Shanghai History Museum has launched a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing the profound legacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the metropolitan region. Titled ‘Heritage, Harmony, Health: The Wisdom of Shanghai TCM for Modern Well-Being,’ the comprehensive display features over 300 meticulously curated artifacts that trace the evolution of medicinal practices throughout Shanghai’s history.
The crown jewel of the exhibition is an exceptionally rare first print copy of Li Shizhen’s Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), on special loan from Shanghai Library for a limited one-week viewing period. This monumental 16th-century encyclopedia represents one of Chinese medicine’s most significant contributions to global pharmacology. Li Shizhen dedicated three decades to compiling this masterwork, which systematically categorizes medicinal substances into plant, animal, and mineral classifications across 52 detailed volumes.
Historical scholars recognize the Jinling edition as the original version of this seminal text, with approximately 160 different editions identified to date. The exhibition contextualizes this pharmaceutical masterpiece within Shanghai’s broader medical heritage, demonstrating how traditional healing practices have continuously evolved while maintaining their philosophical foundations.
Beyond the literary treasure, the museum presents diverse artifacts including ancient diagnostic tools, prescription manuals, herbal specimens, and surgical instruments that illustrate the sophisticated practices of TCM practitioners through centuries of medical development. The exhibition particularly emphasizes how Shanghai emerged as a crucial hub for integrating traditional medical knowledge with modern healthcare approaches.
Running through March 1, the immersive experience offers visitors unique insights into how historical medical wisdom continues to inform contemporary wellness practices. The exhibition strategically bridges historical medical traditions with current health concepts, demonstrating TCM’s enduring relevance in modern preventive medicine and holistic treatment methodologies.