TCM-themed event in Shanghai bridges ancient wisdom, modern wellness

A Traditional Chinese Medicine-themed cultural festival kicked off on Friday in Shanghai, integrating traditional wellness practices with contemporary urban lifestyles.

The 10-day festival at the Ruihong Tiandi business complex in Shanghai's Hongkou district features 40 intangible cultural heritage projects and 118 TCM cultural experience activities. Ten TCM practitioners offer consultations, while six time-honored brands and four cultural and creative enterprises specializing in TCM present their products and services.

"We've observed significant changes in consumer trends," said Lei Yanqing, senior director of Shui On Xintiandi. "Today's young people show increasing anxiety about sub-health conditions and a strong interest in exploring traditional Chinese medicine and culture. Our goal is to promote TCM culture while establishing a new Chinese-style wellness lifestyle".

The festival is organized into five themed sections, encompassing medical consultations, traditional therapies like acupuncture and massage, and herbal medicine workshops. Visitors can engage in various activities, from traditional exercise demonstrations to hands-on experiences in making herbal sachets and more.

The event attracts visitors from various countries as well. Syton Peter Chawinga, a student from Malawi studying at Shanghai International Studies University, shared his firsthand experience: "Unlike Western medicine that focuses on specific symptoms, TCM tries to understand the whole body before prescribing treatment," he said.