To enhance the teaching effectiveness of traditional Chinese culture courses, guide international students to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture using traditional Chinese medicine culture as a medium, experience the life story of Zhang Zhongjing, the great medical sage of the Eastern Han Dynasty, explore the abundant medicinal resources and rich medical cultural connotations of Nanyang City, and deepen international students’ recognition and appreciation of outstanding traditional Chinese culture, the School of Culture, Tourism, and International Education took international students to Zhang Zhongjing Museum for on-site practical teaching on April 7, 2024.
Before the practical teaching, the instructors first briefed the international students on traditional Chinese medicine culture and emphasized requirements for traffic safety and civilized behavior during travel. During the practical teaching, instructors Wang Chaoran and Dang Feifei provided detailed explanations to international students about Zhang Zhongjing’s illustrious life using the resources within the Museum. They highlighted Zhang Zhongjing’s compilation of the seminal medical text Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases, drawing from various medical traditions. Through stories like “sitting in a hall to treat patients” and “listening to the pulse,” they conveyed Zhang Zhongjing’s compassionate dedication to healing and benefiting the people. Later, under the guidance of their teachers, international students earnestly studied a series of instructions from General Secretary Xi Jinping regarding the work of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), deeply experiencing his sentiments and expectations towards TCM culture.
International students were deeply moved by the broad-mindedness of “Medical Sage” Zhang Zhongjing, who said, “Advance to save the world, retreat to save the people; aiming not to be a good official, but to be a good physician.” They expressed their intention to further promote Chinese culture, represented by traditional Chinese medicine, and to play a constructive role as a bridge in cultural exchanges between China and other countries.
