Night markets, originating in the Eastern Han Dynasty and popular today, what kind of unique experience would they offer if traditional TCM therapies and modern AI technologies were integrated into a TCM cultural night market? At the Wanda Plaza on Hongqi Street, the “TCM Cultural Summer Night Market,” organized by the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, provides an answer.
At the event, traditional TCM therapies, modern AI technology testing, tasting of medicinal confections and soups, free clinics by renowned TCM doctors from the province and city, all gave people a sense of the power of innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. At the TCM specialty project experience area, long queues formed as visitors waited their turn.
“I usually relieve my sleep problems through TCM massages and gua sha, which are very effective,” said Mr. Li, who was among the first to experience the Huolong jar – a perfect combination of massage, gua sha, moxibustion, and hot compress – at the TCM specialty project experience area. Some citizens also enthusiastically tried out the sanfu patches for free, designed to treat winter illnesses in summer, smooth meridians, regulate qi and blood, and promote health. Others experienced auricular acupressure, which helps regulate bodily functions, alleviate stress, improve sleep and appetite.
AI detection was one of the biggest highlights at the event. Health management physicians from the Center for Preventive Medicine at the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine brought AI technology to the experience area. At the modern technology product experience area featuring meridian detectors and constitutional identification devices, citizens enthusiastically experienced AI detection technology for free, learned about their own body types, and received personalized health management advice from professional doctors. Another major highlight was the “Ginseng Culture Feast” that blended modern TCM technology. A variety of ginseng products made primarily from authentic Changbai Mountain ginseng, the top of the Northeast Three Treasures, were gathered together. As citizens consulted and selected items, they showed a strong interest.
In the medicinal confection tasting, deliciousness and health go hand in hand. Various traditional medicinal confections provided by the Pharmacy Office of the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine were available for citizens to taste on-site. As they enjoyed the flavors, they also experienced the nourishing and health-preserving principles of TCM. During the event, experts in pharmacy taught citizens how to identify medicinal herbs that can be used as food, invited them to taste herbal tea drinks, and explained related knowledge. Many citizens also received free herbal sachets.
During the free clinics and health consultations, multiple renowned TCM experts were present, including national Qihuang scholars, provincial and municipal famous doctors, and department heads. Whether it was for physical adjustment or health consultation, citizens received professional answers.
The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine also organized numerous medical staff from departments such as acupuncture, massage, pulmonary disease-tumor hematology center, otorhinolaryngology, and pharmacy office to participate in the activities, allowing citizens to experience TCM culture up close and immersively.
This event, themed “Inheriting millennia of wisdom, safeguarding public health,” comprised two parts: the “TCM Cultural Summer Night Market” and the “Street BA” basketball tournament. The passionate collision of TCM culture and street basketball showcased the charm of Qihuang, with the aroma of herbal medicines permeating both inside and outside the venue, allowing citizens to enjoy a happy life of “watching ball games, tasting tea drinks, wearing sachets, and enjoying summer.”