Chinese MedicineWith a history of thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine has developed a great deal of treatment methods and knowledge of herbal medicines. We particularly recommend these four traditional Chinese medicine museums for you to visit and learn more about traditional Chinese medicine.
1. Shanghai Museum of TCM (上海中医药博物馆)
- Location:1200 Cailun Road, Pudong District, Shanghai (浦东新区张江张江蔡伦路1200号)
- Open: 8:30am–4pm
The Shanghai Museum of TCM was established in December 2004. The museum consists of three parts: the medical history museum of SHUTCM/Chinese Medical Association, the specimen room of Chinese medical material, and the exhibition hall displaying Shanghai University's history.
The museum has become a multidimensional and educational center since its establishment. The museum's exhibition area is approximately 4,000 square meters in size. Students and tourists who are interested in TCM can learn about the TCM culture and experience traditional Chinese customs there. It is also listed as a national AAA scenic spot.
What to See in the Museum
There are more than 15,000 TCM cultural artifacts in the museum, which can be dated back to the Stone Age. More than 1,000 artifacts are on display today. Visitors can get an insight into important historical facts and learn more about the achievements of traditional Chinese medicine over the past 2,500 years.
A visit to the Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you learn about the profound history of traditional Chinese medicine. By visiting exhibitions on the ancient art of TCM, you will discover how traditional medicine has changed in China over the past 2,500 years.
2. Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hu Qing Yu Tang)(杭州胡庆余堂中药博物馆)
- Location: 98 Yan'an Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou (杭州市上城区延安路98号)
- Open: 9am–5pm
Hu Qing Yu TangLocated in Yan'an Road, Hangzhou, Hu Qing Yu Tang TCM Museum is one of the most famous TCM museums in China. The museum was opened to the public in December 1989.
It is a professional establishment, where you can learn about the history of traditional Chinese medicine, the origin of medicine, and the development of pharmaceuticals. It also plays an important role in the development of medicine within Zhejiang Province.
What to See and Learn in the Museum
On the first floor of the museum, visitors can see numerous types of traditional Chinese medicine. This will help you learn more about various medical materials, to see what they look like, and understand how to use them in the correct way. If you want to have a look at the plants grown for medical use, then visit the courtyard near the museum.
Hu Qing Yu TangOn the second floor of this museum, visitors can gain a general understanding about traditional Chinese medicine. The medical science and practice can be dated back to more than 2,500 years ago. There are many classic Chinese medical works on display, such as the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (黄帝内经), the Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders (伤寒杂病论), and the Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Casket (金匮要略).
Tourists can also learn more about some famous ancient physicians, such as Zhang Zhongjing (张仲景), Hua Tuo (华佗), Sun Simiao (孙思邈), and Li Shizhen (李时珍).
3. Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum(北京中医药博物馆)
- Location:11 North Sanhuan East Road, Beijing (北京北三环东路11号)
- Open: 8:30am–4pm
The Museum of Chinese Medicine at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM)was founded in 1990.
The museum consists of two separate exhibition halls: Chinese Medical History and Chinese Medical Material. The museum's exhibition area is approximately 1,500 square meters in size.
What to See and Learn
As a professionally-managed museum with a rich collection of traditional Chinese medical relics and medicinal substances, the museum has become an important place for students learning about Chinese medicine. Many nationwide and international academic conferences about TCM are held in the museum.
In 2004, the Digital Museum of Chinese Medicine was created. It is very helpful to be able to educate the public about Chinese medicine through the Internet.
4. Museum of Guangzhou Chenliji Pharmaceutical Factory(广州陈李济中药博物馆)
- Location: 1688 Guangzhou Avenue South, Haizhu Qu, Guangzhou (广州海珠区广州大道南1688号)
- Open: 9am–11:30am, 2pm–4pm
Guangzhou Chenliji Pharmaceutical Factory has a history of over 400 years, having been founded in 1600. It is listed as the oldest operating pharmaceutical factory in the Guinness World Records. The record was verified in the city of Guangzhou, China, on September 25th, 2010.
Guangzhou Chenliji Pharmaceutical Factory was selected for inclusion on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2008. As a modern traditional Chinese medicine patent manufacturer and the Chenliji Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Center, the Museum of Chenliji Traditional Chinese Medicines is the first museum relating to the Chinese medicine industry in South China.
What to See and Learn
Visitors are attracted to the charm of TCM culture in the company's Museum of Chenliji Traditional Chinese Medicines. Tourists can take part in a series of cultural activities to learn more about Chenliji's history and the unique techniques for medicine production.
Discover Authentic Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture with China Highlights
Our tours are customizable, so you can discover more of what you're interested in. For an educational tour of traditional Chinese medicine establishments and to meet experts, you can choose our customized service to design a trip to a Chinese medicine retailer or practitioner.