TCM pursues innovation and attracts young crowds in thriving night markets

A night market with a TCM doctor in southern China’s Guangdong province. Photo: Guangzhou Daily

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and night markets, two seemingly unrelated things, have recently become a combination trend pursued by young people in China.

Rather than taking place in hospitals or clinics during business hours, the consultations, prescriptions, acupuncture, massages and dietary advice offered by TCM-certified doctors in the bustling atmosphere of night markets attracted significant numbers of young people.

Across the country, health departments in cities such as Beijing in North China, Shenyang in Northeast China, Nanyang in Central China, Hefei in East China and Guangzhou in South China are collaborating with local hospitals to set up stalls at night markets to provide free consultations to the public.

Young people may not have time to visit hospitals during the day due to work commitments, so this trend quickly caught their attention.

“TCM is part of traditional Chinese culture and TCM night markets represent a new cultural trend. It satisfies the psychological needs of trend-following young people and aligns with their awareness of cultural identity.

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, young people’s awareness of health and well-being is gradually increasing and this form of night markets meets their health needs,” said Yao Shuai, cardiologist at Tongzhou District TCM Hospital, in Jiangsu province, in eastern China, to Global Times.

Yao also noted that the night market environment is more relaxed than that of hospitals, and the attitude of healthcare providers is more approachable, which improves the overall healthcare experience and increases patient engagement.

In addition to treatment or consultations, young people also have the opportunity to learn more about the culture and knowledge of TCM in these markets. They serve not only as excellent venues for TCM diagnosis and treatment, but also as important platforms for promoting TCM concepts.

Visitors experience the culture of a region through night markets, where they can find a variety of products, from clothing and accessories to local crafts, souvenirs and street food. Now TCM gives them yet another reason to go. In addition to consultations, visitors can also purchase TCM-scented sachets or enjoy a cup of herbal tea.

In recent years, the booming night-time economy across China has provided local people and tourists with vibrant nightlife options, which in turn has stimulated the growth of local economies.

“The growing trend of MTC in night markets is driven by demand. The night economy has recently become a new highlight. MTC can take advantage of the crowds at night markets, which also helps to promote its practices. It is a positive trend which deserves encouragement,” Zhang Yiwu, a Peking University professor and political advisor, told the Global Times.

The popularity of TCM in night markets is an example of its growing popularity among young people. MTC’s orthopedics and massage services are highly sought after by young people.

Sour plum soup has also grown in popularity in herbal pharmacies, and many young people are practicing it baduanjinliterally “Eight-Section Brocade”, a type of Chinese physical exercise passed down from ancient times.

TCM has been part of Chinese people’s daily lives for a long time; Its increasing accessibility and integration now give more strength and vitality to this ancient tradition.

The author is a reporter for the Global Times. [email protected]