Beijingers seek healthy holidays

With Chinese people increasingly keen to incorporate health-promoting elements into their travel plans, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) tourism has emerged as a significant sector of China's domestic travel industry. More and more tourists are immersing themselves in TCM culture as part of a vacation, enjoying different experiences including food and bathing, planting and seeking out herbs, and more besides. TCM tourism also contains a spiritual appeal which enthusiasts believe helps them embrace a healthy lifestyle.

Wang Sumei, a 30-year-old editor at a magazine in Beijing, is a fully paid-up TCM devotee. Wang uses Chinese herbs and treatments like acupuncture and moxibustion to combat the risks of a busy, unhealthy lifestyle. However, she recently discovered a new way to experience TCM culture during a trip to Xiangshuihu Lake in Huairou district, also known as the "Grand Canyon of Health."

"The experience was very impressive, a perfect way to combine two of my favorite things - TCM and travel," said Wang, who spent three days at Xiangshuihu Lake during the May Day holiday with her husband.

Wang recalls that as they entered the scenic area, they smelled the strong, refreshing scent of Chinese herbs. Along the 1,000-meter long valley, she spotted a variety of natural Chinese herbs by the side of the footpath, with many travelers stopping to enjoy them.

"It was amazing. I saw the roots, leaves and fruits of the plants I take as medicine," Wang said. She believes that seeing herbs in their natural environment deepens her understanding and love of TCM culture.

Seeing around 100 Chinese herbs and stone inscriptions bearing the words of 50 ancient Chinese surgeons such as Sun Simiao is just one part of the trip. Wang is more interested in sampling local food made from natural produce and Chinese herbs, and drinking spring water.

"Staying in these classical Ming and Qing Dynasty-style courtyards and breathing in the fresh air can make me forget the noise of the city for a while," said Wang.

"Since the scenic area was listed as a base for experiencing TCM tourism in 2011, it has seen a rising number of tourists, attracted by this unique way of getting close to TCM in nature," said Song Weimin, office director of Xiangshuihu Lake Scenic Area. Song added that a large proportion of tourists to the area are middle-aged and elderly people who care more about their health and are very interested in TCM.

A 45-year-old traveler surnamed Zhang, who visited Bulaotun town's "longevity culture park" in Miyun county in 2012, agreed with Song. The town's inhabitants are said to live longer lives due to the good natural environment of their surroundings.

"TCM culture and travel share common grounds. The essence of TCM is to pursue a balanced life to achieve longevity and health, and the ultimate goal of travel is to get back to nature. This is why more and more people enjoy this kind of travel," said Zhang.

Since 2011, 21 bases for experiencing TCM tourism have been established in Beijing, integrating leisure travel and TCM services and education. These are divided into five categories - hospitals, museums and Chinese medicine producers, medicinal food restaurants, and some scenic spots, including herb planting parks - according to the Beijing Business Today.