The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine

About

The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine is the premier TCM institution in Henan Province — China's most populous province and the heartland of Chinese civilization. Located in the provincial capital Zhengzhou, it serves as the primary teaching hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine and the highest-level TCM referral center in the province. Henan's status as the cradle of Chinese civilization — home to the Shang Dynasty oracle bones, the Yellow River culture, and the legendary origins of Zhang Zhongjing (the 'Hippocrates of China,' author of the Shanghan Lun, who was from Nanyang in southern Henan) — gives the hospital's TCM practice profound cultural resonance. It is a major center for classical formula (经方) scholarship and practice within the Zhang Zhongjing tradition.

History & scale

Founded in 1953, the hospital has grown over seven decades into one of the largest TCM hospitals in China. With approximately 2,500 inpatient beds, it is a very large TCM center serving Henan's enormous population of nearly 100 million. The hospital's campus in Zhengzhou is extensive, with specialized buildings for TCM internal medicine, acupuncture, orthopedics, and classical formula research. Its clinical volumes are among the highest of any TCM hospital nationally, reflecting Henan's massive population and strong TCM cultural acceptance.

Star specialties

The hospital is deeply engaged with the Zhang Zhongjing / Shanghan Lun tradition — Zhang Zhongjing, the most revered figure in Chinese medical history, was from Henan, and the hospital is a national center for the study and clinical application of his classical formulas. Its TCM internal medicine program applies Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolüe approaches to complex internal diseases across gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, cardiovascular disease, and nephrology. Acupuncture and moxibustion is a large department. TCM pediatrics is a national-level key specialty — one of the strongest in China. TCM orthopedics, TCM gynecology, and TCM dermatology are well-developed. The hospital's classical formula research center studies Zhang Zhongjing-era prescriptions and their modern clinical applications. The hospital also has a strong TCM geriatrics program addressing the needs of Henan's large elderly population.

Achievements & recognition

As a Grade A Class A (三甲) TCM hospital under Henan University of Chinese Medicine, it holds multiple national key TCM specialty designations — particularly in pediatrics, internal medicine, and classical formula research. It is a leading center for Zhang Zhongjing scholarship and Shanghan Lun-based clinical practice in China. The hospital is central to TCM education and research for the most populous province in the country.

International services

International patient services are developing. The hospital's status as a national center for Zhang Zhongjing classical formula practice attracts international TCM scholars, practitioners, and patients interested in this specific tradition. The International Medical Department provides coordination and English-language support for overseas patients. Some senior practitioners — particularly those involved in classical formula teaching and research — have international connections and experience. Zhengzhou, as a major transportation hub (the intersection of China's main north-south and east-west high-speed rail lines), is highly accessible domestically, though international flights are fewer than at major coastal hubs. The hospital's connection to the Zhang Zhongjing tradition — arguably the most prestigious lineage in Chinese medicine — is its most internationally compelling feature.

Why choose this hospital

For international patients, this hospital is a major destination for classical formula-based TCM (经方) rooted in the Zhang Zhongjing tradition. It is particularly relevant for: (1) TCM practitioners, scholars, and informed patients who value the Shanghan Lun classical tradition — the hospital is in the home province of Zhang Zhongjing and is a leading center for his clinical legacy, (2) pediatric TCM — one of the strongest children's TCM programs nationally, and (3) patients seeking TCM care for complex internal diseases treated with classical formula approaches. For those who view the Zhang Zhongjing tradition as the gold standard of Chinese medicine, this hospital — in Zhang Zhongjing's home province — has no peer.

Frequently asked questions

Where is The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine located?

The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine is located in Zhengzhou, China.

Is The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine a reputable hospital?

The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine 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 The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine?

Yes. International patients are advised to contact the hospital ahead of the visit to confirm appointment procedures and language support (+86-371-66222222).

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