushrooms, daylilies, beef jerky and deer jerky, as well as black ants (which work wonders for rheumatism and arthritis. They can be cooked as ant omelets or steeped in liquor). Black ants are sold in dried and fresh varieties; dried ones generally cost around 15 RMB per jin after bargaining. There are also Mongolian dairy products such as cheese and mare’s milk wine.

Black watermelon seeds, commonly known as melon seeds, are black oval-shaped kernels. Rich in protein, fat, vitamins, starch and other nutrients, they are widely used as auxiliary ingredients for pastries, mooncakes, fried flour tea and other snacks.

Also called cloud fungus, Aershan black wood ears contain protein, carbohydrates, minerals including calcium, iron and phosphorus, as well as trace elements such as plant alkaloids, carotene and hydrochloric acid. They deliver remarkable curative effects for indigestion, internal stones and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Additionally, they replenish blood, boost vital energy, clear heart fire and moisten the lungs, making them an excellent nourishing health food.

Aershan-brand mineral water, produced by Aershan Mineral Water Company, was among the first batch of famous brand products recognized by Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It won the Gold Medal at the 1995 New York International Commodities Fair and was designated the official beverage for China’s sports delegation at the 26th Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.

Though plain and unremarkable in appearance, black ants can treat snake bites and swollen painful boils. Those dwelling year-round in remote cold mountain forests have endured harsh wind, frost, snow and rain, boasting unique strains and extraordinary medicinal effects. The concentrated formic acid they secrete is corrosive. If stung, dilute the affected area with water, or apply egg white, milk, or weak alkaline substances like soap and magnesium salt to relieve irritation. Dilute formic acid (5–10%) can be used as a stimulant or astringent to reduce sweaty feet.

Aershan white mushrooms, native to Aershan in Hinggan League, are pure wild fungi and a precious type of agaric mushroom. Aershan’s mild, humid summers with long sunshine hours create ideal growing conditions, greatly boosting their nutritional value. Regular consumption offers great health benefits.

Lion’s mane mushroom boasts abundant nutrients, tender flesh and a delicate fresh aroma, long regarded as a premium edible fungus. Ranked alongside bear’s paw, sea cucumber and shark fin as one of China’s Four Great Delicacies, it earns the title "vegetarian meat treasure" and was listed as a royal tribute during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It carries unique medicinal properties: neutral in nature and sweet in taste, it aids digestion and benefits heart health. It relieves indigestion, gastric ulcer, antral gastritis, stomach pain, bloating and neurasthenia.

Also known as golden chanterelles, these wild edible fungi grow in larch forests. Bright yellow and petite, they contain multiple essential amino acids, carbohydrates and minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and potassium, plus certain anti-cancer activity. With an intense fragrant apricot-dried fruit flavor, they are hailed as "Treasure of the Forest".

Deer meat is top-grade game featuring tender, delicious lean flesh with minimal connective tissue for easy digestion. Reputed as "the finest of all meats", it far surpasses beef, mutton and pork in nutritional value. Low in fat and cholesterol yet high in protein, it contains various active substances to tonify the five internal organs and restore physical strength. It alleviates kidney deficiency and limb weakness, relieves rheumatism, and regulates the human circulatory and nervous systems. It also warms people who frequently suffer from cold hands and feet.

Known as Huruuda in Mongolian, milk tofu is a staple dairy food for Mongolian herdsmen. Made by curdling and fermenting cow, goat or mare milk, it resembles regular tofu with a strong milky aroma, tasting slightly sour or sweet. It is commonly soaked in milk tea for drinking, or carried as dry rations for long trips to quench thirst and satisfy hunger. Caramelized milk tofu, soft, chewy and stringy when pulled, is a signature delicacy for banquets.

Drawing on Aershan’s abundant forest resources, local root carving artists take naturally shaped or distorted tree roots, trunks and burls as creative subjects. Through thoughtful design, artistic carving and craftsmanship, they produce root carvings depicting human figures, animals, vessels and other artistic works.

Opposite the Administration for Industry and Commerce, this market is the main trading hub for locals selling fresh wild game. All wild mushrooms here are handpicked by villagers the previous day, ensuring maximum freshness. You can find a full range of authentic local agricultural specialties here.

North of the Haitian Hotel building on Aershan Hot Spring Street lies a row of shops selling tourist souvenirs and local specialties at reasonably fair prices.