Lixian, the county within the jurisdiction of Baoding City of Hebei Province, is well-known for abundant Chinese yam. Throughout its history, the Zhulong River flooded and burst many times, therefore forming the fluvo-aquic soil. The soil, with loose texture at the top and solid part underneath, makes temperature significantly change in different soil layers, which is perfect for the Chinese yam to grow.
Compared to other Chinese yams, Lixian Yam tastes more gentle and refreshing with a slight numb feeling. Also, Lixian Yam has long fibrous roots, dark surface with thin skin and crisp snow-white pulp. It can also be made into medicine while many use it as food.
Since the implementation of geographical indication products protection, Lixian Yam has contributes a lot to the development of related industries. The annual per capita income of farmers in Lixian has increased by around 1000 yuan. Through the EU-SINO pilot project of mutual recognition and protection of "10+10" geographical indication products, Lixian Yam has been officially registered by the European Union. It is reported that the annual export value of Lixian Yam is more than 6 million yuan, nearly 30 percent increasing compared to the data before implementation of geographical indications protection.
(Courtesy of the IP Protection Department of CNIPA)
（Editor Shao Jingjing）
（All contents of this newspaper may not be reproduced or used without express permission）