Seventeen Years of Gao Fang Wellness: Xiyuan Hospital Opens a New Chapter in Its Herbal Paste Culture Festival
Oct 1, 2026
Beijing, China, October 1, 2026 -- On September 29, 2026, the 17th Gao Fang Wellness Culture Festival of Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, opened in Beijing under the theme “Nourishing Health in Golden Autumn, Promoting Well-being for Every Family and the Nation.” The event also launched a new round of the 2026 Haidian Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Culture, Tourism and Consumption Season, the Beijing TCM Culture and Tourism Consumption Promotion Campaign, and the “TCM Culture for Communities Across Hundreds of Cities and Thousands of Counties” initiative at its Haidian stop. On the opening day, the first floor of Xiyuan Hospital’s outpatient building drew many visitors with a TCM cultural program that began with the traditional Chinese music and dance performance Osmanthus Fragrance and Gao Fang Traditions.
Seventeen Years: An Annual Gathering Centered on Gao Fang
Spring brings growth, summer brings abundance, autumn brings harvest, and winter brings conservation. Golden autumn is traditionally regarded as an ideal season for nourishment and conditioning with gao fang, or herbal paste preparations. Xiyuan Hospital’s Gao Fang Wellness Culture Festival has now been held for 17 consecutive years.
As the first TCM hospital in Beijing to offer gao fang services, Xiyuan Hospital follows a rigorous traditional standard: “one prescription for one patient, one batch of ingredients for one prescription, and one preparation for one batch.” Each formula begins with the four TCM diagnostic methods—inspection, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation—followed by syndrome differentiation and prescription. It then goes through ten preparation steps, including ingredient selection, soaking, decoction, sedimentation and filtration, concentration, and final paste preparation. Each batch must also pass three traditional quality checks: forming pearl-like drops in water, hanging in sheets, and leaving no penetration marks on paper.
Traditional processing techniques are combined with modern pharmaceutical technology. Today, Xiyuan Hospital’s gao fang is packaged in individual single-dose sachets for easier carrying, storage, and use. The service is available across multiple specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, dermatology,encephalopathy, geriatrics, nephrology, andrology, and the Preventive Treatment Center. It supports long-term health maintenance for middle-aged and older adults while also addressing sub-health concerns increasingly common among younger people. Every batch reflects both time-honored craftsmanship and careful attention to quality.
Opening Ceremony: A TCM Story Spanning a Thousand Years
Unlike previous editions, this year’s opening ceremony was structured around a six-part AI short-drama series titled A Thousand-Year Journey Through Gao Fang. Told from the perspective of the master-and-apprentice characters “A Gao,” the series moves between ancient and modern times, from a young apprentice’s early curiosity about medicinal herbs to the craftsmanship with which modern practitioners preserve the thousand-year tradition of gao fang.
Residents from Qinglongqiao Subdistrict performed tai chi fan, blending strength and grace and illustrating how TCM culture has become part of everyday community life. An interactive gao fang card magic performance offered a creative and accessible way to explain the principles of “treatment based on syndrome differentiation” and “one personalized prescription for each patient.”
During the interactive session, two featured gao fang formulas drew particular attention. Huang Jing, Director of Pediatrics, introduced “Tongkang Gao,” which is based on the Ming Dynasty formula “Yangchun Baixue Gao” recorded in Shoushi Baoyuan and incorporates the classic formula Si Jun Zi Tang together with ingredients traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten the lungs. Designed around the TCM understanding that children are often physiologically prone to spleen and lung deficiency, the formula is intended to strengthen the spleen, replenish qi, nourish yin, and moisten the lungs. It is used for children with recurrent respiratory infections associated with lung and spleen deficiency syndrome.
Dr. Wang Miaoran introduced “Day-and-Night Regulation Gao Fang,” a dual-formula regimen. The daytime formula is intended to support alertness and reduce fatigue, while the nighttime formula is designed to calm the mind and support sleep. The approach follows the traditional physiological rhythm in which yang qi moves outward during the day and inward at night, and is used to regulate insomnia associated with the TCM pattern of “liver fire disturbing the heart.”
Beyond the Hospital: Bringing TCM into a “New Chinese Lifestyle”
This year’s event extended beyond the hospital. On the opening day, the Tongqing Street Health Market in Qinglongqiao Subdistrict and the Beijing TCM Health Consumption Experience Center at Hanyue Tower in Yuanmingyuan also opened, complementing the cultural market in the Three Hills and Five Gardens area.
At the Xiyuan Hospital exhibition area, specialist consultations and four-diagnostic-method instruments offered one-on-one health guidance, while the Internet Hospital experience zone introduced visitors to new models of online TCM services. TCM nursing experiences such as auricular acupressure and head scraping therapy were especially popular. Live demonstrations of non-pharmacological dermatology treatments showcased distinctive TCM external therapies. At the gao fang tasting and pharmaceutical service booths, pharmacists explained preparation techniques and specialty formulations. The TCM cultural and creative products area transformed herbal culture into contemporary products that visitors could take home.
On Tongqing Street, the health services area brought together experts from several medical institutions to provide public consultations. The cultural market featured herbal beverages, light meals, and leisure offerings, while the intangible cultural heritage area showcased Chinese-style handicrafts and pop-up Baduanjin performances. By integrating TCM culture with tourism in the Three Hills and Five Gardens area, the event created a distinctive wellness space inspired by contemporary Chinese aesthetics.
From its first edition to today, after 17 years of continued development, “Xiyuan Gao Fang” has become a recognized symbol of Beijing’s TCM culture. The opening ceremony is both a celebration and a commitment: the ancient art of gao fang has not faded with time, but continues to evolve through the dedication and innovation of successive generations of practitioners, becoming part of modern life and increasingly accessible to the public. As this thousand-year tradition meets the autumn scenery of the Three Hills and Five Gardens, TCM culture is becoming a more tangible and accessible part of everyday urban life.
Contact Info:
Name: Zhang Kaiming
Email: Send Email
Organization: Xiyuan Hospital
Website: https://www.xyhospital.com
Release ID: 89204838
If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
LOOK: Benilde def. Perpetual (81-79)
NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament Benilde def. Perpetual 81-79 Justine Sanchez Player of the Game #NCAASeason102
NCAA: Justine Sanchez drops career-high 27 as Benilde escapes Perpetual in OT
Justine Sanchez dropped a career-high 27 points as De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde escaped the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 81-79, in overtime in the NCAA Season 102 men"s basketball tournament.
Yape clinches bronze in Asian Games poomsae
MANILA, Philippines — Jeus Gabriel Yape grabbed the bronze medal in the men's individual poomsae on Thursday afternoon at the Toyohashi Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan. The 22-year-old Yape scored 9.0900 to make the podium with Thailand’s Navin Pinthasute earning the silver medal (9.2800) and South Korea’s Kyusung Yun taking the gold (9.3800). Earlier, Juliana Mykhail Candelaria clinched a silver medal in the women’s category after posting 9.1300 points.
Boiwo, Kabui claim 21K victories in Mandaue
MANDAUE CITY — Daniel “The Beast” Boiwo and Teresiah Kabui captured the men’s and women’s 21K titles as more than 1,800 runners opened the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon 2026 in this city on Sept. 27. Boiwo led the men’s 21K field with Arvengie Encinada taking second and Glady Kipto third. Kabui topped the women’s race, followed by Michelle Raniola and Cristine Ann Sardoncillo. The Cebu leg offered four race distances: 5K, 10K, 16K and 21K as competitive runners shared the course with families, friends, employees, partners, and other members of the community. Mark Mahinay won the men’s 16K, followed by Nickson Kosgei and Jerome Casinillo. Michelle Zamora topped the women’s 16K, with Lyn-nel Martus second and Abigael Jerop third. Anthony Orellano secured the men’s 10K title, while Joseph Mururi placed second and Darwin Lucaylucay third. Lijeaven Noay won the women’s 10K, followed by Glaiza Mae Hamora and Joanna Christine Galeza. Zeus Lecera led the men’s 5K, with Oswaldo Arcelo Jr. in second and Bryan Amesola in third. Jane Pangalao topped the women’s 5K, followed by Gretchen Sambo and Ziane Ysabelle Villarico. PalawanPay organized the event with RunRio and the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development. The three-leg series also carries a fundraising component that will support the purchase of fully equipped emergency ambulances for underserved communities in Aklan and South Cotabato. Palawan Group of Companies chose Cebu as the opening venue partly because of its established operations in the province. The company has 295 Palawan branches and more than 1,500 Cebuano partners and associates in Cebu. “Bringing the Trilogy to Cebu is another way for us to be part of the community, not just in the services we provide every day, but also in activities that promote health, wellness, and time together,” said Lisa Castro-Sabado, chief business development officer of Palawan Group of Companies. The company also used the Trilogy to continue its grassroots sports programs, which include tennis, basketball, aside from running. The Trilogy will move to Palawan for its second leg on Oct. 18 before concluding in Manila on Nov. 28.
POC chief says surpassing gold medal target still possible
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is confident the country would surpass its target of four gold medals in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Tolentino said the country still has a strong chance in multiple disciplines, including jiu-jitsu and judo. “There are still three days until Sunday morning. Last 3 days, still hoping for more golds,” he said. His bold prediction, however, took a hit Thursday afternoon when top seed Alex Eala lost in women's tennis semifinals and settled for the bronze. At the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the Philippines finished with four gold medals from pole vaulter EJ Obiena, jiu-jitsu fighters Annie Ramirez and Meggie Ochoa, and the Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team. At press time, the Philippines has three gold medals, one from Obiena and two from Carlos Yulo. Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and pugilist Carlo Paalam and the jiu-jitsu fighters, including Ramirez and Kaila Napolis are still in the hunt for a gold medal. “God willing. Fellow Filipinos, let's pray for our athletes at Team Philippines. They’re still on the qualification stage. That’s why we can still surpass the four, hopefully,” Tolentino said. The POC chief earlier said that their target was to win four gold medals — later increased to eight — for this edition of the Asian Games. The closing ceremony is set to be held on Sunday with Japan handing over the Olympic Council of Asia flag to Doha, Qatar, which will host the quadrennial event for the second time in 2030.
NCAA: Mapua hands Arellano first loss to open crossover phase
Mapua University handed Arellano University its first loss in NCAA Season 102, 69-55, as the crossover phase of the group stage commenced on Thursday.
Junior Altas claim 4th straight win
University of Perpetual Help got off to a sizzling start against La Salle Greenhills and never looked back en route to its fourth consecutive victory in the NCAA Season 102 juniors basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Thursday. Lord Dulanas collected 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals to lead the Junior Altas to a convincing 108-86 win over the Greenies. Rookie Sizco Roquid contributed 16 points, 5 boards and a steal while Francis Rosales scored 13 points behind a 3-of-4 shooting from the 3-point area for the Joph Cleopas-coached team. Cleopas lauded his team for not wilting to pressure when the Greenies mounted a rally in the second quarter. In the second half, however, the Junior Altas regained their composure and led by as many as 25 points. Patrick Pasinos led the Greenies with 31 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and 5 blocks.
Mapua hands Arellano its first loss in NCAA Season 102
MANILA, Philippines — Mapua University dealt Arellano University its first loss in NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. Yam Concepcion stuffed the statistical sheet with 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four steals to lead the Cardinals to a 69-55 victory. Ivan Lazarte chipped in 17 points while Lance Nitura added nine points for Mapua. Mapua outrebounded Arellano, 56-30, and shot 43.1 percent (28/65) from the field compared to Arellano’s 27.9 percent (19/68) shooting clip. The Cardinals also contained T-mc Ongotan, who was named NCAA Player of the Week last week. After scoring a career-high of 29 points against Letran, he was limited to only seven points against Mapua. Renzo Abiera and Yuan Camay led the Chiefs with 13 and 10 points, respectively. Mapua, which suffered three consecutive heartaches, scored a breakthrough win over San Beda University and kept its momentum against Arellano to tally a 2-3 win-loss card. Arellano dropped to 4-1.
Alex Eala says 'no regrets' after Asian Games semis exit, bronze finish
Alex Eala still walked away from the Asian Games with a bronze medal for the Philippines, but the pain of coming so close to a place in the final was evident.
LOOK: Mapúa def. Arellano (69-55)
NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament Mapúa def. Arellano, 69-55 Yam Concepcion Player of the Game #NCAASeason102
Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape secures bronze in Asian Games men's poomsae
Taekwondo jin Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape secured the bronze medal in the men"s individual poomsae at the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday in Japan.
No Asian Games gold for Eala
MANILA, Philippines — Favored to win the gold medal, Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala bowed to Xiyu Wang of China in a grueling three-set match, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, in their women's tennis semifinal duel at the 20th Asian Games on a windy Thursday afternoon at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center. Eala, ranked 18th in the world and seeded No. 1 in the tournament, failed to sustain her rousing start and lost to world No. 85 Wang after a long three-hour battle. Eala fully took control of the match against Wang after a 5-0 start in the opening set, orchestrating razor-sharp swings. Wang did not back down from the fight and pulled three straight loves to challenge the No. 1-seeded netter of the tournament, 5-3. Eala had enough with the back-and-forth against Wang and loaded up her swings to take the first set, 6-3. In set three, Wang held a comfortable 5-2 lead, nearing to book her ticket in the finals. Wang finished the match with a loaded hammer, 6-2. Eala fell short in her bid to end the 64-year gold medal drought of the nation, as the last time the Philippines won a gold medal was at the 1962 Jakarta Games, when Johnny Jose defeated Michio Miyagi in the men’s singles final. Wang will next face compatriot Shuai Zhang, ranked World No. 54, making it an all-Chinese women's final.
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.