Tianjin wellness center blends TCM services with herbal bread, coffee culture

To capitalize on the trend of infusing foods and goods with traditional Chinese medicine, Da Ren Tang recently opened a wellness center in Tianjin that combines TCM services with retail and food sales, including herbal bread and TCM-infused coffee.

The century-old TCM brand's facility includes a variety of wellness products and a cafe. According to a center manager, products such as herbal bracelets, sachets, and food items including astragalus bread and a ginseng-based drink have become popular among younger visitors.

Hassan Sameh Hassan Elsayed, an Egyptian student at Tianjin University, visited the center after seeing numerous social media posts about Chinese wellness practices. He said the experience broadened his understanding of TCM. "I used to think TCM was ancient and mysterious, limited to acupuncture, cupping, and herbal decoctions. But after experiencing it firsthand, I found modern TCM encompasses much more," he said.

The manager said that while older adults remain the primary clientele, a growing number of young people are favoring small wellness items. Many young visitors come specifically after learning about TCM bracelets online. They often take photos and share their experiences on social media, turning the venue into a popular "internet-famous spot".

Cheng, a resident living near the center, said she regularly purchases items such as herbal bread and tea. She described the offerings as having become part of daily life for some in the community.

The center is located adjacent to a TCM hospital, allowing visitors to access medical consultations on site.

Jia Yunge contributed to this story.