Time-honored pharmacy now noted global brand

Tongrentang, a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy with a history spanning more than 350 years, showcased its evolution from a local brand to a global presence under the theme "Let Traditional Medicine Benefit the World", during the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Beijing.

The group displayed a diverse array of pharmaceutical products, equipment, and its intangible cultural heritage achievements at a 200-square-meter exhibition booth.

Founded in 1669, Tongrentang has adhered to its development philosophy of "promoting people's health with noble morality and kindness", making significant historic leaps from serving the ancient royal family to making medicines for the nation and now the world.

As a leading brand in the TCM industry in China, Tongrentang produces more than 400 types of patented Chinese medicines annually. These products span various fields, such as cardiovascular health, tonics, heat-clearing, gynecology, and pediatrics, providing support for the brand's development and stable operation.

Today, Tongrentang boasts seven subgroups and numerous affiliated subsidiaries, focusing on building a "pharmaceutical plus "business structure that combines commercial retail, health and wellness, elderly medical care, and international pharmaceuticals.

According to the group, innovation is the driving force for its development. During the conference, visitors to the Tongrentang booth could explore modern technological products and services, such as skin testing and artificial intelligence health screening instruments, which vividly reflect the continuous innovation of this centuries-old brand.

In recent years, Tongrentang has developed a technology innovation system that integrates production, academia, research, and marketing. During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), it launched nearly 300 new products and established six standardized laboratories recognized by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment. Additionally, it has won a first prize and three second prizes of the Beijing Science and Technology Progress Awards.

Currently, Tongrentang is accelerating its transformation into an international brand and promoting TCM globally. The Tongrentang trademark was registered in Madrid as early as 1989, becoming one of China's first international trademarks and laying a solid foundation for the brand's internationalization.

In 2000, Beijing Tongrentang Technology Development was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In 2003, Beijing Tongrentang International was established in the special administrative region, tasked with planning, managing, and developing the brand's overseas markets. This move has explored new markets and accelerated Tongrentang's internationalization.

Today, the group's overseas retail stores, TCM clinics, and medical and cultural centers all feature TCM cultural display areas, where people can experience Chinese-style health services and learn traditional Chinese exercises such as tai chi and baduanjin.

They also regularly hold health lectures and offer free clinics to promote TCM culture worldwide. Tongrentang has also established museums in the United States and at the Confucius Institute in San Marino, where locals can learn about TCM culture and appreciate the charm of China's rich traditional heritage.

haonan@chinadaily.com.cn