Traditional Chinese medicine night market thrives in Taizhou

As night falls and the summer heat wanes, Taizhou city in East China's Jiangsu province comes alive with the vibrant energy of its traditional Chinese medicine or TCM night market.

Situated in the city's Hailing district, this bustling market drew nearly 30,000 visitors on Aug 12-18, serving some 8,000 folks. Nearby Jiangyan district and the county-level city of Taixing have also taken note and are  catching up quickly.

Unlike typical street food markets, this one offers a unique blend of herbal teas, health-focused snacks and professional TCM services. 

The air is thick with the heavy aromas of traditional Chinese herbs, attracting crowds eager for health assessments and treatment advice from renowned practitioners who usually have long waiting lists.

A TCM practitioner offers health advice at Taizhou's very popular night market. [Photo/WeChat account: tztour]

Visitors can experience various TCM therapies – including massage, moxibustion and cupping. 

Popular herbal teas, including dehumidifying and lung-soothing blends, are available for sampling – with hundreds of cups disappearing in just minutes. One young man even announced that he would switch from bubble tea to herbal tea after trying it.

Social media is abuzz as users share their experiences, posting videos and stories that capture the market's unique charm. One user humorously recounted his visit in a particularly quirky style, adding to the growing online momentum.

With a TCM tradition spanning over 1,000 years, Taizhou is making this rich cultural heritage more accessible and fashionable – chiming with modern tastes while maintaining a strong professional and community focus. 

The city is understood to remain committed to promoting TCM culture, actively engaging younger generations through educational initiatives in schools to ensure this legacy endures.