On September 28, 2023, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SUTCM) kicked off a fascinating cultural exploration event, inviting 50 international students from over 20 countries to immerse themselves in the art of traditional Chinese medicine and culture. This event was part of the “Perceive China: Inheriting the Qi Huang—Intangible Cultural Heritage Brings You into Traditional Chinese Medicine” program. Students participated in activities such as learning Shi’s orthopedic treatment techniques, practicing Tai Chi, and crafting personalized Chinese herbal prints.
Han Chouping, Dean of the International Education College at SUTCM, shared insights on the initiative: “This year, we’ve created a non-material heritage marketplace that combines traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, embroidery, and printmaking. This allows international students to gain a more intuitive understanding of our rich traditional culture through hands-on experiences and interactions.”
Supported by the China Scholarship Council, SUTCM has successfully hosted the “Perceive China” program for six consecutive years. Cheng Lin, secretary of the Party branch at the college, expressed hope that international students would cultivate a deeper understanding of Chinese medicine through practical involvement. The college also runs a “seed program,” encouraging students worldwide to return home and share their knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine.
During the event, students were able to practice Shi’s orthopedic techniques, a revered branch of traditional Chinese medicine with a history spanning over 150 years and recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Wang Peige, a doctor at SUTCM’s affiliated Shuguang Hospital and a practitioner of Shi’s orthopedic methods, guided the international students through exercises that fused traditional Chinese martial arts with medical practices. Students like Ali from Bangladesh remarked, “That was so comfortable!” while Liao Chengzu from Thailand exclaimed, “This is amazing; I feel so much lighter!” after a short treatment.
American student Zhou An not only led fellow international students in Tai Chi exercises but also shared his personal journey in learning Chinese martial arts and medicine. “Practicing Tai Chi isn’t just a workout; it embodies the essence of traditional Chinese culture,” he said. Malaysian student Huang Yongxin noted her previous experience with Tai Chi in Malaysia but appreciated how this session offered deeper insights into the breathing techniques and energy principles behind the movements.
Meanwhile, an exhibition titled “Medicine in Stamps” at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum caught the attention of the international students. This exhibit showcased the beautiful intersection of medicine and art through postage stamps, each capturing the cultural essence of distinct periods. Museum curator Li Gan mentioned that the exhibit seeks to creatively communicate the history and ethics of Chinese medicine via postage stamps.
Students like Liu Jieyi from Malaysia and Wu Yanhui from Indonesia expressed their excitement at viewing stamps related to Chinese medicine, which deviated from the usual themes of plants or landscapes. Liu expressed her intention to bring acupuncture and other Chinese healing methods back home to benefit more patients.
The students also had a joyful yet challenging time creating Chinese herbal prints. Zhang Jingying, an expert from the Shanghai TCM Literature Museum, stressed the importance of infusing contemporary relevance into these traditional practices. Using fresh plant materials for their prints, the students were thrilled to see their creations come to life. International student Lan Guangzhi remarked, “This experience has deepened my love for Chinese culture. I aspire to be a bridge connecting cultures, helping more people understand and appreciate traditional Chinese medicine and cultural heritage.”
