Fenghua bamboo shoots (leisun) are designated as a GI product by the National Intellectual Property Administration in October 2020. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo is now home to 36 geographical indication (GI) trademarks, the most in East China's Zhejiang province, according to local media reports.

GI is a label given to products that have a specific geographic origin and possess certain qualities or a reputation related to that origin.

An official from the Ningbo municipal bureau of market supervision said that the application of the GI trademark is a common practice to protect characteristic products in the world and also serves to promote rural revitalization.

To date, 18 GI trademarks from the city have seen their output value exceed 100 million yuan ($15.38 million), while 12 have more than 10,000 employees.

Earlier this year, Cixi mud snails and Xiangshan white geese were listed as GI products.

In October 2020, Fenghua bamboo shoots (leisun) were designated as a GI product by the National Intellectual Property Administration.

The plantation of bamboo shoots in Xikou town dates back to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).

Leisun literally means "thunder bamboo shoots". Its name alludes to the fact that bamboo shoots grow fast during the Awakening of Insects, the third solar term in the lunar year when spring thunder occurs frequently.

Last year, Xiangshan bamboo root carving was also listed as a GI trademark.