Beijing Weaves Ancient Medicine into Modern Urban Life

BEIJING – January 14, 2026 – Amidst the biting winter cold, an unusual warmth emanates from the Beijing Book Building, a landmark typically associated with the quiet rustle of pages. Here, the fragrance of ink now mingles with the subtle aroma of herbs, as citizens gather not just for literature, but for lessons in life and longevity. The "Warm Chrysanthemum, Nourish Winter" charity event, launched by the Beijing Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, has transformed this cultural hub into a vibrant center for public health, demonstrating a novel approach to weaving ancient wellness wisdom into the fabric of modern urban living.

The ten-day event, running from January 9th to 18th, is a practical and ambitious expression of China's "Healthy China 2030" national strategy. By bringing expert medical advice, hands-on cultural experiences, and preventative health education directly to the public, the initiative aims to move traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) beyond clinic walls and into the daily routines of Beijing's residents.

A Prescription for the People: Beyond the Clinic Walls

The core philosophy of the event is a radical shift in healthcare delivery: from a reactive model centered on treatment to a proactive one focused on community-wide wellness. The Beijing Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, a top-tier institution specializing in combining traditional and modern practices, is pioneering this outreach through its "TCM +" service model.

"The purpose of this winter health preservation event is to bring professional medical resources directly to the citizens’ doorsteps," stated Yang Qingling, Party Secretary of the hospital, at the launch ceremony. "We aim to embrace the concept of 'integrating TCM into daily life' and apply the wisdom of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine to daily health practices."

This approach addresses a fundamental challenge in public health: accessibility. By setting up consultation booths and educational displays in a high-traffic, non-medical venue like the Beijing Book Building, the hospital removes common barriers such as appointment scheduling, long wait times, and the intimidating atmosphere of a clinical setting. As one attendee, Aunt Zhang, happily noted, "Health services delivered right to my doorstep, without having to go to the hospital and wait in line. I can play and learn at the same time." Her experience, which included a free consultation with a respiratory specialist followed by a craft session, encapsulates the event's success in making healthcare both convenient and enjoyable.

The hospital has committed to deepening this model, with Yang Qingling adding, "In the future, the hospital will continue to deepen the 'TCM + ' service model, collaborate with more resources, and offer a variety of health activities, extending high-quality, inclusive health services into more areas."

Weaving Health into the National Fabric

This community-focused initiative is not an isolated effort but a key component of China's ambitious 'Healthy China 2030' blueprint. The national strategy explicitly calls for the inheritance and innovative development of TCM, aiming to integrate its principles of prevention and holistic care into the public health system.

Li Xiuli, Deputy Director and Senior Researcher of the Haidian District Health and Family Planning Commission, highlighted the event's strategic importance. "The 'Healthy China 2030' strategy clearly calls for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine and the optimization of health services for all citizens," she explained. "Winter is a crucial period for preventing and managing chronic diseases... We are able to leverage this advantage to transform TCM knowledge into something tangible and practical for the public."

The event serves as a microcosm of this national push. Across China, similar initiatives are underway to expand TCM services to the grassroots level, with a focus on establishing TCM facilities in nearly all community and rural clinics. Flagship hospitals specializing in integrated medicine are forming alliances to scale best practices, while public awareness campaigns aim to enhance health literacy. The "Books + Health" model seen at the Beijing Book Building is an innovative example of how cultural platforms can become powerful allies in achieving these public health goals.

A Symphony of Senses: Culture as a Gateway to Wellness

What truly sets the "Warm Chrysanthemum, Nourish Winter" event apart is its masterful use of culture and interactive experiences to make health education engaging and memorable. Organizers have created a multi-sensory environment where learning about wellness is an act of participation and discovery.

At the "Herbal Winter Nourishment" area, attendees could touch and smell herbs like lotus seeds and dried tangerine peel, learning their properties firsthand. In another corner, a partnership with the renowned Chinese brand "Yidege" blended the arts of calligraphy and medicine, allowing participants to practice their brushstrokes while immersed in the calming scents of ink and herbs.

The "Handmade Winter Warmth" cultural creative area proved immensely popular, drawing long queues of adults and children eager to craft their own TCM sachets. Under staff guidance, they filled small pouches with aromatic herbs, learning about ingredient selection and usage. "I got to consult experts for free, make my own sachet, and learn practical health preservation tips—this event is so thoughtful!" exclaimed Aunt Zhang, proudly holding her creation.

This hands-on approach transforms abstract health concepts into tangible, personal experiences. The free-flowing herbal tea, made from chrysanthemum, red dates, and longan, offered immediate comfort from the winter chill, viscerally demonstrating the nourishing power of TCM.

The Future of Wellness: Engaging a New Generation

While rooted in ancient tradition, the initiative is decidedly forward-looking. Organizers have laid out ambitious plans to ensure TCM's relevance for future generations by adopting modern formats and expanding collaborations. To capture the interest of a younger demographic, the "TCM +" model is set to evolve into creative new scenarios, including TCM healing concerts and even "electronic punk Baduanjin," a modern twist on a traditional Qigong exercise.

The integration with local culture will also deepen. Planned activities like a "TCM Citywalk + Market Herbal Food Pairing" aim to connect health wisdom with the unique character of old Beijing, creating experiences that are both educational and entertaining.

This vision is supported by a powerful "media + healthcare + culture + community" alliance with partners like Beijing Television. By leveraging online videos, offline events, and targeted community outreach, the alliance aims to ensure the principles of integrated medicine reach every household. The event at the Beijing Book Building is more than a ten-day affair; it is the launch of a sustained effort to embed wellness into the rhythm of the city, ensuring that the warmth and wisdom of traditional medicine continue to nourish Beijing for seasons to come.