During my interview with officials on October 15, I learned about an engaging “Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Exhibition” hosted at the University of West Attica in Greece. The exhibition effectively bridges the gap between the local community and traditional Chinese culture through a variety of interactive activities, including traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, herbal knowledge, and even Chinese calligraphy.
The exhibition, organized by Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in collaboration with the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum and the Shanghai Pudong Science Popularization Association, features several sections that vividly portray the rich and profound culture of traditional Chinese medicine. Displays such as “Ancient Medical Treasures,” “Notable Doctors and Their Prescriptions,” and “The Evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine” showcase the captivating charm of Chinese cultural heritage.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the introduction of popular science books published by the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum. Titles such as “Seeking Medicine Through Stone” (available in English and French), “Museum History Unearthed: Illustrated History of the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum” (in both Chinese and English), and “Recognizing Herbs by Fragrance: Traditional Chinese Medicine in Daily Life” (also in Chinese and English) have been well received by guests and visitors alike.
A special stamp area at the exhibition further attracted attendees, with the organizers providing themed postcards and stamps featuring the museum’s architecture, as well as portraits of its first curator, Wang Jiming, and the renowned Tang dynasty doctor, Sun Simiao. This interactive component allowed visitors to collect stamps and deepen their understanding of the museum’s history and the long-standing traditions of Chinese medicine.
Greek attendees expressed a keen interest in experiencing the profound and captivating aspects of Chinese traditional culture through the exhibition and its activities.
After the exhibition concludes, most of the displayed items will be donated to the Confucius Institute at the University of West Attica, a joint initiative between Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the university. As the fourth Confucius Institute established in Greece, this institute not only offers Chinese language education and cultural activities but also aims to promote the dissemination and development of traditional Chinese medicine in Greece, leveraging the academic strengths of both institutions. These donated items will continue to play a vital role in preserving and promoting the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and the rich cultural heritage of China.
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