A night market featuring a TCM doctor in South China's Guangdong Province. Photo: Guangzhou Daily

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and night markets, two seemingly unrelated things, have recently become a trending combination chased after by young people in China.

Instead of taking place in hospitals or clinics during office hours, consultations, prescriptions, acupuncture, massage, dietary advice offered by certified TCM doctors in the bustling atmosphere of night markets have attracted a significant number of young people. 

Across the nation, health departments in cities such as Beijing in North China, Shenyang in Northeast China, Nanyang in Central China, Hefei in East China and Guangzhou in South China, are collaborating with local hospitals to set up stalls at night markets to provide free consultations to the public. 

Young people may not have time to visit hospitals during the day due to work commitments, so this trend has quickly caught their attention. 

"TCM is part of traditional Chinese culture, and TCM at night markets represents a new cultural trend. It meets the psychological needs of young people who follow trends and aligns with their awareness of cultural identity. 

In today's fast-paced lifestyle, young people's awareness of health and wellness is gradually increasing and this form of night markets caters to their health needs," Yao Shuai, a cardiologist at the Tongzhou District TCM Hospital in East China's Jiangsu Province, told the Global Times. 

Yao also noted that the night market environment is more relaxed than hospitals, and the attitude of healthcare providers is more approachable, which improves the overall healthcare experience and increases patient engagement.  

In addition to treatment or consultations, young people also have the chance to learn more about TCM culture and knowledge at these markets. They serve not only as excellent venues for TCM diagnosis and treatment but also as important platforms for promoting TCM concepts.

Visitors used to experience a region's culture through night markets, where they can find a variety of goods, from clothing and accessories to local handicrafts, souvenirs and street food. Now TCM gives them one more reason to go. In addition to consultations, visitors can also purchase TCM-scented sachets or enjoy a cup of herbal tea.

In recent years, the booming night economy across China has provided local people and tourists with vibrant nightlife options, which has in turn stimulated the growth of local economies.

"The rising trend of TCM at night markets is driven by demand. The night economy has recently become a new highlight. TCM can take advantage of the crowds at night markets, which also helps promote its practices. It's a positive trend that deserves encouragement," Zhang Yiwu, a Peking University professor and political advisor, told the Global Times. 

The popularity of TCM at night markets is one example of its growing popularity among young people. TCM orthopedics and massage services are in high demand among the young people. 

Sour plum soup has also seen a surge in popularity at herbal pharmacies, and many young people are practicing baduanjin, literally "Eight Section Brocade," a type of Chinese physical exercise passed down from ancient times. 

TCM has long been a part of Chinese people's daily life; its increasing accessibility and integration are now giving this ancient tradition more strength and vitality.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn