Abstract: Cordyceps sinensis is an endemic species of entomophagous fungus distributed in the alpine regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It has been long known by its synonym C. sinensis both in scientific and non-scientific communities. C. sinensis, a unique entomophagous fungus parasitizing the larvae of the genus Thitarodes, is mainly distributed in the alpine meadows of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and known as a valuable invigorant in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries in China. In order to research the properties of C. sinensis, some samples were collected from Qinghai Province, the contents of amino acids and elements were measured in laboratory, and the results were compared with those of other samples collected from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces and Tibet Autonomous Region. The conclusions show that the contents of amino acids are ample in C. sinensis, and the level of contents is clearly visible from basal caterpillar to stroma. Compared with the samples collected from Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet, the contents of amino acids in C. sinensis samples collected from Qinghai Province were in average level. In addition, there were abundant mineral elements in C. sinensis.

Key words: Cordyceps sinensis, habitat, amino acid, Qinghai-Tibet Pleteau