Related stories

Database to Be Available For Parents to Name Babies Push for Ancient Temple to Become World Heritage Site Cartoonists Turn to Traditional Arts for Inspiration China to Meet Demand for Chinese Teachers Call for Toilets in Business Venues to Open to Public

Traditional Chinese Medicine to Apply for Cultural Heritage

China has begun a process of applying for world cultural heritage recognition of its ancient traditional medicine legacy. The plan for the programme was drafted recently. As a first step, an application will be made to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) refers to traditional medicine, related theories, practices and tangible resources of China's Han and minority ethnic groups, other than private medical skills or prescriptions held by an individual, said Shen Zhixiang, an official with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a team leader of the application program. Shen said TCM, as an intangible cultural heritage, is systematic, complete, documented, and widespread.