On April 7, the School of International Education at Wuxi Vocational and Technical University took a group of international students on an unforgettable journey into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), visiting Wuxi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine for an immersive cultural experience. Students from Ghana, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nepal, and Pakistan — all countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative — joined their Chinese classmates for the occasion, bridging cultures through one of China's most celebrated healing traditions.
The event brought together Wu Xinyu, President of the Wuxi Acupuncture Society, Feng Hua, Deputy Director of the Acupuncture Department, along with university leaders Li Xiang and Sun Taiwei from the School of International Education.
A Window into Ancient Wisdom
The visit opened with a welcome address by President Wu Xinyu, who gave students a compelling introduction to Wuxi's deep-rooted TCM heritage and its ongoing relevance in modern healthcare. The spotlight then turned to Deputy Director Feng Hua, who walked students through the celebrated Longsha Medical School — a nationally designated piece of intangible cultural heritage — unpacking its signature theories and clinical methods. Concepts such as the Five Movements and Six Qi framework and the application of classical herbal formulas were explained in plain, engaging terms, drawing students in from the very first minute.
Needles, Cups, and the Power of Touch
The hands-on portion of the visit was where curiosity truly came alive. Students toured the acupuncture and tuina (therapeutic massage) departments, watching skilled practitioners demonstrate cupping, moxibustion, and acupuncture in real time. Several students then volunteered to try acupuncture and auricular acupressure themselves.
For many, it was their first encounter with de qi — the subtle but unmistakable sensation that signals the body's response to acupuncture. The reactions spoke for themselves: wide eyes, quiet gasps, and more than a few exclamations of genuine wonder.
"This experience has made me so much more curious about TCM. I really hope I can learn more about it going forward." — An international student from Uzbekistan
Conversations Across Cultures
A lively Q&A session rounded out the afternoon, with students raising questions on everything from the philosophical foundations of TCM to practical tips for daily wellness and the key distinctions between Eastern and Western medical approaches. Deputy Director Feng Hua addressed each question with patience and enthusiasm, keeping the conversation flowing well beyond what was planned.
Building Bridges, One Experience at a Time
More than a cultural excursion, the visit served as a genuine act of cultural diplomacy. By experiencing TCM firsthand, students left with not only a deeper understanding of its scientific merit and cultural significance, but also a personal motivation to share what they had learned with those back home.
In her closing remarks, Li Xiang reaffirmed the school's commitment to promoting TCM culture on the global stage, strengthening people-to-people ties across Belt and Road nations, and demonstrating the vital role that vocational education can play in building a shared future for global health.
Introduction to TCM Culture
Group Photo
Experiencing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Culture
A Baduanjin Experience Session
Written by Sun Taiwei | School of International Education | Reviewed by Li Xiang Photos courtesy of the School of International Education
