Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China

TCM is regulated under the Traditional Chinese Medicine Law, effective July 1, 2017. Practitioners need a TCM physician qualification, and TCM clinics register by filing with county authorities. TCM departments operate in public hospitals and standalone TCM hospitals, accessible to foreigners as self-pay patients.
VerifiedLast verified

Treatments available

TreatmentsStatus in ChinaStatus in USSources
AcupunctureAvailableUnknown
Chinese herbal medicineAvailableUnknown

Hospitals with documented programs

Informational listings from cited public sources, not recommendations.

Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (复旦大学附属中山医院) building exterior
ShanghaiZhongshan Hospital, Fudan University复旦大学附属中山医院International deptVerified
Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University (厦门大学附属中山医院) building exterior
XiamenZhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University厦门大学附属中山医院International deptVerified
Beijing United Family Hospital (北京和睦家医院) building with its name sign, Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang
BeijingBeijing United Family Hospital北京和睦家医院International deptJCIVerified
The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (香港大学深圳医院) building exterior
ShenzhenThe University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital香港大学深圳医院International deptVerified

Clinical trials

65studies listed as recruiting with a site in China on ClinicalTrials.gov, as of 2026-10-26. See the list

We link trials only; enrollment decisions belong to trial teams. Since May 2026, charging patients to join clinical research is prohibited in China, as reported by AFP.

Frequently asked

Is TCM legally regulated in China?

Yes. The Law of the PRC on Traditional Chinese Medicine was adopted December 25, 2016 and took effect July 1, 2017.

[1] gov.cn / Xinhua

Who may practice TCM?

Practitioners must obtain a TCM physician qualification by exam and register, or qualify through an apprenticeship or proven-expertise assessment set by provincial TCM authorities.

[1] National Administrat…

How are TCM clinics licensed?

TCM clinics can begin practice after filing their name, address, scope and staff with the county TCM authority. Clinics mixing TCM and western medicine must use TCM in at least 85% of treatments under the 2017 standard.

[1] National Administrat…[2] gov.cn (English) / X…

Sources

  1. Presidential Order No. 59: Law of the PRC on Traditional Chinese Medicine
    gov.cn / Xinhua · official · accessed 2026-10-26
    “Adopted December 25, 2016, effective July 1, 2017.”
  2. TCM Law interpretation, Article 14 (TCM clinics)
    National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine · official · accessed 2026-10-26
    “TCM clinics may start practice after filing their name, address, scope and staffing with the county-level TCM authority.”
  3. TCM Law interpretation, Article 15 (TCM physician qualification)
    National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine · official · accessed 2026-10-26
    “People practicing TCM must obtain a TCM physician qualification through the qualification exam and register to practice.”
  4. China relaxes standards for traditional Chinese medicine clinics
    gov.cn (English) / Xinhua · official · accessed 2026-10-26
    “Clinics that provide both TCM and western medicine must prioritize TCM, using it in at least 85 percent of their treatments.”

Information only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Talk to your doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.