Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s oldest medical systems, developed through thousands of years of observation, trial, and refinement. Recognized as part of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, TCM remains a key part of everyday healthcare in China today.

During our Pandas & Peace and Tranquility & Tea Trail trips, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the foundations of TCM—not from a textbook, but through hands-on experience.

On these trips, we visit local clinics or wellness centers where licensed TCM practitioners explain how the system works, including key concepts like yin and yang, qi (energy flow), and the five elements. You may observe or try light treatments such as:

• Cupping therapy

• Moxibustion (mugwort heat therapy)

• Herbal foot soaks

• Pulse reading or tongue diagnosis

These are gentle and non-invasive experiences designed to introduce you to the practical side of TCM.

You’ll also learn how herbal medicine is prepared, and how everyday ingredients—like ginger, goji berries, and licorice root—are used to support health. In some cases, you can even take home custom herbal blends created by the practitioner based on your condition or constitution.

This is a chance to see how TCM continues to play an important role in modern Chinese life—not only as treatment, but as preventive care.

This experience is included in our Temples & Traditions itinerary, and can also be added to a custom trip upon request.
[Learn more about the Temples & Traditions trip →]