The Museum of Chinese Medicine at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine's Yifu Science Hall was completed in September 1990. It has two main sections, the History of Medicine Section and the Chinese Materia Medica Section, and a total exhibition area of approximately 1,500 square meters. In 2004, the Digital Museum of Chinese Medicine was established.
The History of Medicine Section houses over 1,000 artifacts from various historical periods and 200 rare editions of ancient medical texts. The Chinese Medical History Exhibition Hall presents the history of Chinese medicine within the broader context of Chinese culture. Through medical artifacts from different eras, it presents the major achievements of Chinese medicine, including contributions from ethnic minority groups.
The Chinese Materia Medica Section contains more than 2,800 types of Chinese medicinal specimens and over 5,000 individual pieces. The exhibitions include the Comprehensive Chinese Materia Medica Hall and the Medicinal Animals Display Case. The Comprehensive Hall displays nearly 600 commonly used Chinese medicines and more than 1,500 specimens, along with nearly 300 preserved animal and plant specimens and hundreds of color photographs of medicinal plants.
The museum also offers elective courses for BUCM students, such as Chinese Medicine and Cultural Relics, Medicinal Zoology, and Identification of Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces. Additionally, it organizes public science lectures, making full use of its resources to serve the university and the wider community.
Visitor Information & Guidelines
1. The Museum of Chinese Medicine is open year-round to BUCM faculty members, students, and the general public free of charge (it is closed on national public holidays).
2. Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Volunteer-guided tours are available free of charge on Saturdays.
3. As the museum contains numerous Chinese medicinal materials and valuable artifacts, visitors are strictly prohibited from touching the exhibits. Eating, smoking, or spitting inside the building is not allowed. Pets and dangerous items are not permitted. Climbing on or lying across structures is strictly forbidden.
4. All visitors must make a real-name reservation in advance, with staggered entry times. Reservations can be made through the “BUCM Museum” WeChat official account. Children aged six or under must be accompanied by a parent. Group visits must not exceed 30 people and must be booked at least one week in advance. Military personnel (including veterans), persons with disabilities, and seniors aged 70 and above can enjoy priority admission during their reserved time slot upon presenting a valid ID and reservation confirmation.
5. Any unapproved commercial or recording activities are prohibited. This includes private individuals or groups charging for tours or events, or promoting products. Unauthorized educational or research activities may be terminated by museum staff, and participants may be asked to leave.
6. For safety reasons, when the number of visitors exceeds capacity, the museum reserves the right to implement crowd control measures.
7. In case of major or temporary events, please follow the museum’s arrangements.
8. Please observe proper decorum and help protect the museum.
9. The right of final interpretation for all reservation policies belongs to the museum.
The Museum of Chinese Medicine and the Digital Museum warmly welcome your visit!
