Time-Honored TCM Establishments in Hangzhou: Carrying Forward Centuries of Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture
Hangzhou, once the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, has long been a prosperous hub of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) culture. During the Republic of China era, the city had over 100 TCM time-honored brands, mostly concentrated in Hefang Street and Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Street—boasting rich TCM resources. Today, Hangzhou is home to over 400 private TCM clinics, dominated by time-honored brands, with the highest density of such clinics in China.
Guangxingtang TCM Museum 广兴堂中医博物馆
Founded in 2005 by Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangxingtang TCM Museum is housed in Liang’s Villa—a 200-year-old Qing Dynasty building in the city center. Its biggest feature is the all-round display of TCM’s charm, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the profoundness of TCM culture.
Every corner of the museum showcases graphic materials and collections, vividly presenting Hangzhou’s long TCM development history, as well as detailed introductions to TCM basic theories and common knowledge. Guests and patients can receive consultations from renowned TCM doctors, and taste health-preserving medicated diets and teas tailored to personal constitutions by professionals.
The museum also provides traditional TCM treatments such as acupuncture, tuina (massage), and foot massage. Additionally, it promotes healthy living concepts through lectures and health consultation activities covering TCM culture and health care knowledge.
Hu Qing Yu Tang 胡庆余堂
As one of China’s two most famous traditional TCM pharmacies, Hu Qing Yu Tang was founded in 1874 during the Qing Dynasty. Its architectural layout resembles a crane from above—a symbol of longevity in Chinese culture, perfectly aligning with TCM’s health-preserving philosophy.
More than just a pharmacy, Hu Qing Yu Tang functions as a comprehensive TCM hub, including a clinic, a restaurant, and a museum. Here, visitors can learn about ancient TCM knowledge, witness the production and preparation of TCM medicines, and experience authentic TCM services—making it a must-visit for anyone interested in TCM culture.
Wan Cheng Zhi Tang 万承志堂
Founded in 1875 (early Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty) by Wan Sixuan—a prominent figure in old Hangzhou—Wan Cheng Zhi Tang has adhered to its ancestral motto since its establishment: “Be true to medicine and not deceive customers; practice rightfully and not deceive the world.” It strictly requires all medicinal materials to be authentic and pure, vowing never to profit from counterfeits.
Guided by the mission of “benefiting the people and gathering medicines worldwide to cure diseases,” successive managers have made Wan Cheng Zhi Tang one of the “Top Three TCM Stores in Hangzhou.” Together with Hangzhou’s “Six TCM Pharmacies,” it formed the Southern Pharmaceutical Market, which was as famous as its counterpart in Beijing.
Fang Hui Chun Tang 方回春堂
With a 300-year history, Fang Hui Chun Tang is one of China’s oldest TCM pharmacies. It originated as a small clinic founded by a renowned pediatrician, and has since developed into a comprehensive TCM institution.
Today, it consists of three core sections: the Hall of TCM Doctors (with over 80 specialized TCM doctors), the Hall of TCM (selling herbs and pills), and the Hall of Ginseng (offering high-quality tonics hand-picked by pharmacy staff to ensure quality).
The pharmacy offers free herbal tea and health brochures daily. Every winter, it hosts the “Herbal Paste Festival” and “Ginseng Festival”—annual events where veteran TCM doctors assess individuals’ constitutions and provide personalized advice, with a variety of ginseng products available for purchase. It upholds the motto: “It is alright to make a profit, but despicable to sell poor-quality products,” guaranteeing top-tier TCM services and products.
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