More Chinese youth opting to study TCM in college

When China's universities specializing in traditional Chinese medicine welcome new students this autumn, many will do so on the strength of an undeniable fact — a growing number of high-achieving students are choosing to pursue TCM studies.

Once perceived as a less popular academic path, TCM programs have seen a noticeable increase in admission scores across the country this year. At the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, the nation's leading TCM institution, entry requirements for several programs climbed significantly compared to the previous year. Similarly, the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine also reported a robust increase in minimum admission scores.

This upward trend reflects a broader revival of interest in ancient healing practices among Chinese people — especially the youth.

"I had decided to study TCM long before taking gaokao (the national college entrance exam)," Zhang Honglin, an excited incoming freshman at BUCM, told Xinhua. "As a former soccer player in high school, I struggled with recurring ankle ligament injuries. It was TCM that finally cured me."

Rooted in classical Chinese philosophy that emphasizes harmony between humans and nature, TCM is increasingly capturing the attention of younger generations. From night classes to social media trends, young people are engaging with TCM like never before.

In Zhejiang province, a local TCM institution offers evening sessions in yijinjing, a traditional breathing and stretching exercise that has become a hit among young workers. Classes begin at 6 pm and consistently run overtime due to popular demand.

"It's common for our one-hour session to extend until 8 pm because everyone is so engaged," said Zhang Yimo, a TCM expert at the institution.

Similar scenes are unfolding in Jiangxi province, where young students now have opportunities to learn herb identification and experience therapies such as TCM massage and moxibustion.

On social media, TCM content is flourishing. Young influencers are garnering millions of views by sharing their experiences with tai chi, acupuncture and herbal tea routines — blending traditional wisdom into contemporary wellness culture.

This summer also saw the rise in TCM-themed night markets. At one such market in Gansu province, crowds lined up for acupuncture, cupping, herbal foot baths and pulse diagnostics.

"This heat leaves me drained, sleepy and listless," said 21-year-old Yu Huiyan as she extended her wrist for a pulse diagnosis. After experiencing positive results from previous TCM treatments, she now turns to the night market in search of herbal remedies.

"Young people today are more proactive about their health. TCM's holistic approach of focusing on root causes and overall balance really resonates with them," noted Deng Yong, a professor at BUCM.

Growing health awareness has significantly boosted demand for TCM services. In 2024, TCM department visits across China's hospitals surpassed 1.6 billion, up markedly from the previous year, according to data from the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"More young patients, especially those with mental health concerns, are turning to TCM," said Sun Anning, a TCM postgraduate intern at Beijing's Dongzhimen Hospital.

"My friends often ask me for health tips, including practicing baduanjin or drinking herbal beverages," Sun added.

Government policy has also played a key role. In 2022, China released a plan emphasizing the need to expand TCM talent cultivation and improve youth education in the field. In 2024, State funding for TCM reached approximately 22.7 billion yuan ($3.2 billion), a record high. An initiative was launched to support establishing over 1,150 specialized TCM departments nationwide. Meanwhile, more than 67,000 people obtained licenses to work as assistant TCM physicians in 2024.

"We truly feel the country's strong backing for TCM," Sun told Xinhua, adding that she plans to become a TCM doctor after graduation.

Amid growing public demand, China has been rapidly expanding its TCM healthcare services and strengthening its professional workforce, creating abundant opportunities for TCM graduates like Sun.

Official statistics show that by the end of 2023, the number of certified TCM physicians had exceeded 1.04 million.

In April of this year, China took another significant step by integrating TCM promotion into its Healthy China Initiative. The policy advocates building a TCM health service system that covers all citizens, spans the entire life cycle and seamlessly integrates into the whole healthcare process.

Looking ahead, Zhang envisions bringing TCM to a global stage.

Xinhua