Students and international peers read classic passages from Zhenjiu Dacheng, to honor the renowned Chinese physician Yang Jizhou (1522–1620). [Photo/WeChat account: qujiangfabu]

A grand ceremony was held on Nov 22 at the Yang Jizhou Cultural Square in Qujiang district, Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, to honor the renowned Chinese physician Yang Jizhou (1522–1620), who is renowned for his expertise in zhenjiu treatment.

Zhenjiu, or acupuncture and moxibustion, is one of the treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine.

Yang's zhenjiu treatment system, encapsulated in his seminal work Zhenjiu Dacheng, a collection of writings on acupuncture and moxibustion, has profoundly influenced the development of zhenjiu treatment. In 2011, it was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item.

The ceremony began at 8:30 am with the solemn beating of drums. After offerings of grains, herbs, and fruits, participants bowed three times before Yang's statue, showing deep respect for this acupuncture and moxibustion master.

Amid the dignified music, representatives from the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, the China Association of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, and other organizations, along with Iranian and Hungarian acupuncture experts, presented floral tributes.

During the recitation ceremony, students and international peers read classic passages from Zhenjiu Dacheng, echoing across the square.

The event peaked with the apprenticeship ceremony, where national intangible heritage inheritor Jin Ying and eight students took the stage.

The day concluded with all medical practitioners solemnly reciting the oath, reflecting their commitment to innovation and public service in modern Chinese medicine.