Guan Gong's values find resonance in traditional Chinese medicine

"A benevolent heart in healing" is a treasured value of traditional Chinese medicine, while Guan Gong embodies the enduring virtues of loyalty and righteousness. At their core, both reflect a sense of responsibility toward others and a commitment to one's work, said Lo Chih-Ying, a master's student at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, in a keynote speech at the International Youth Dialogue on "Loyalty and Honor Without Borders" in Yuncheng, North China's Shanxi province.

Guan Gong, an honorific title for Guan Yu, was a general who lived during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) and the Three Kingdoms period (220-280). He is widely revered for his loyalty and righteousness.

Lo, who is from Taiwan, said Guan Gong has long been part of everyday life there. People pay their respects to him when opening a business, while many also visit temples dedicated to him before exams, when moving house or when facing important life decisions. Beyond praying for blessings, they look to his example as a personal standard, striving to be trustworthy and to uphold their principles.

"In business, people value credibility and strive to keep their promises. Among friends, loyalty means offering a helping hand when others are in need. Within families, elders often share stories about Guan Gong to teach children to be upright and never sacrifice loyalty and integrity for personal gain," Lo added.

For Lo, Guan Gong's spirit of loyalty and responsibility also resonates with the study and practice of TCM. She believes that learning TCM requires more than book knowledge. She hopes to explore the tradition's origins, learn to identify medicinal herbs firsthand and apply what she learns in practice. Through these experiences, she aims to deepen her understanding of the field and contribute to preserving and passing down this traditional knowledge.

Held from Sept 20 to 23, the four-day event brought together content creators from six countries, including France, Russia and Thailand, as well as journalists from Chinese and international media outlets, including China Daily Website, Voice of Vietnam and the Associated Press of Pakistan.

Supported by the China Internet Development Foundation, the campaign provides an international platform for promoting Guan Gong culture through immersive tours, in-depth dialogues and interactive workshops.