Cultural Immersion in Shandong · Experiencing Jinan| When Foreign Students Visit a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic: One Consultation, a Crossroads of Two Cultures
Spring fills Jinan with life and light. On the afternoon of March 26, 31 international students from 14 countries and regions—including Algeria, the United States, Russia, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Denmark—enrolled at the International Education College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Education Center) visited the Baotuquan Campus of Shandong Xin Zhong Lu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. They participated in a unique TCM cultural immersion experience, with coverage by the Jinan International Communication Center.
As a city-level base for TCM cultural education and promotion, Xin Zhong Lu leveraged its deep expertise in “pure TCM, authentic Chinese medicine” to guide these faraway “TCM ambassadors” through an immersive journey of cultural exploration.
Tracing the Classics and Upholding the “Pure TCM” Tradition
Bathed in afternoon sunlight, the students first toured the hospital’s TCM cultural exhibits and the Li Keshao School of Shanghan Medicine Heritage Base. The site not only presents the historical development of TCM but also vividly showcases Xin Zhong Lu’s more than 30-year commitment to “pure TCM, authentic Chinese medicine.” At the heritage base, students listened to inspiring stories of the great Shanghan physician Li Keshao, gaining a deep understanding of the central role of the Treatise on Cold Damage (Shanghan Lun) in clinical TCM practice. This reverence for classical TCM left a profound impression on every visiting student.
Seeing is Believing: Witnessing the Craftsmanship of “Authentic Chinese Medicine”
“Good Chinese medicine makes good TCM.” At the Xin Zhong Lu pharmacy, the international students observed firsthand the rigorous standards behind “authentic Chinese medicine.” From sourcing genuine medicinal materials to traditional processing and preparation, every step strictly adheres to a combination of classical methods and modern quality control.
Watching the pure, high-quality herbal slices neatly stored in the cabinets and the pharmacists’ skillful traditional bundling techniques, one American student remarked, “Every herb here exudes its natural essence, giving me a tangible understanding of what ‘authentic Chinese medicine’ truly means.” This uncompromising pursuit of quality is what has earned Xin Zhong Lu its prestigious reputation in the industry.
Tasting Wisdom: Experiencing “Everyday TCM”
Next, the students sampled health foods based on the principle of “medicine and food from the same source,” including Bazhen Su pastries, hawthorn sticks, and herbal tea substitutes, personally experiencing the uniquely Chinese TCM concepts of “preventive treatment” and dietary therapy.
As they carefully read the recipes, students marveled, “I had no idea food could also regulate the body. This wisdom of integrating medicine into daily diet is amazing—I want to bring it back to my country.”
Expert Consultation: Experiencing the “Magic of TCM” at Your Fingertips
The highlight of the event was a hands-on consultation with renowned TCM experts. Professor Wang Xiaoping, a celebrated provincial TCM physician, and senior doctor Sun Chao conducted pulse diagnosis and consultations for the international students.
With just three fingers, Professor Wang accurately assessed each student’s health, drawing gasps of amazement from the audience. Meanwhile, Dr. Sun demonstrated acupuncture and tuina (massage) techniques, prompting students to exclaim at the “magical Chinese skills”: “Just a few silver needles can relieve pain—TCM’s depth and sophistication are truly impressive.”
This cultural exchange vividly exemplifies Xin Zhonglu’s commitment to its cultural mission. Leveraging platforms such as the Li Keshao Shanghan School Heritage Base, Xin Zhonglu is gradually becoming an important window for showcasing Qilu TCM culture to the world. As the sun set, the international students left with a fresh understanding of TCM. They are not only learners of traditional Chinese medicine but also ambassadors, carrying this ancient Eastern wisdom across the globe.
