Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM

About

Longhua Hospital, the third of the three major TCM teaching hospitals affiliated with Shanghai University of TCM, is one of China's most distinguished TCM institutions. It is particularly famous for its TCM oncology program — widely regarded as one of the leading TCM cancer centers in the country, where herbal medicine is applied as adjunctive therapy alongside conventional cancer treatments within a rigorous clinical research framework. Longhua also has strong programs in TCM surgery (a relatively rare specialty) and TCM geriatrics.

History & scale

Founded in 1960, Longhua has grown over six decades into a major TCM hospital with approximately 1,500 inpatient beds. Its campus in southern Shanghai houses specialized TCM oncology wards, a TCM surgical unit, and comprehensive TCM internal medicine departments. The hospital's research infrastructure for TCM oncology clinical trials is among the best in the TCM hospital system.

Star specialties

Longhua's most famous program is TCM oncology — it has led national TCM cancer treatment guideline development and conducts clinical trials of herbal formulas as adjuncts to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy for lung, gastric, colorectal, liver, and breast cancers. Unlike many TCM cancer programs that operate anecdotally, Longhua's oncology research is published and protocol-driven, making it more compatible with evidence-based medical expectations. TCM surgery — combining TCM pre- and post-operative care with conventional surgical techniques — is a rare specialty nationally. TCM geriatrics applies classical longevity and nourishing formulas to multi-morbidity in elderly patients. Other strong departments: TCM respiratory medicine, TCM gastroenterology, TCM nephrology, and acupuncture.

Achievements & recognition

As a Grade A Class A (三甲) TCM hospital, Longhua is a national clinical research base for TCM and holds National Key Specialty designations in oncology, surgery, and geriatrics. It has led influential clinical trials of TCM cancer therapies and contributed to national oncology treatment guidelines from a TCM perspective.

International services

Longhua has an International Medical Center handling overseas patient coordination. Its TCM oncology program attracts international cancer patients seeking evidence-informed adjunctive herbal therapy — a specific and growing area of international medical travel. English-language consultations are feasible with senior oncology staff. Shanghai's infrastructure, international community, and flight connections provide excellent logistical support. The hospital can coordinate with conventional cancer centers in Shanghai for patients receiving combined TCM-conventional treatment.

Why choose this hospital

For international patients, Longhua is the leading destination in China for TCM oncology. Cancer patients who are undergoing or have completed conventional treatment and are interested in structured, research-informed adjunctive herbal therapy — rather than unregulated 'alternative medicine' — will find Longhua's protocol-driven approach the most medically credible in the TCM system. It is also an excellent choice for elderly patients with multi-morbidity (TCM geriatrics) and those interested in the rare specialty of TCM surgery for peri-operative herbal support.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM located?

Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM is located in Shanghai, China.

Is Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM a reputable hospital?

Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University 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 Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM?

Yes. International patients are advised to contact the hospital ahead of the visit to confirm appointment procedures and language support (+86-21-64385700).

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