A traditional medicine tour

Travel packages highlight TCM treatment across China

The Chinese have explored health and longevity since ancient times, giving rise to a well-developed healthcare, or traditional Chinese medicine, system.

With a history of more than 2,000 years, TCM covers herbal medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, deep-breathing exercises and dietary therapy.

Now, TCM travel tours have been developed across China to cater to tourists' healthcare needs. Some travel agencies have even rolled out custom-made TCM trips for customers.

"We have optional choices for tourists, and so far the TCM massages and health checks are among the most popular," says Shen Chen, manager of the high-end custom service department at China Comfort Travel Group Co.

Some tourists have also offered positive feedback on the TCM diets provided during the trips, which aim to restore the balance in the human body, according to Shen.

China has diverse TCM resources. Heilongjiang province has attracted many Russian tourists for its TCM offerings, while Jilin and Liaoning provinces have welcomed travelers from Japan, South Korea and Eastern Europe, who come for the medical care and to buy ginseng, says Huang Jianyin, deputy secretary-general of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies.

The Inner Mongolia autonomous region is actively engaged in local TCM service-trade projects, and Hainan's Sanya has drawn a large number of tourists with its sun, sea, fresh air and TCM, according to Huang.

Metropolises such as Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing have carried out TCM education, training and cultural exchanges to boost TCM travel.

But popularizing TCM travel among foreign tourists will likely remain a long-term effort.

Most foreign tourists are likely to choose TCM travel routes only if they have extra time in their schedules, after visiting famous sightseeing spots such as the Forbidden City, says Duan Yili from China Comfort Travel.

"Those from TCM research institutes or doctors who are interested in TCM may make special trips to check out TCM in China," he says.

The lack of interest in TCM among foreigners may be because they understand little of it, according to Zhang Yi, a senior manager at the China CYTS Tours Holding Co.

Still, the depth of TCM offerings have prompted government and travel agencies to launch specially designed routes that mix traditional Chinese medical therapy with conventional sightseeing.

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.

1. The following are one-day trips available from travel agencies: 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 benefits of 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, Zhejiang province, 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.

Qinghai

Cool temperatures during summer make Qinghai province an ideal destination for visitors to avoid the heat elsewhere. The high altitude also endows the province with clean water and grasslands, as well as a healthy ecology.

The Duoba national sports training base in Qinghai sits 2,366 meters above sea level and has been a cradle of world champions. Experts believe that proper exercise at high altitudes can improve blood circulation, body strength and hypoxia resistance, as well as slow the aging process.

Visitors can do exercises at picturesque scenic spots across Qinghai and enjoy the wholesome plateau climate.

Guangxi

Bama Yao autonomous county is famous for the longevity of its residents. The county boasts abundant negative oxygen ions in the air, water that abounds in minerals and microelements, and a strong magnetic field reputed to help restore the body's balance.

Visitors can enjoy the unique natural environment and longevity culture, and choose one of the following tourism routes:

1. Baimo Cave-Bainiao Rock-Ponatun-Renshouyuan-Longevity Museum

2. Longevity Museum-Renshouyuan-Life River-Bama Crystal Palace-Ponatun

Hubei

The Wudang Mountains in Hubei province are known as a natural pharmacy and a Taoist holy land.

Multiple travel routes have been developed for tourists and feature mountain hiking, prayer, martial arts performances, static exercises and healthcare lectures.

Tourists can see primitive forests from on high, enjoy the Danjiangkou Reservoir and appreciate Taoist practices at various ancient temples and the Wudang Museum. Some travel routes have also been designed for tourists to learn kung fu.

yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 11/28/2014 page26)