Yunnan Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ethnomedicine

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Overview

The Yunnan Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine (云南省中医药民族医药博物馆) is a provincial-level museum dedicated to traditional medicine. It is located within the campus of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (云南中医学院) in Chenggong University Town (呈贡大学城), Kunming City (昆明市). In August 2024, it was officially recognized as a national三级博物馆 (third-level museum).

Key Information

• Chinese Name: 云南省中医药民族医药博物馆
• English Name: Yunnan Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Location: 1076 Yuhua Road, Chenggong New City, Kunming City (昆明市呈贡新城雨花路1076号)
• Category: State-owned museum in other industries
• Opening Year: 2012
• Completion Year: 2012

A Cultural Treasure of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Yunnan Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine serves as a rich cultural repository showcasing the heritage of traditional Chinese medicine within a university setting.

Historical Development

Established by Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the museum reflects traditional architectural styles, resembling a courtyard typical of Dai (傣族) culture, combining solidity with grace. The construction began in 2009, with initial funding from Mr. Wu Daguan (伍达观) from Hong Kong and subsequent financing from the Yunnan Provincial Health Department.

On October 8, 2024, the Medical Man Tang Hall (医曼唐馆) was officially inaugurated, adding to the museum’s offerings.

Architectural Layout

Formally approved by the Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau in November 2010, the museum encompasses a total area of 4,651.59 square meters with 12 exhibition rooms, each around 220 square meters. The layout includes three floors, each containing four exhibition rooms:

• First Floor:
  • Two historical exhibition rooms (院史展室)
  • One room on the dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine (中医西传展室)
  • One cultural exhibition room (中医药文化展室)
• Second Floor:
  • Ethnic medicine exhibition rooms, including:
    • Yunnan ethnic medicine culture (云南民族医药文化)
    • Diagnostic features of ethnic medicine (云南民族医药诊治特色)
    • Developments in ethnic medicine (云南民族药开发成果)
    • Specimen exhibition room (云南民族药标本展室)
• Third Floor:
  • Traditional Chinese medicine specimen exhibition rooms, featuring:
    • “Dian Nan Ben Cao” (滇南本草)
    • “Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing” (神农本草经)
    • Yunnan specialty drugs (云南特色药物)
    • Traditional medicinal materials (传统药材)

Currently, seven exhibition rooms have been completed and are open for free public access, while the remaining rooms are under construction, expected to be finished by 2012.

Exhibition Content

The museum boasts over 400 types of ethnic medicine specimens and more than 2,000 traditional Chinese medicine specimens, which include:

• 170 soaking specimens (浸泡标本)
• 460 processed specimens (饮片标本) Additionally, the museum houses over 50 ancient texts (古籍) and more than 100 artifacts (文物) related to traditional Chinese and ethnic medicine.

Honors Received

In 2012, the museum was recognized as a base for promoting and educating traditional Chinese medicine culture in Yunnan Province, and it officially became a base for popular science education. In August 2024, it was acknowledged as a national三级博物馆 (third-level museum).

Value and Importance

The museum’s collection emphasizes locally sourced Chinese medicinal herbs and ethnic medicine resources, aiming to promote traditional Chinese and ethnic medicine cultures. It demonstrates the scientific rigor of traditional Chinese medicine and the originality of ethnic medicine. Since its establishment, the museum has hosted thousands of visitors from various sectors, conducted numerous science popularization activities, and has become a platform for enthusiasts and researchers to exchange ideas and knowledge regarding traditional Chinese and ethnic medicine.

How to Get There

• Public Transport: The museum can be reached by local buses that serve the Chenggong area. Taxis are also a convenient option for direct access.
• Location Tips: Utilize navigation apps for the most efficient routes, as Chenggong is a developing area with diverse transportation options.

Travel Tips

• Plan Ahead: Check the museum’s opening hours and any specific entry requirements before visiting.
• Explore Nearby: Consider visiting other attractions in Chenggong to enhance your experience.
• Photography: The unique architecture and exhibits provide excellent photography opportunities—make sure to capture your visit.
• Engage with Exhibits: Take your time to read about the exhibits and ask museum staff for insights to deepen your understanding of traditional medicine.
• Cultural Respect: Be mindful of the cultural significance of the exhibits and maintain a respectful attitude while exploring the museum.