Article Courtesy of Viory.Video
A Shanghai bar has captured attention online by blending traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices with modern mixology, offering herbal cocktails tailored to each visitor’s health.
Niangqing Herbal Bar, opened in 2025, incorporates elements of traditional diagnostics, including pulse-taking and tongue observation, before issuing what staff describe as a ‘body constitution report’ used to tailor drinks.
The concept is based on the TCM classification of nine body constitution types, traditionally associated with distinct health characteristics and sensitivities.
Footage shows staff preparing the health report by taking the customer’s pulse and assessing other indicators, before serving each visitor a personalised drink, some presented in traditional ceramic carafes or adorned with TCM-inspired touches.
Co-founder Zhou Xingxing, a former student at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said the experience is designed to introduce TCM concepts in a more accessible format.
“The most popular drink is the one with TCM diagnostic methods – look, listen, ask, feel,” Zhou said. “Our TCM doctor first takes the pulse of the customer, uses the diagnostic methods, and then writes them a ‘Body Constitution report’. The customer can take the report to the bartender, who will make a cocktail with herbal liquid and Chinese yellow wine, tailored to their report.”
He added that the bar targets consumers interested in wellness culture rather than medical treatment. “People don’t want to visit the hospital when they are not feeling sick, but they are still interested in TCM and its culture,” he said.
According to TCM doctor Lu Sheng, the venue differs from a clinical setting in that it focuses on lifestyle guidance rather than treatment.
“Compared to clinics where people visit when they are feeling pain or illness, the customers here are more interested in health-nurturing practices,” Lu said. “We will give some advice on lifestyles and ‘prescribe’ a drink. Only in rare cases would we prescribe herbal medicine, and mostly we choose ingredients that are also used as food.”
“This is the first TCM-themed bar that I’ve ever visited. It’s quite unique, and I think it will spread well in the market,” said visitor, Mr Ma.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healthcare which has been practised in China for thousands of years, based on concepts of balance in the body and diagnostic methods such as pulse-taking, tongue observation and herbal remedies.
Article and Video Courtesy of Viory.Video
