TCM becomes increasingly popular among international patients. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

At a local moxibustion clinic in Hunchun, a border city in Northeast China's Jilin province, the air was filled with the scent of burning herbs. Lying on a therapy bed, Elena, a tourist from Ussuriysk, Russia, enjoyed a moxibustion session, her lower back pain easing under the skilled hands of a practitioner. This has become her routine, visiting Hunchun twice a year for the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment.

With a population of 240,000, Hunchun sits at the intersection of China, Russia, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, its streets lined with trilingual signs. Just 15 kilometers from the city center, the Hunchun border checkpoint is bustling with Russian visitors, many of whom are familiar with local medical facilities and procedures. Some browse their phones for health-related information, while others share past treatment experiences.

"Chinese medicine has become quite popular in recent years," said Elena. "The cold climate in many Russian regions leads to joint and spinal problems, and treatments like acupuncture, massage, and moxibustion are gentle yet highly effective."

According to Han Shiming, the owner of a well-known moxibustion clinic, thousands of Russian tourists visit annually, some traveling from as far as Moscow and St. Petersburg. Many seek relief from cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, and other chronic conditions.

Hunchun's appeal extends beyond TCM. At the Hunchun Eurasia Hospital, Russian patients can be seen waiting for CT scans, picking up prescriptions, and consulting specialists in internal medicine and dentistry. Dedicated Russian-speaking translators ensure smooth communication.

To enhance the healthcare experience, Hunchun established five Russian consumer protection service stations and one international service center in 2023. Data suggest that in 2024, the Hunchun border checkpoint recorded 667,000 inbound and outbound visitors.