Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system grounded in classical Chinese philosophical thought. It explores human physiology and pathology, as well as the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease. Its distinctive diagnostic methods, “inspecting, listening and smelling, questioning, and palpating”, together with its “holistic worldview and principle of syndrome differentiation”, embody thousands of years of Chinese insights into health preservation and clinical practice. In 2011, “Acupuncture and Moxibustion of Traditional Chinese Medicine” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Recommended Experience Venues

1. Guoyitang Clinic, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

As the affiliated medical center of a leading TCM university, Guoyitang brings together renowned experts and professors. Visitors can experience TCM diagnosis, observe acupuncture and therapeutic massage, and learn to identify commonly used medicinal herbs.

Booking: Via the official WeChat account “北京中医药大学国医堂” (Guoyitang Clinic, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine).

2. Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine

This professional museum features an interactive TCM wellness experience zone, extensive herbal specimen displays, and thematic exhibitions that illustrate the historical development of TCM through rich cultural artifacts and hands-on activities.

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 - 16:00.

Booking Information

Individual Visitors

Standard Reservation: Real-name, timed-entry booking required at least one day in advance via the museum’s official WeChat account “上海中医药博物馆” (Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine) or the “文旅一码游” (one-stop digital travel platform) mini-program.

Free Admission Day: The first day of every month is free-entry day (shifted to the 2nd if the 1st falls on the museum’s Monday closure). No reservation is needed; walk-in entry is available.

Group Visitors (10 or more)

Reservations must be made at least three days in advance via the “Service Guide” section of the museum’s WeChat homepage by selecting “【团队】参观预约” (Group Visit Reservation). Please also call 51322710 to confirm the booking.

Experience Highlights

Learn the Four Diagnostic Methods: Under the guidance of licensed TCM practitioners, you can explore the unique diagnostic techniques of TCM and uncover the intricacies of tongue and pulse examination.

Try Acupuncture and Therapeutic Massage: You can experience traditional therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and tuina massage.

Identify Chinese Medicinal Herbs: You can visit a traditional herb dispensary to learn how common medicinal materials are recognized and discover the health philosophy behind “food and medicine sharing the same origin”.

Receive a Personalized Wellness Plan: You can obtain tailored health and dietary recommendations from professional TCM physicians.