Go on a traditional medicine tour

Beijing

Home to imperial hospitals from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (1271-1911), Beijing boasts abundant TCM resources. The capital city has already launched several itineraries that range from one to five days, combining traditional ways of maintaining health, including traditional Chinese medicine, with trips to popular tourist attractions.

The following are one-day trips available from travel agencies:

1. The Forbidden City-Beijing Pingxintang TCM Clinic: The Forbidden City's layout reflects the balance between yin and yang, two basic life elements in TCM. The imposing and majestic outer palaces blend well with the dainty and exquisite inner ones. Visitors can appreciate harmony among materials in the physical world and be introduced to the essence of the traditional Chinese healthcare culture.

Pingxintang TCM Clinic offers guests TCM lectures given by well-known experts, as well as TCM massages. Visitors can get an insight into TCM culture and experience the effect from treatment.

2. Temple of Heaven-Summer Palace-Institute of Medicinal Plant Development-Beijing opera: Visitors can practice tai chi at the Temple of Heaven, take in the picturesque landscape scenery at the Summer Palace, enjoy herbal cuisine at the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development and watch a Peking Opera performance.

3. Lama Temple-Confucius Temple-Dongzhimen Hospital-Wangfujing Street: Travelers are introduced to Buddhism and Confucianism at the Lama and Confucius temples, respectively, and can learn about the history and philosophy of TCM and get a one-hour TCM massage. If time permits, visitors can undergo a physical examination conducted by TCM doctors at the Dongzhimen Hospital. During the evening, travelers can savor local specialties and enjoy Beijing's night views on Wangfujing Street.

4. Mutianyu Great Wall-Ditan Park Healthcare Culture Garden: A tour to the Mutianyu Great Wall and an eight-section ancient fitness exercise at Ditan Park will work up a visitor's appetite. Afterward, visitors can tour the park's healthcare culture garden and enjoy a healthcare dinner and a kung fu show at night.

Hangzhou

Healthcare tourism has also come of age in Hangzhou, which abounds with famous pharmaceutical enterprises. The city's landscape blends with TCM concepts and showcases the city's culture, according to Li Hong, director of the Hangzhou tourism committee.

1. Guangxingtang TCM Clinic-Rose Garden: Tourists can listen to TCM lectures and savor herbal cuisines at Guangxingtang TCM Clinic and then go sightseeing at the Rose Garden.

2. Sunday Sunny Resort: Visitors can enjoy towering trees, green grass and fresh air at the resort, and learn to identify Chinese herbal medicines.

3. Fanghuichuntang TCM Clinic-Huqingyutang Clinic: Visitors can visit the two time-honored TCM clinics and experience TCM foot massage.