Huqingyutang Herb Medicine Museum by hangzhoulover
The Huqingyutang herb museum (zhongyao bowuguan) is a great and affordable attraction (Entrance Fee: 5 RMB) in the QingHeFang neighborhood (old-style "Chinatown" area) of Hangzhou. This museum used to be a traditional Chinese medicine factory, set up by the famous businessman Hu Xueyan during the Qing Dynasty in 1878. He was well known for his honesty in business matters, and the motto of the factory was "there is no second price," meaning that they would not lower the quality of their medicine in order to attract customers with a cheaper price. This honesty built up a trustworthy brandname.
Today, you can still buy your typical patent medications, plasters, and loose herb formulas. They also have beautiful herb wines on display.
In addition, you can go into the museum behind the shop and read (in English too) about the history of Chinese herbal medicine, see live herbs growing, see dried and prepared herbal products, see artwork of famous TCM doctors, etc. This is a must-see for students of TCM, but fans of Chinese archetecture will also enjoy the museum, with its grand entrance hall and central garden area.
