Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

date：2025-06-26

Discovering a Legacy of Healing

Nestled in the heart of Shanghai's Xuhui District, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Longhua Hospital stands as a beacon of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) excellence. Founded in July 1960, this institution holds the distinguished honor of being one of the first four TCM clinical bases established in New China. Over six decades of dedicated service have transformed Longhua into a nationally recognized center where ancient wisdom meets modern medical innovation.

The hospital operates across three campuses – the main facility at 725 Wanping South Road in Xuhui District, the Shangnan Road campus in Pudong New Area, and the Hangtou campus. Together, these locations span approximately 190 acres with 2,100 approved beds, serving nearly 3 million outpatient visits annually.

Hospital Classification & Credentials

Longhua Hospital operates as a public tertiary Grade-A (三级甲等) traditional Chinese medicine hospital – the highest classification within China's healthcare system. This designation reflects exceptional standards in medical care, teaching capabilities, and research output.

Key Certifications Include:

National Demonstration TCM Hospital
National TCM Clinical Research Base (one of only 16 nationwide)
National Medical Center Key Construction Unit (designated 2024)
First Batch of National TCM Inheritance and Innovation Center
National Standardized Residency Training Demonstration Base

The institution maintains 3 national-level key disciplines and 9 key disciplines recognized by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2021, Longhua achieved the number one ranking among all comprehensive TCM hospitals in China's national tertiary hospital performance assessment.

Clinical Departments & Specialized Services

Longhua's comprehensive departmental structure covers virtually every medical specialty through a TCM-focused lens:

Core Clinical Departments:

Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine
TCM Oncology (National Clinical Research Center for Malignant Tumors)
Orthopedics & Traumatology (Shi-style Bone Injury Heritage)
Acupuncture & Moxibustion
Cardiology
Spleen & Gastroenterology
Gynecology
Nephrology
Proctology
Tuina (Therapeutic Massage)

Supporting Facilities:
The hospital houses advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including CT scanners, color Doppler ultrasound systems, electronic gastroscopes, X-ray diagnostic systems, coronary care monitoring units, hemodialysis machines, infrared thermal imaging devices, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy systems.

Healing Environment & Patient Experience

Walking through Longhua's main campus, visitors encounter a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese architectural elements and modern healthcare infrastructure. The facility's location near the bustling Xujiahui commercial district provides convenient access while maintaining a tranquil healing atmosphere within its grounds.

Recent renovation projects have expanded the total building area to over 75,000 square meters, creating spacious waiting areas, private consultation rooms, and state-of-the-art treatment spaces. The hospital's commitment to patient comfort extends to traditional medicine gardens where medicinal herbs are cultivated for educational and therapeutic purposes.

Renowned Medical Experts

Longhua's reputation rests significantly on its extraordinary roster of medical masters:

National Medical Masters (国医大师):

Professor Liu Jiaxiang – A living legend in TCM oncology, Professor Liu developed the renowned "Fu Zheng Zhi Ai" (Supporting Righteousness to Treat Cancer) methodology. This approach has demonstrably reduced recurrence and metastasis rates in cancer patients. As chief expert of the National TCM Clinical Research Base for Malignant Tumors, he continues to treat patients well into his nineties.

Professor Shi Qi – The fourth-generation inheritor of Shanghai's Shi-style Bone Injury techniques (a National Intangible Cultural Heritage), Professor Shi combines centuries-old manipulation methods with contemporary orthopedic surgery. His expertise in treating cervical and lumbar spine disorders attracts patients from across Asia.

Shanghai Famous TCM Doctors:
The hospital maintains multiple master studios named after distinguished practitioners, including Lu Deming, Chen Xiangjun, Wu Yingen, and Tang Hanjun. These studios serve as centers for clinical excellence, knowledge transmission, and innovative research.

Signature Therapeutic Approaches

TCM Oncology – The "Fu Zheng Zhi Ai" System:
Longhua's oncology department represents China's premier destination for integrative cancer care. The hospital's unique approach combines traditional herbal formulations with conventional treatments, significantly improving quality of life and survival outcomes for patients with digestive system tumors, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

Shi-Style Bone Injury Heritage:
This 200-year-old manipulation technique, now protected as National Intangible Cultural Heritage, offers non-surgical solutions for bone and joint disorders. When combined with minimally invasive surgical techniques, patients experience faster recovery and reduced complication rates.

Lu-Style Acupuncture Legacy:
The acupuncture department preserves techniques from renowned masters, including Lu Shouyan and Huang Xianming. Treatment methods encompass traditional needling, moxibustion, cupping, plum-blossom needle therapy, electro-acupuncture, acupoint injection, auricular acupuncture, and acupoint catgut embedding.

Specialized Treatment Centers:

Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Reversal Research Center
Plasma Cell Mastitis TCM Treatment Standard Development Unit
Headache Prevention and Control Base (Shanghai's only national-level headache center)

Technical Advantages & Research Excellence

Longhua's research output demonstrates consistent innovation:

2 National Science and Technology Progress Awards (Second Class)
2 University Science and Technology Progress Awards (First Class)
8 Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Awards (First Class)
1 Chinese Medical Technology Award (First Class)

The hospital maintains 3 postdoctoral research stations in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine, and Chinese Materia Medica. International collaboration extends to Thailand, where the China-Thailand TCM Center enables remote consultation services, allowing patients in Southeast Asia to access Longhua's expertise without traveling to Shanghai.

International Patient Services

Contact Information

Main Hospital Phone: +86-21-64385700

International Patient Support:
Shanghai's healthcare system has developed comprehensive support structures for international patients. While Longhua doesn't maintain a separate international department website, foreign patients can access services through:

Hospital Main Switchboard: +86-21-64385700
Shanghai International Medical Services Platform: Available through Shanghai municipal government channels
Third-party Medical Concierge Services: Platforms like "Peipeinong" (陪陪侬) offer VIP appointment assistance with English-speaking coordinators

Appointment Registration Methods

Online Registration:

Follow the official WeChat account "上海龙华医院" (Shanghai Longhua Hospital)
Register using passport information for first-time international patients
Navigate to "Outpatient Services" → "Appointment Booking."
Select department, specialist, and preferred time slot

Phone Registration:
Call during service hours (Monday-Friday 8:00-11:30 AM, 1:30-5:00 PM; Saturday 8:00-11:30 AM)

On-site Registration:
Self-service kiosks and manual registration windows are available at all three campuses

Release Schedule:

Regular appointments: 7 days in advance
Specialist appointments: 14 days in advance
Special needs appointments: 56 days in advance
Daily release time: 2:00 PM

International Patient Journey Guide

Step 1: Pre-Arrival Preparation

International patients should prepare the following documents:

Valid passport
Chinese visa (medical visa recommended for extended treatment)
Previous medical records (translated into Chinese or English)
Insurance documentation (if applicable)
Payment method (international credit cards accepted at major hospitals)

Step 2: Arrival & Registration

Upon arrival at the main campus (725 Wanping South Road), international patients can:

Visit the convenience service counter for guidance
Request interpreter assistance (advance notice recommended)
Complete registration using passport information

Step 3: Consultation Process

The typical consultation flow includes:

Initial assessment by a TCM practitioner
Pulse diagnosis and tongue examination
Discussion of medical history
Treatment plan formulation
Herbal prescription or therapy scheduling

Step 4: Treatment & Follow-up

Treatment may involve:

Herbal medicine dispensing (hospital pharmacy)
Acupuncture sessions
Tuina massage therapy
Follow-up appointments (scheduled before departure)

Remote Consultation Option:
For patients unable to remain in Shanghai, Longhua offers telemedicine services through international partnerships, allowing continued care from home countries.

What International Patients Say

Recent media coverage highlights growing international interest in Longhua's services:

"It's amazing! My knee feels so much lighter!" – Mohammed Boukaroum, a Moroccan tourist, expressed after experiencing acupuncture treatment for sports-related knee strain.

A Turkish visitor described the needle insertion experience as initially nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding, noting the professional atmosphere and clear communication throughout the process.

The hospital has become a featured destination in the growing "medical tourism to China" trend, with social media platforms showcasing foreign patients' positive experiences with TCM treatments at significantly lower costs compared to Western alternatives.

In 2025, key international-facing hospitals in Shanghai reported a 25% year-over-year increase in international outpatient visits, with Longhua being among the preferred destinations for acupuncture and chronic condition management.

Frequently Asked Questions for International Patients

Q: Do doctors speak English?
A: While not all practitioners are fluent in English, the hospital can arrange interpreter services with advance notice. Shanghai's broader medical system includes multilingual support teams at major facilities.

Q: Can I use international health insurance?
A: Direct billing with international insurance providers varies. Patients should contact their insurance company before travel. Some third-party medical concierge services can facilitate insurance coordination.

Q: How long should I plan to stay in Shanghai?
A: Initial consultations typically require 2-3 days. Acupuncture treatment courses may span 1-2 weeks. Chronic condition management might involve multiple visits over several months.

Q: Are herbal medicines safe to take home?
A: Yes, prescribed herbal formulations can be taken internationally. Request documentation for customs clearance. The hospital pharmacy provides English instructions upon request.

Q: Can I continue treatment after returning home?
A: Longhua's international remote consultation services enable follow-up care. Local TCM practitioners in your country may also continue prescribed treatment protocols with proper documentation.

Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: The hospital accepts Chinese Yuan (cash and card), major international credit cards, and mobile payment platforms (WeChat Pay, Alipay). International patients should notify their banks before travel.

Q: Is there accommodation assistance?
A: The hospital doesn't operate dedicated patient housing, but staff can recommend nearby hotels. Medical concierge services often include accommodation coordination.

Getting to Longhua Hospital

Main Campus Address:
725 Wanping South Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China

Transportation Options:

Metro: Line 11 to Longhua Station, approximately a 10-minute walk

Taxi: Show drivers the Chinese address: 上海市徐汇区宛平南路725号

From Pudong International Airport: Approximately 45 minutes by taxi (40 km)

From Hongqio International Airport: Approximately 30 minutes by taxi (20 km)

Nearby Landmarks: Adjacent to Xujiahui commercial district, close to Shanghai Stadium

The Future of International TCM Care

As Shanghai positions itself as a global medical hub during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), Longhua Hospital continues expanding its international capabilities. The institution's integration of traditional healing wisdom with contemporary medical standards offers a unique value proposition for patients worldwide seeking alternatives to conventional treatment approaches.

The hospital's commitment to "Famous Doctors, Famous Departments, Famous Hospital, Famous Medicine" strategy ensures that each international visitor experiences the full spectrum of TCM excellence – from initial consultation through long-term wellness management.

For those considering a journey to Shanghai for healthcare, Longhua Hospital represents more than a medical facility; it embodies six decades of healing tradition, continuously evolving to serve patients from every corner of the globe.