AT Anhui Acupuncture Hospital in Hefei, capital of eastern China’s Anhui Province, Svetlana Strinzha from Russia scanned a QR code and took a photo of her tongue with her phone. Within seconds, an AI-powered tongue diagnosis device generated a comprehensive health report.

“It is really interesting to see such a device that combines AI with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis. It has given me a deeper and clearer understanding of my own health condition,” Strinzha said with obvious enthusiasm.

Having strong faith in the effectiveness of TCM treatment, she has visited China on multiple occasions. This time, she dedicated a whole week to an in-depth exploration of TCM, hoping this trip will make her healthier.

AI reshapes TCM

diagnosis

AI is paving new paths for the modernization and internationalization of TCM. The AI tongue diagnosis system, as explained by Dong Changwu, the chief TCM expert behind the system at Anhui Acupuncture Hospital, delves deep into the unique characteristics of tongue diagnosis in TCM.

It presents health information in a more intuitive and understandable way. Currently, the system is available in several languages including English, Russian, French, Korean, German and Thai. It has been deployed in more than 10 countries and regions, such as Switzerland, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, receiving widespread recognition.

“The AI tongue diagnosis device features high accuracy and easy operation, enabling efficient medical services for more people while saving healthcare resources,” said Kiu Caracani, a Swiss TCM practitioner.

Caracani envisions a future where relevant functions are integrated into mobile applications, making it ideal for remote areas, mountainous regions and even war-torn environments with scarce medical resources. Such an innovation could quickly screen health risks and save more lives.

“I have installed the same device at my clinic, and it has provided fast and effective services for local patients in need,” he added.

TCM a cultural bridge

This year, Caracani, Strinzha and other tourists from various countries formed a group to travel to Anhui. They not only received TCM acupuncture treatment and witnessed the transformation brought by AI technology in TCM, but also ventured into the mountainous areas of southern Anhui to experience ecological health and wellness.

“We enjoyed the unique and beautiful scenery of Mount Huangshan while experiencing local TCM diagnosis and treatment,” Caracani shared. He noted that China’s visa facilitation policies in recent years have provided more international patients with the opportunity to deeply experience TCM diagnosis, treatment and culture in China.

“Nowadays, an increasing number of foreigners who believe in TCM come to China, seeking more in-depth experiences of TCM diagnosis, treatment and culture,” Caracani observed. After conducting in-depth research on some local ecological health and wellness practices in Anhui, he hopes to introduce his patients to the concept of ecological health and wellness combined with TCM services in the future.

The hospital has not only attracted overseas patients but has also taken proactive steps to “go global” by sending TCM physicians abroad to foster international cooperation and exchanges.

Recognized as a TCM international cooperation base by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the hospital has dispatched personnel to TCM centers in Russia, Greece and Germany since 2017. It has also established a TCM treatment cooperation site in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where experts are stationed long-term to provide diagnosis, treatment, teaching and pharmaceutical support. Currently, over 500 types of traditional Chinese medicines are available at the Kazakhstan site.

“From acupuncture diagnosis and treatment to center construction, and from technology exports to talent cultivation, we use TCM as a link to promote exchanges and mutual learning between China and foreign countries, enabling more people to understand, believe in and choose TCM,” said Lei Li, Party secretary of Anhui Acupuncture Hospital.

The hospital is further expanding TCM service scenarios and promoting the deep integration of TCM with cultural tourism and the wellness industry, allowing overseas tourists to enjoy high-quality TCM health services at the foot of Mount Huangshan.

Herbs without borders

In addition to TCM diagnosis and treatment, TCM pharmaceutical services are also gradually making their way onto the global stage. Bozhou, a city in northern Anhui known as the hometown of renowned TCM figure Hua Tuo, has hosted three consecutive China (Bozhou)-RCEP TCM industry cooperation conferences.

Moreover, the Shufeng Jiedu Granules produced by a Bozhou pharmaceutical company have been available in German pharmacies for nearly six years. The company’s various TCM formula granules have passed Germany’s official quality inspections and entered the EU market as pharmaceutical products.

Today, TCM is gradually becoming a distinctive cultural symbol that connects the world and benefits humanity.

In recent years, the global expansion of TCM has accelerated, ranging from the broadening of overseas cooperation networks to the sharing of intelligent diagnosis and treatment technologies, and including the export of traditional TCM services in response to growing international interest in TCM health and wellness concepts.

Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has been promoting TCM culture overseas through platforms such as Confucius Institutes. Meanwhile, Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd. operates museums both in China and abroad to showcase the history, culture, products and services of TCM.

A new prescription for global visitors

TCM is also merging with tourism to boost its global appeal. In the southern island province of Hainan, the Sanya Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine has designed customized treatment plans for foreign clients, offering services such as acupuncture, massage, herbal baths, medicinal cuisine and weight management services.

Konstantin, a Russian engineer, brought his parents to the hospital for therapies such as moxibustion and acupuncture. “TCM is miraculous! The techniques combined with Sanya’s warm climate greatly alleviate neck and lumbar pain,” he said.

Some community-based institutions in Hainan have also created one-stop “wellness communities” for international tourists by integrating residential environments, health services and healing therapies.

“With a history spanning thousands of years, TCM embodies profound wisdom and unique insights,” said Zhang Boli, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering and an expert in TCM.

“As TCM continues to evolve and innovate while actively engaging with the global community, its value will be recognized by more people worldwide, contributing Chinese wisdom to the advancement of human health.”

According to the National Health Commission, as of May 2025, TCM had spread to 196 countries and regions worldwide.

Additionally, China has signed TCM cooperation agreements with more than 40 foreign governments, regional authorities and international organizations, and TCM content has been included in 16 free trade agreements. TCM is truly emerging as a shining “China service” brand on the global stage. (Xinhua)