Chinese Herbal Medicine Shop in Weishan, Yunnan
China still maintains a strong tradition of using natural medicines, specifically herbs with medicinal properties that have been used for centuries. In addition to being present in the composition of many modern medications, some herbalists continue their traditional trade. Even in large cities, it is not uncommon to occasionally find herbalists selling fifteen or twenty products in their small stall or shop, each stored in a plastic bag. Usually, these products do not have labels, meaning that only an expert knows exactly what each medicine is.
Herbal medicine shop
In this shop, located in the ancient city of Weishan in Yunnan province, we find what could be described as the pinnacle of Chinese herbal medicine. Within this traditional house on the main street of the old town, we discover a unique display of medicinal herbs. On the left, some medicines are neatly arranged in white plastic bags, this time identified with small labels. Higher up, in a small nod to modern civilization, others are carefully placed in plastic bottles.
A unique shop in China
However, what makes this shop stand out from all the other similar stores and stalls across China is the sheer volume of herbs stored in the white and green sacks seen on the right side of the image. It is well known that each medicinal herb must be harvested at a specific time of the year and that many of these herbs are needed in large quantities to be therapeutically effective. The foresight of this traditional pharmacist creates a truly unique scene in the ancient city of Weishan.
Wonderful Weishan Old City
Weishan is one of the oldest cities in Yunnan province. Officially designated as an autonomous district for the Yi and Muslim communities within the Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Dali, Weishan boasts significant historical, artistic, and cultural attractions. Among them, the Ancient City, with thousands of well-preserved buildings, and Weibaoshan Mountain, located 10 km from the city, stand out as the most important Taoist mountain in Yunnan.
This is why we include this city in almost all of our itineraries in Yunnan.
Last posts
Suicide Caused by the Sale of Wives in Late Imperial China
Suicide Caused by the Sale of Wives in Late Imperial China During the Qing dynasty, family relations were a constant cause of suicide, especially for women. Many of the distinctive features of Chinese marriage pushed women toward suicide, one of the most lethal being...
Discover the Treasure of Weibaoshan Mountain in Yunnan
Discover the Treasure of Weibaoshan Mountain in Yunnan Weibao Mountain (巍宝山) is one of the sacred mountains of Yunnan. Within its relatively small area it brings together a historical, artistic, natural, and monumental ensemble that makes it a unique place in China...
Imperial Processions to the Temple of Heaven
Imperial Processions to the Temple of Heaven Those who know China—even if only through a brief trip—and who have visited the Temple of Heaven in Beijing will surely have been fascinated by the sober beauty of its buildings. Yet, whether on a crowded day or during a...
Most Frequent Scenes from the Life of the Buddha in Tibetan Art
Most Frequent Scenes from the Life of the Buddha in Tibetan Art In fact, only a few moments are repeated very frequently in Tibetan paintings. In some versions there are eight—an auspicious number for Tibetans, corresponding to the Noble Eightfold Path and the eight...
The Dog as Psychopomp in China
The Dog as Psychopomp in China One of the oldest human beliefs was that after death there existed an immaterial part of the person—later called the soul or spirit—that did not disappear with the body. Its origin may lie in the “presence” of the dead in dreams,...
An ambitious project to rewrite history
An ambitious project to rewrite history. It is what we see in Lhamsuren Munkh-Erdene, The Nomadic Leviathan. A Critique of the Sinocentric Paradigm. Brill. Leiden. 2023. Now free to download in the publisher’s webpage. This book is a critique of a theoretical paradigm...