Changshu Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum

Changshu Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum

The Changshu Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum was completed in November 2008 and officially opened to the public in February 2009. It consists of eight major sections, including the History Hall, Famous Doctors Hall, Medical Instruments Hall, Chinese Herbal Medicine Hall, and Calligraphy Hall. The museum houses around 500 collections, documenting over 100 renowned figures from Changshu’s history. Through comprehensive and vivid historical documents, literature, and rich exhibits, it recreates the long history and splendid culture of traditional Chinese medicine in Changshu, serving as a window to showcase the unique charm of TCM.

Changshu, a historic and cultural city known as the cradle of Daoism in the southeast and the birthplace of literary enlightenment in the Wu region, is a renowned center of learning with profound heritage. Traditional Chinese medicine in Changshu originated in ancient times, grew during the Song and Yuan dynasties, matured in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and developed further in modern times. Over the past century, the city has produced numerous eminent physicians with distinctive medical theories and styles, blending this national treasure seamlessly with Changshu’s rich cultural tapestry.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture History Hall mainly displays the development of TCM in Changshu from ancient times to the modern era, highlighting typical figures from different periods such as Miao Xiyong, as well as unearthed relics, showcasing the long-standing roots of Changshu’s TCM culture.

The Changshu Renowned Doctors Hall introduces the academic status of famous doctors from Changshu and the municipal TCM hospital within the Wu School of Medicine. It includes the major works and academic thoughts of modern TCM masters such as Tao Junren, Wu Bansong, Hu Jiusi, and Yang Dingyi, reflecting the rich cultural backdrop behind the development of Changshu’s TCM heritage.

The Ancient TCM Instruments Hall houses many precious medical tools from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, including bottles, medicine jars, ceramic moxibustion devices, gold needles, bian stones, mortars, iron boats, copper bowls, herbal presses, blowing tools, bone or ivory tongue depressors, porcelain pulse pillows, herbal chests, surgical scalpels, and pulse pillows. The exquisite craftsmanship and manual skills of ancient artisans are vividly displayed.

The Renowned Doctors Calligraphy Hall showcases a selection of authentic calligraphic works by famous doctors throughout history, highlighting the refined elegance and deep dedication of TCM practitioners.

The TCM Prescription Hall pioneers the preservation of prescriptions, featuring major works, prescriptions, case records, used pulse pillows, seals, fountain pens, calligraphy, and even advertisements and packaging of traditional pills, powders, ointments, and elixirs from various eras.

The final section, the Hospital History Hall, uses photos and textual materials to depict the past and future, history and opportunities, development and innovation of the municipal TCM hospital and maternal and child health hospital. It also highlights reforms carried out by the current leadership on the new integrated platform of the TCM hospital, covering TCM, maternal and child health, and emergency care.

In addition, various sections of the museum display significant events in Changshu’s TCM history, historical TCM academic groups, TCM and foreign exchanges, as well as authentic medicinal herbs from the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, all of which are highly educational and reflect the long and profound history of TCM.

Transportation Guide

Location: East end of Huanghe Road, Changshu City, Jiangsu Province (inside Changshu Municipal TCM Hospital)

Transportation: Take bus routes 110, 114, 201, 203, 4, or 5 in Changshu City and get off at Xinqu Hospital Station.