Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM (Sichuan Provincial Hospital of TCM)

About

The Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, also designated as Sichuan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is the leading TCM hospital in southwest China and one of the most influential TCM institutions nationally outside of Beijing and Shanghai. Affiliated with Chengdu University of TCM — one of the original four national TCM universities established in the 1950s — it serves as the university's primary clinical teaching base, a provincial referral center for TCM care, and a major national center for TCM research and clinical trials. Its location in Chengdu, the cultural and economic hub of Sichuan Province, positions it as the foremost destination for TCM treatment in China's vast western and southwestern regions.

History & scale

Founded in 1956 along with Chengdu University of TCM, the hospital has more than 65 years of institutional history. With approximately 2,500 inpatient beds, it is one of the largest dedicated TCM hospitals in China. The hospital operates an extensive campus in Chengdu with specialized clinical buildings for internal TCM, acupuncture, orthopedics, gynecology, and pediatrics. Its outpatient department handles enormous volumes — hundreds of thousands of visits annually — reflecting the deep cultural acceptance of TCM in Sichuan and the hospital's strong reputation across southwest China.

Star specialties

The hospital is renowned for its TCM ophthalmology program — a rare and distinctive specialty nationally — which applies acupuncture and herbal medicine to degenerative eye conditions, diabetic retinopathy, and optic nerve disorders. TCM gynecology and reproduction is a major strength, with herbal and acupuncture protocols for menstrual disorders, endometriosis, infertility, and pregnancy support, drawing patients from across China. The acupuncture and tuina department is one of the largest in the country, treating pain, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders. TCM emergency medicine is an unusual and nationally recognized specialty — the hospital runs a dedicated TCM emergency department applying Chinese medical approaches to acute febrile illnesses and critical care. Additional strengths include TCM gastroenterology, TCM dermatology, and TCM geriatrics with an emphasis on Sichuan-style herbal formulations and dietary therapy.

Achievements & recognition

As a Grade A Class A (三甲) hospital and the teaching hospital of one of China's four original TCM universities, the institution holds national-level key discipline and key clinical specialty designations across multiple departments. Its TCM ophthalmology and TCM emergency medicine programs are nationally recognized as distinctive specialties. The hospital is a major center for TCM clinical trials, drug development, and the formulation of national TCM clinical practice guidelines. It trains TCM practitioners at all levels, from undergraduate through postdoctoral, and hosts international TCM students from across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

International services

The hospital has a well-developed International Cooperation Department that handles overseas patient inquiries, coordinates admissions, and can arrange English-speaking consultations for major departments. Chengdu University of TCM has a history of international engagement — it has been a destination for foreign students of TCM since the 1980s — so some familiarity with international patients exists across the institution. Interpreter services for languages beyond English and Chinese are limited; patients requiring Korean, Japanese, or European language support should bring their own interpreters. Chengdu's growing international airport connections and the hospital's central location facilitate access.

Why choose this hospital

This is one of the strongest TCM hospitals in China for international patients seeking care outside of Beijing or Shanghai. It is particularly worth considering for women's health and fertility (TCM gynecology), eye conditions (TCM ophthalmology — a rare specialty), and chronic pain (acupuncture and tuina). The hospital combines deep TCM expertise with a location in Chengdu, a city known for its rich culinary and cultural traditions and a cost of living significantly lower than in first-tier cities, making extended treatment stays more affordable.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM (Sichuan Provincial Hospital of TCM) located?

Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM (Sichuan Provincial Hospital of TCM) is located in Chengdu, China.

Is Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM (Sichuan Provincial Hospital of TCM) a reputable hospital?

Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM (Sichuan Provincial Hospital of TCM) is a Class III-A hospital — the highest tier in China's grading system, held by only about 5% of hospitals nationwide.

Can international patients visit Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM (Sichuan Provincial Hospital of TCM)?

Yes. International patients are advised to contact the hospital ahead of the visit to confirm appointment procedures and language support (+86-28-87769999).

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