Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of TCM

Longhua Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai University of TCM, is one of China's most distinguished traditional Chinese medicine institutions. Founded in 1960, it has grown over six decades into a major TCM hospital with approximately 1,500 inpatient beds, housing specialized TCM oncology wards, a TCM surgical unit, and comprehensive TCM internal medicine departments across its campus in southern Shanghai.

The hospital holds Grade A Class A (三甲) status — the highest tier in China's hospital grading system, held by only about 5% of hospitals nationwide. As the third of the three major TCM teaching hospitals affiliated with Shanghai University of TCM, Longhua serves as a critical clinical, teaching, and research base for Chinese medicine at the highest level.

TCM Oncology — Longhua's Defining Specialty

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. This is a critical distinction for international patients: Longhua offers structured, research-informed herbal therapy rather than unregulated alternative medicine.

The hospital's research infrastructure for TCM oncology clinical trials is among the best in the TCM hospital system. Herbal formulas are tested in rigorous clinical protocols, with results published in peer-reviewed journals. This approach allows cancer patients to combine conventional treatments — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy — with TCM herbal support that has documented safety and efficacy profiles.

TCM Surgery — A Rare National Specialty

Longhua also has a strong TCM surgery program — a relatively rare specialty in Chinese medicine. The department combines TCM pre- and post-operative care with conventional surgical techniques, using herbal medicine to promote healing, reduce complications, and accelerate recovery. This peri-operative herbal support is a unique offering that few TCM hospitals in China can provide.

TCM Geriatrics — Longevity and Multi-Morbidity Management

TCM geriatrics at Longhua applies classical longevity and nourishing formulas to multi-morbidity in elderly patients. This program addresses the complex health needs of aging patients through personalized herbal prescriptions that aim to improve quality of life and manage multiple chronic conditions simultaneously.

Additional Strong Departments

Longhua also maintains strong programs in TCM respiratory medicine, TCM gastroenterology, TCM nephrology, and acupuncture. The hospital's comprehensive TCM capabilities make it a versatile destination for patients with a wide range of conditions.

International Patient Experience

Longhua has an International Medical Center that handles overseas patient coordination. English-language consultations are feasible with senior oncology staff. Shanghai's infrastructure, international community, and excellent flight connections provide strong logistical support. The hospital can also coordinate with conventional cancer centers in Shanghai for patients receiving combined TCM-conventional treatment.

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 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 and those interested in peri-operative herbal support through the TCM surgery program.