“Becoming Chinese” Takes on New Meaning: United Family Unveils Immersive TCM Experiences for Tourists
This week the 2026 Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference was held in Beijing. This year’s conference centered on the on-point theme “Becoming Chinese.” More than 300 leading inbound tourism operators from over 40 countries and regions, including Russia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia, gathered to explore new opportunities in China’s inbound tourism market.
As an exhibitor, United Family Healthcare participated in the business networking and trade exchange session today, presenting an innovative “Culture + Medical Tourism” experience to global travel professionals.
“Culture + Medical Tourism” Captivates International Travel Professionals
At the conference, United Family offered a series of interactive traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experiences, including TCM consultations, meridian assessments, and facial acupuncture demonstrations.
These hands-on activities gave both domestic and international tourism professionals the opportunity to experience TCM firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation of China’s rich healing traditions.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants noted that these light, immersive wellness experiences would be an excellent addition to premium customized travel itineraries, providing inbound visitors with a distinctive blend of cultural exploration and health-focused services.
Travel operators from the United Kingdom, Singapore, the Middle East, and other regions showed particular interest, exchanging contact information with UFH representatives and commenting, “This is so unique—we have to bring tour groups here next time.” Several media outlets also visited the booth to interview staff and participants, capturing the excitement surrounding this innovative “Culture + Medical Tourism” concept.
Dr. Yang Lu, Director of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, demonstrates facial acupuncture.
Dr. Duan Lianhua, TCM practitioner, provides pulse diagnosis consultations.
Rooted in centuries of Chinese wisdom, TCM emphasizes preventive care, holistic wellness, and living in harmony with the seasons. Its depth and cultural significance cannot be fully appreciated through sightseeing alone. Through immersive experiences, visitors can gain a meaningful understanding of this living tradition, creating lasting memories that go far beyond a typical travel experience.
Advancing “Herbal Healing”
Innovating TCM Cultural Tourism Experiences
United Family’s participation in the conference reflects a long-term commitment to developing innovative TCM cultural tourism offerings.
Earlier this year, on May 20, Beijing United Family Dongcheng Hospital partnered with “The Heart of Beijing” launching “Herbal Healing,” an immersive Eastern wellness experience. Moving beyond conventional health lectures, the program transformed the often-complex principles of TCM into engaging, hands-on experiences that visitors could see, taste, and experience for themselves.
Designed around common challenges faced by international travelers, such as fatigue, jet lag, sleep disturbances, and anxiety, the program featured activities including medicinal food tastings, DIY herbal sachet workshops, auricular acupressure, and meridian assessments. The strong participant response demonstrated both the practicality and market potential of integrating TCM with tourism experiences.
International Standards, Localized Experiences
Helping the World Better Understand TCM
As one of China’s first foreign-invested general hospitals, United Family has served patients in China for more than 30 years. Since its founding, the organization has maintained international healthcare standards and provided medical services to patients from over 180 countries and regions.
With multilingual medical teams, internationally oriented service processes, and extensive experience serving global patients, UFH creates an environment where international visitors feel comfortable and supported when accessing TCM services. From communication and clinical care to patient experience, every aspect is designed to meet the expectations of a global audience.
Supporting these services is United Family’s comprehensive network of medical specialties. In addition to TCM, United Family offers expertise in internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, cardiovascular care, oncology, and other disciplines, backed by advanced medical technologies and internationally recognized standards of care.
Looking ahead, United Family will continue to enhance its “Herbal Healing” offerings and introduce TCM culture to international audiences through experiences that are both accessible and professionally delivered.