On February 5, international students from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine visited a winter care program for children at Shisun Experimental Primary School in Xinchang Town, Pudong, offering a lively introduction to traditional Chinese medicine.Officials including Tang Zhiyu, Zhao Huimao, and Meng Yu toured the session, joined by local leaders from Xinchang Town and representatives from the Shanghai Committee’s Social Liaison Department and Youth Daily.

Themed “Bringing TCM Culture to Life and Exploring Traditional New Year Spirit in an Ancient Town,” the event was a collaborative effort to blend volunteer service with cultural exchange. Children got their first taste of Chinese healing traditions, while international student volunteers experienced local New Year customs firsthand.

Students from ten countries—including Malaysia, Indonesia, Portugal, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Turkmenistan—led the session with engaging, hands-on activities. Blessing, a Nigerian student, introduced the concept of “medicine and food sharing the same root,” passing around goji berries, chrysanthemum, and dried tangerine peel for the children to see, touch, and smell. Vincent from Indonesia demonstrated acupressure points like Hegu and Zusanli, inviting kids to try locating them on their own bodies.

With warmth, knowledge, and fluency in Chinese, the volunteers gave the children a fresh glimpse of the world—showing that the spirit of service speaks every language.

After the lesson, the students visited Xinchang’s historic old town—currently seeking UNESCO recognition—for a “New Year flavor hunt.”

From the warmth and laughter of the classroom to the quiet streets of an ancient town, the day was another step in their journey to experience Shanghai and understand China. Sharing their knowledge of traditional medicine deepened their connection to their field, while walking through the old town brought them closer to the rhythms of a Chinese New Year—and to the culture itself.

The event was co-organized by the university and Xinchang Town, using volunteer service as a bridge for cross-cultural exchange. Moving forward, both sides plan to strengthen their partnership, share resources, build on each other’s strengths, and create more diverse, hands-on opportunities for students.

Source: Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine