From Sun Simiao's Hometown to a Modern TCM Wellness City: Tongchuan's Millennial Medical Heritage Lives On

On the global map of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Tongchuan in China holds a unique and significant position. It is not only the birthplace of Sun Simiao, known as the "King of Medicine," but also a city where a thousand years of herbal tradition blends seamlessly with modern health and wellness practices. Here, the ancient medical lineage continues to thrive.

In Tongchuan, traces of Sun Simiao, the great medical master of the Tang Dynasty, revered as the "King of Medicine", can be found everywhere. On Mount Yaowang, solemn temples stand with incense burning continuously for over a thousand years, reflecting people's profound reverence and remembrance for the "King of Medicine" (Yaowang in Chinese). Each session of the Sun Simiao Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Festival attracts TCM experts and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe, promoting exchange and mutual learning in TCM culture.

In recent years, Tongchuan has made notable progress in the inheritance and innovation of TCM. The city has been designated as a National Pilot Zone for TCM Inheritance and Innovative Development. It has established 439 village-level Sun Simiao TCM clinics, 47 renowned TCM physician studios, eight provincial customized herbal medicine gardens, ten primary processing bases, and developed 30 enterprises in pharmaceutical and health product processing.

Leveraging its authentic medicinal herb resources and Sun Simiao's philosophy of health preservation, Tongchuan has also developed a variety of wellness tourism routes. Visitors can follow the footsteps of the "King of Medicine" at Yaowang Mountain and immerse themselves in the profound culture of TCM; explore herb cultivation bases to witness the vitality of medicinal plants; or experience traditional therapies at TCM clinics for relaxation of both body and mind.

Today, the principle of "The great physicians possess absolute sincerity" has been integrated into the streets and alleys of Tongchuan. Traditional Chinese Medicine here is no longer just a tradition passed down through generations—it has taken root in the mountain breeze of Yaowang, in a warm cup of herbal tea, and in the thriving scutellaria fields. Tongchuan is opening its arms to the world, inviting everyone to experience the charm of traditional Chinese medicine and share a healthy and beautiful life.