Hu Qing Yu Tang Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine

On the Qing Dynasty Hefang Street sits the Hu Qing Yu Tang Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The museum was established in 1989 on the site of the famous Hu Qing Yu Tang pharmacy which was founded in 1874 by Hu Xueyan (1823 - 1885). His business wisdom and personal charisma made him successful as both a businessman and a high official in the imperial court. As you know, it was unusual at that time when business people were not respected and state officials were held in high esteem.

Five main parts make up the museums 4,000 square meters of building – the "Exhibition Hall" introduces you to the history and development of Chinese medicine and words from famous old doctors. Step into the "Chinese Health Care Clinic" and experienced doctors can offer you their expert traditional Chinese care. In the "Medicine Preparation Hall" you can watch the traditional art of pill making and cutting medicines and you even try it yourself. The "Restaurant of Medicinal Diet" offers you lots of medicinal diets which are good for your health while tasting good. Finally, in the "Sales Department" you can buy medicine made in the museums own factory or medicines brought in from famous shops around China.

A selection of displays show the history of traditional Chinese medicine and hold samples of medicines discovered from ancient times, while there is a lot of literature available for those interested. The museum is also noted for the classic architecture of the restored Hu Qing Yu Tang pharmacy.

Around this pharmacy museum, a couple of other old brand stores, restaurants, souvenir shops and hotels in Hangzhou's Qing He Fang Street can be found and contribute to an easy tour combination.