We are pleased to announce that Empirical Health will host a 10-day professional study tour to China from 20–29 May 2026.
Designed for experienced practitioners and senior students of Chinese medicine, this immersive program traces the journey of Chinese materia medica from cultivation and trade through processing, pharmacy practice and clinical application.
The study tour will travel through Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Bozhou, offering direct exposure to herb farms, major trade markets, processing facilities, historic pharmacies and university hospitals integrating herbal medicine into modern clinical practice.
Hosted by Dr Simon Feeney and Shanghai-based practitioner Zoey Gong, this is a professionally curated immersion rather than a sightseeing experience. The focus is depth, access and meaningful engagement for those who prescribe herbs and want a grounded understanding of the materials, systems and standards that underpin their work.
The program includes:
- Visits to herb farms and major trade markets
- Observation of processing and manufacturing facilities
- Exploration of traditional and contemporary pharmacy models
- Engagement with hospitals and university programs
- Structured clinical observation and dedicated teaching sessions
To preserve depth of access and discussion, participation will be limited to 15 practitioners initially, with additional places released only if capacity allows.
A $650 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.
The remaining balance will be invoiced and due by 20 April 2026.
Places will be allocated strictly in order of deposit received.
If this aligns with your professional development goals, we invite you to secure your place below and join a small cohort of practitioners for this truly unique and immersive study experience.
Further logistical details will be provided upon registration.
Warm regards,
Empirical Health + Zoey Gong
FAQs
Yes the price is including GST. We won’t charge more.
Yes. Participants are required to arrange their own return international flights to Shanghai. We will provide recommended arrival times to align with the group schedule.
The tour begins and ends in Shanghai. We recommend flying into and out of Shanghai for ease and alignment with the group itinerary.
Please arrive into Shanghai by 1:30pm on Day 1. We will arrange a group airport transfer at 2pm.
If you arrive outside this window, you may make your own way to the hotel, however we ask that you arrive no later than 4pm to participate in the tour commencement activities.
The tour officially concludes following a farewell lunch on Friday, 29 May 2026.
You are welcome to book your international departure for any time that evening, or later if you choose to extend your stay in Shanghai.
A group airport transfer will be arranged immediately following the farewell lunch for those departing that day.
Please arrive into Shanghai by 1:30pm on Day 1. We will arrange a group airport transfer at 2pm.
If you arrive outside this window, you may make your own way to the hotel, however we ask that you arrive no later than 4pm to participate in the tour commencement activities.
A group transfer to the airport is also included on the final day of the tour.
Yes. All organised internal travel between cities, including ground transport as outlined in the itinerary, is included in the tour package price. There are no internal flights scheduled as part of this tour.
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily throughout the tour. Participants are only responsible for personal snacks or optional purchases outside the organised meals.
If you hold an ordinary Australian passport, you may be eligible to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days (for tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or transit). This arrangement is currently listed as effective until 31 December 2026. Entry approval is still assessed by Chinese border authorities on arrival.
Entry and visa conditions can change. Please check Smartraveller for the most up-to-date guidance before booking and before departure.
Visa and entry requirements vary by passport type and personal circumstances. Please check Smartraveller and confirm requirements based on your passport.
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