Some zoos in Chongqing are marketing tiger urine for human consumption at 15 yuan for 250 millilitres.
In Chongqing, some people believe the urine of male tigers has magical powers, including improving sexual performance and curing rheumatism.
To obtain enough supplies for the local market, zoologists blow whistles and keep water taps near the tigers' cages dripping, according to the Shanghai Morning Post.
The zoologists have even devised a way of collecting the urine where they make the tigers wear super-sized condoms.
'Demand for tiger urine is strong and 40 male Bengal tigers in my zoo could no longer satisfy local needs,' Zhang Li , a breeder working for the Chongqing Zoo was quoted saying.
Tiger urine could be drunk directly or mixed with alcohol, he said.
However, Wu Lihong , a researcher with the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology, warned that the chemical residue contained in tiger urine could damage people's health, while drinking it might spread disease.