The museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine is located in Dajing Lane at the foot of Wu Hill in Hangzhou. Besides its array of treasures documenting the unique history and development of traditional Chinese medicine, its traditional architecture and design will be of particular interest to visitors. More than simply a museum, it is also a living, functioning pharmacy where you can get a truly organic understanding of traditional Chinese medicine. Occupying an area of 4000m2, the Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine consists of five parts: an exhibition hall, a hall of medicine preparation, a health care clinic, a sales department and a restaurant of medicinal diets.
In the exhibition hall, visitors can imbibe the history of traditional Chinese Medicine, including such luminaries as Bian Que, Hua Tuo, Lishizhen and other famous doctors of traditional Chinese medicine.
Stepping over the simple doorjamb and through an austere door, one passes through a corridor on which hang many illustrations of fables and tales that relate to the medicaments of the house. On the opposite wall are hung more than thirty brand names of famous medicines. Once one reaches the great hall of the actual enterprise, a gold lacquered wooden high counter is always one's first impression. Behind it is a cabinet 'of a hundred eyes,' holding many small drawers which hold as many potent remedies.
The rear room of the enterprise was used by what were called counter-watchers, the accountants who tallied up the actual transactions. This was the main place for selling the goods. Today it has become the Hu Qing Yu Chinese Medicine Museum exhibition hall. All kinds of ancient implements and artifacts used in the conduct of the herbal medicine business are on display here. Further back in the building is where the medicine was made.
In the restaurant of medicinal diets, you can sample your personally-tailored diet, prepared in accordance with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Many believe that a diet following these principles can restore harmony within the body, eradicate health problems, enhance energy and even make you live longer.