A remote mountainous county called Sangzhi in Zhang's hometown of Hunan has been associated with Zongzi for many years, as it is one of the best sources of Zongzi leaves in China. The sales volume of frozen Zongzi leaves from Sangzhi accounts for 70 percent of the whole Chinese market.

Over 60,000 farmers in the county use Zongzi leaves to enhance their yearly per capita revenue by more than 5,000 yuan (750 U.S. dollars), according to the latest data. Surrounded by misty clouds, humid air, and abundant water all year round, the county's temperate climate boasts favorable conditions for the growth of Zongzi leaves.

There are over 18,000 hectares of wild bamboo leaves in the county, mostly growing on high mountains elevated more than 800 meters above the sea level.

Source: Guangming Daily