Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Guizhou Ethnic Medicine Culture Study Tour in Guiyang
Last month, 14 Biomedical Science students, accompanied by Dr Josh Farley, took part in the Guizhou Ethnic Medicine Culture Study Tour in Guiyang, China.
Over the course of the two-week programme, students gained valuable first-hand insight into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through a combination of lectures, practical workshops, hospital visits and industry engagement. They explored a range of traditional practices, including acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal medicine, while also learning about the production of herbal remedies. Visits to a local hospital and pharmaceutical company provided further understanding of how traditional therapies are integrated into modern healthcare and industry settings.
Alongside the academic programme, students had the opportunity to experience Chinese culture through activities such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, fan painting and Tai Chi. They also visited a number of cultural and natural landmarks across Guizhou, gaining a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich heritage and traditions.
Two of the students, Harry and Heidi have shared their experiences.
Harry's experience
Many months ago I was selected to attend the Guizhou Ethnic Medicine Culture Study Tour in Guijang…
Yesterday I returned from this once in a lifetime experience. Experiencing the culture of Guizhou and learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine was academically enriching.
During this trip I have learnt the cornerstones of TCM including Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Herbal Theory and TCM production. We learnt these through, practical application, hospital visits and lectures. I even took part in Huo Liao which is the use of fire and massage to alleviate pain in muscle.
This experience came with challenges relating to the language barrier which I navigated through the use of google translate and learning the language first hand through games and conversation. Activities like calligraphy helped me practice to write characters and words like my name.
As a person that is fascinated by culture the chance to immerse myself and learn about China and specifically the Miao people was exciting. After viewing Cultural performances and visiting the Miao Medicine Museum I was extremely fulfilled.
A big thank you to all the staff involved in the programme! I look forward to using all the gained knowledge in my journey in healthcare.
Heidi's experience
I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in the 3rd Guizhou Ethnic Medicine Culture Study Tour in Guiyang, Guizhou, China. Over the two weeks, I immersed myself in Traditional Chinese Medicine, exploring both its cultural heritage and modern clinical applications through lectures, practical workshops, hospital visits, and cultural experiences.
Highlights of the programme included learning about acupuncture and moxibustion, preparing and processing Chinese herbal medicines, creating medicinal herb specimens, visiting a Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital to observe and take part in clinical practice, touring Sinli Pharmaceutical Company, and gaining insight into the history of ethnic medicine in Guizhou.
Alongside this, we delved into the culture taking part in Chinese calligraphy, ink printing, fan painting, tea ceremony, T’ai chi and watching cultural performances. I also explored some of Guizhou’s incredible natural and cultural landmarks like the ecological tea plantation, Wujiangzai Ancient Town, Zhijin Cave, Jiaxiu Tower and Huangguoshu Waterfall - experiences I would never have been able to see and do without this summer school!
This experience has given me a much broader perspective on healthcare and the value of understanding different medical traditions and approaches to patient care. It was also an amazing opportunity to meet students from different backgrounds, develop new friendships, and learn from experts in the field.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising such an inspiring programme and Leeds Beckett for the amazing opportunity. I’m proud to have represented my university and look forward to applying the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained as I continue my journey in biomedical science and research.
