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
Why I devoted more than a year to researching suicide in Chinese culture
Why I devoted more than a year to researching suicide in Chinese culture In early November 2022 my friend, the psychiatrist Luz González Sánchez, told me that she was preparing a lecture on suicide. On the 8th of that same month, during a quiet moment, I made a brief...
The Kumbum of Gyantse and the secret of the ancient Buddhist temples
The Kumbum of Gyantse and the secret of the ancient Buddhist temples Almost everyone who visits Tibet with enough time includes Gyantse in their itinerary, and in this city, a visit to its famous Kumbum. This pyramidal building fascinates travelers with the exuberance...
The Tibetan Deity with a Horse Face
The Tibetan Deity with a Horse Face During my most recent journey to Tibet, someone pointed out to me in a temple a deity who bore a small horse upon his head. I knew that this protector is called Hayagriva, and that he is sometimes referred to as “Horse-Headed” or...
The Horse God as One of the Most Popular Deities in China
The Horse God as One of the Most Popular Deities in China If a visitor goes to the Great Wall at Juyongguan, the section closest to Beijing and one of the most historically significant, and takes the time to explore the complex of structures carefully—a...
The Discipline Paintings in Tibetan Temples
The Discipline Paintings in Tibetan Temples Among the paintings of deities, protectors, and other philosophical themes that usually decorate the entrance of a Tibetan Buddhist temple, some temples feature a very different kind of imagery. These are known as the “Keys...
The Beauty of Yamdrok Lake
The Beauty of Yamdrok Lake Yamdrok Lake is one of the four most important sacred lakes in Tibet, the one closest to the capital and the most frequently visited. Fan-shaped and opening toward the south, it stretches about 130 km from east to west and 70 km from north...