More than 50 international students from over 20 countries recently delved into the world of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Chinese intangible cultural heritage during an event hosted by the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sponsored by the China Scholarship Council, this event marked the sixth edition of "Experiencing China with Intangible Cultural Heritage Items", a series initiated by the university in 2019.

The event, hosted on the university's campus on Sept 28, unfolded as an intangible cultural heritage market, featuring demonstrations of TCM, martial arts, embroidery, and printmaking. The aim was to provide international students currently studying at various Shanghai-based universities including Tongji University, East China Normal University, the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and New York University Shanghai with a hands-on understanding of traditional Chinese culture and the distinctive allure of Chinese cultural heritage.

The students were divided into four groups, each embarking on different routes to explore the various facets of the event. In the TCM ointment exhibition area, the students delved into the historical origins, production methods, and common Chinese medicinal materials used in ointments, gaining insights into the form and texture of these remedies. Simultaneously, an AI traditional Chinese diagnostic device collected data such as tongue, face, and pulse to provide health analyses from a TCM perspective, enriching their understanding of traditional Chinese medical practices.

The students also had the opportunity to experience external treatment methods such as traditional Chinese massage and bone-setting. A Thai student from ECNU, expressed astonishment after receiving a massage treatment, remarking, "This is truly magical. I feel much more relaxed all over my body. I hope to have more opportunities to further understand traditional Chinese medicine in the future," said the student surnamed Liao.

During a tai chi practice session led by Aaron Christopher Joost, a US student majoring in TCM translation at SUTCM, participants gracefully tried their hand at the traditional martial art form. Joost, who has been practicing tai chi since aged 11, shared his understanding of the Chinese martial arts.

"Tai chi is a philosophy which, in the West, is also known as yin and yang. This yin and yang energy is constantly changing into each other, reminding us of the wisdom to keep things in balance," he said.

In the intricate Suzhou embroidery section, international students like Smirnova Mariia, a 25-year-old Russian student at ECNU, were captivated by the exquisite and lifelike embroidery works. Under the guidance of teachers, they attempted to embroider ginkgo leaves on handkerchiefs.

In the afternoon, the students visited the "Medicine in Stamps" exhibition at the university, exploring the history of TCM through various stamps and postal items. They also learned woodcut printmaking techniques, expressing joy as they saw their prints of Chinese herbs come to life.

The event also featured volunteers, many of whom were international students majoring in TCM at SUTCM. They shared personal stories related to TCM, shedding light on their deepening understanding and appreciation of this ancient practice. From Phusit Nanirattisai from Thailand to Lee Hanxue and Lynn Loh from Malaysia, the volunteers highlighted their diverse backgrounds and shared enthusiasm for delving deeper into the world of traditional Chinese medicine and cultural heritage.

Marjia said she had heard of acupuncture and herbal medicine a lot, yet through the event she finally gained a concrete idea of both.