Wild mushrooms dangle from a power-line pole in Qumalai's county seat. The fungus supplements some local incomes in the harsh environment and is worth multiplications more dried than fresh. While most locals rely on nomadic yak and sheep herding, many also harvest the pricey traditional Chinese medical remedy caterpillar fungus. The lowest economic rung collects yak dung to sell for heating and cooking. [Photo by Erik Nilsson/chinadaily.com.cn] |
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