Hangzhou · Day tour

Chinese Medicine, Decoded in Hangzhou

Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, upon request; Offered in: English and Mandarin; Destination: Hangzhou, China

A private, expert-led immersion into the ideas, objects and living system of Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine is often encountered through separate practices — acupuncture, herbal medicine, pulse diagnosis or qigong. This private immersion reveals the philosophy and medical logic that connect them.

Guided by Dr. Ying, a TCM physician and former specialist museum guide, and Dr. Lan, an acupuncturist and cultural interpreter, you will encounter Zhejiang Chinese Medicine Museum through both historical and clinical perspectives.

A depth of interpretation previously created for visiting international leaders and specialist delegations — now thoughtfully curated for Puyu guests.

Enquire to Book

Your Day With Us

A Day Unfolded

One example of how a day might unfold — yours will be shaped by the conversation it begins with.

9:30–10:00 AM

Your Questions, First

Meet your two expert guides and share what draws you to Chinese medicine. Your interests, previous experiences and questions will help shape the depth and direction of the visit.

PLACEHOLDER — the two physicians in conversation with guests at the start of the day
10:00–11:00 AM

A Living Medical System, Revealed

The tour begins with an introduction to tian ren he yi (天人合一), the relationship between human life and the natural world. At the monumental bronze acupuncture figure, explore the body's meridians and principal acupoints before tracing Chinese medicine from its ancient origins to the living system practised today.

PLACEHOLDER — the monumental bronze acupuncture figure
11:00–11:15 AM

The Body in Practice

Move from ideas into direct experience with a guided introduction to baduanjin (八段锦, the Eight Brocades). Simple movements bring together posture, breath and attention, revealing how health cultivation forms part of everyday Chinese medicine.

PLACEHOLDER — guests practising baduanjin with a physician
11:15 AM–12:15 PM

Inside the World of Materia Medica

In the Materia Medica Hall, learn how Chinese herbs are understood through their nature, flavour and function, and how ingredients take on different roles within a formula. Continue into the living herb garden to encounter medicinal plants before they are dried and prepared.

PLACEHOLDER — Materia Medica Hall cabinets, or the living herb garden
12:15–12:30 PM

Make Your Own Herbal Sachet

Touch, smell and select aromatic herbs with guidance from the physicians. Following traditional formulation principles, grind the ingredients with a mortar and pestle before assembling a personal sachet shaped by the season and your sensory preferences — something meaningful to carry home.

PLACEHOLDER — hands grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle, or a finished sachet
12:30–1:30 PM

Seasonal Lunch with the Physicians

Continue the conversation over a seasonal lunch with both physicians. Revisit the ideas that stayed with you, ask what the display cases could not answer, and reflect on how Chinese medicine is understood and practised today.

The core experience concludes at approximately 1:30 PM.

2:00–4:00 PM · Optional add-on

An Afternoon at the Master's Tea Table

Extend the day with a private tea table hosted by Ye Mo, founder of Linquan Shanji and a practitioner who has spent more than fifteen years studying tea across China.

Through a guided tasting, explore how tea, water, vessels and time shape what appears in the cup — another Chinese knowledge system understood through attention and the senses.

PLACEHOLDER — Ye Mo at the tea table, hands pouring
$650
per party · up to 5 guests
Museum morning · 9:30–1:30

Add the tea table with Ye Mo: +$650 per party

Enquire to Book

Runs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. Priced per party because the museum session and the tea table are booked for your group, not per head. Use the form below, or write to contact@puyuretreat.com.

20% deposit to reserve · balance due 7 days before the experience

Included

  • Museum admission
  • Expert-led museum immersion
  • English–Mandarin interpretation by a TCM physician
  • Lunch

Not Included

  • Transportation to and from the museum
  • The optional private tea table with Ye Mo
  • Personal expenses
  • Medical diagnosis, treatment, acupuncture, herbal prescriptions or medication

Why This Museum?

Nearly 10,000 objects. Thousands of years of medical knowledge.

From ancient medical records and physicians’ manuscripts to the monumental acupuncture figure, regional materia medica and a living herb garden, the museum reveals how Chinese medicine has evolved across generations.

With two physicians as your guides, these objects become more than historical artefacts — they open up a living system of philosophy, diagnosis, treatment and health cultivation.

Who you'll meet

The People Opening Up This World

PLACEHOLDER — portrait of Dr. Ying Yanxin

TCM Physician · Medical Educator · Museum Specialist

Dr. Ying

Museum Materia Medica

Dr. Ying holds a doctorate in Chinese medicine and is a licensed TCM physician. Formerly part of the education and public-engagement team at the Zhejiang Chinese Medicine Museum, she was recognised as one of its leading specialist guides. Her unusual combination of clinical training and museum experience allows her to connect historical objects with medical philosophy, diagnostic reasoning and living practice.

PLACEHOLDER — portrait of Dr. Jingyi Lan

TCM Physician · Acupuncturist · Cultural Interpreter

Dr. Jingyi Lan

Acupuncture Interpretation

Dr. Lan holds a Master's degree from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University and comes from a family lineage of TCM practitioners. She specialises in acupuncture and has trained under respected physicians across Zhejiang. Her clinical work integrates acupuncture, herbal medicine and therapeutic tuina. During the experience, she bridges not only language, but also the clinical logic and cultural context behind Chinese medical concepts.

PLACEHOLDER — portrait of Ye Mo

Tea Practitioner · Educator · Founder

Ye Mo

Tea Vessels

Ye Mo is the founder of Linquan Shanji and has spent more than fifteen years exploring Chinese tea. He has travelled across China's major tea regions, learned from experienced producers and practitioners, and built an extensive reference collection of teas. His work focuses on the relationship between tea, water and vessels, which he brings to the optional afternoon through a private, carefully guided tea table.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays · upon request Request your day in Hangzhou

Tell us which date you have in mind and how many of you there are — we'll check the availability, then confirm by email. No payment is taken now.

US$650 per party, up to five guests · $325 each for two, $130 each for five · We reply to every request by email.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More Contact Us

About This Experience

1.When does this experience run?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. The museum's schedule and the physicians' clinical commitments set the days, so we run this twice a week and confirm your exact date by email once you enquire.
2.How many people can join?

Five guests maximum, with two physicians throughout. The cap comes from the tea table — Ye Mo works with five at most — and we hold it for the morning too, so that the visit can genuinely be shaped around the people in the room.
3.Why is it priced per party rather than per person?

Because that is how our costs work. The museum session and the tea master are both booked for the group, not by the head. It also means bringing others lowers the price for everyone — $650 is $325 each for two, or $130 each for five.
4.Will I make something during the experience?

Yes. During the materia medica section, you will handle and identify a selection of aromatic medicinal herbs, learn how ingredients are traditionally combined, and grind them by hand using a mortar and pestle. You will then assemble your own herbal sachet to take home.
5.Is the herbal sachet a medical treatment?

No. The sachet-making session is a cultural and sensory introduction to Chinese materia medica. It is not a medical prescription or a substitute for professional healthcare.
6.Can I use the herbs if I have allergies or sensitivities?

Please let us know about any known allergies, pregnancy or fragrance sensitivities when enquiring. The team will advise whether the activity is suitable and, where possible, adjust the ingredients used.
7.How much walking is involved?

Around three hours across the museum's halls and the herb garden, at your own pace, with seating available throughout. The baduanjin introduction involves gentle standing movement and can be observed rather than joined.
8.Can I add the tea table later?

Yes, but book it early if you can. Ye Mo's afternoon sessions are limited and often committed weeks ahead.

About Retreat

1.Who would enjoy a Puyu retreat?

Our retreats are ideal for curious souls looking for meaningful China visits, rest, and immersion in authentic Chinese culture, nature, and wellness. Guests often describe their experience as a holistic “reset”—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
2.Do you arrange international flights for guests?

No, international flights are not included. However, we provide detailed travel tips and support to ensure your arrival in China is smooth and stress-free.

About Payment

1.Which payment methods do you accept?

We accept bank transfers and major credit or debit cards. Depending on your currency, local payment options (such as ACH in USD or SEPA in EUR) may also be available for your convenience.
2.Are there any extra costs, like tips or hidden fees?

Puyu pricing is transparent. All essential retreat elements are included. Gratuities are not expected in China but are always appreciated. Any optional upgrades or experiences will be clearly communicated before booking.
3.What languages will guides and facilitators speak?

Most retreats are conducted in English and Mandarin. If you need another language, please inform us in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Enquire to Book