Geographical Location and Transportation

The Chinese Materia Medica Specimen Hall sits quietly on Shennong Road, Gulou District, Nanjing—a location that feels fitting for a space dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine. The address (No. 1 Shennong Road) is easy to remember, and it’s nestled within China Pharmaceutical University’s campus, giving it a scholarly vibe. To get there, take Nanjing’s Metro Line 1 or 4 to Gulou Hospital Station, then walk or bike through the university’s lush campus. It’s a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle, yet just a short ride from landmarks like Xuanwu Lake or the Nanjing Station area.

A Hidden Gem of History and Science

The Chinese Materia Medica Specimen Hall isn’t your typical tourist spot—it’s a treasure trove for anyone curious about herbs, medicine, or China’s medical legacy. Opened in 1938, this compact museum packs over 760 square meters of exhibits into three meticulously organized halls. What makes it special? Its collection is considered top-tier among China’s medical universities, with over 5,000 bottles of herbal specimens and 25,000 plant samples. Even better, many items here have legendary stories, like ancient herbs unearthed from a 2,000-year-old Han Dynasty tomb in Hunan!

Dive Into Three Curated Exhibits

1. The Herbal Specimen Room

This room alone holds nearly 3,000 types of medicinal herbs, all scientifically labeled with their plant names. Think ginseng, licorice, and rare roots—each preserved in glass jars. It’s like a library of nature, but for pharmacists!

2. The Comprehensive Exhibition Hall

Here’s where things get quirky: you’ll spot poisonous herbs (handled with care!), centuries-old pills, and even powdered药材from the 1973 Maansi Tomb excavation. There’s also a shelf of global treasures, like specimens exchanged with countries like Japan and Germany.

3. The Medicinal Plant Collection

My favorite! This room houses 6,000 species of plants, including rare samples collected by Professor Xu Guojun from Mount Emei in the 1950s. There are even herbs from Soviet-era exchanges—talk about a time capsule of botany!

Who Visits Here?

Surprisingly, the Chinese Materia Medica Specimen Hall draws a mix of people. Students from the university use it for research, sure, but families with kids love the interactive touches (like smelling herb sections). History buffs geek out over the ancient artifacts, while photographers go crazy over the vivid colors of preserved plants. Just note: no flash photography allowed, to protect the delicate specimens!

Tips for Your Visit

  • Guided Tours: Professor Zhang Mian (the head) sometimes leads groups—check the university’s schedule if you want expert insights.
  • Free Entry: Yes, it’s free! Though donations are welcome.
  • Time Suggestion: Plan for 1–2 hours. Move slowly; there’s so much to read!
  • Pair with Nearby Attractions: Afterward, walk to Nanjing’s Purple Mountain or grab lunch at a campus cafe.

Why It’s Worth a Detour

Even if you’re not into medicine, the Chinese Materia Medica Specimen Hall offers a peek into China’s cultural DNA. Herbs here aren’t just plants—they’re symbols of tradition, science, and global exchange. Plus, the quiet campus setting makes it a refreshing break from Nanjing’s busier sights. Trust me, this spot will make your friends back home say, “Wow, you went where?”

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