BEIJING, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into traditional Chinese medicine education, research, and clinical practices across China. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine has created a dedicated large model centered on extensive TCM knowledge and educational resources. The Xinhuo TCM system encompasses classical texts, medical theories, herbal data, prescriptions, and teaching materials. Its creators introduced the initial version in 2025, followed by platform expansion throughout 2026.
According to the university, Xinhuo TCM now functions as a system with 70 billion parameters, built upon leading Chinese AI platforms. The developers designed this model to aid in learning, teaching, research, administrative tasks, and international communication related to traditional Chinese medicine. Students can inquire about herbal combinations and receive detailed explanations of formulas and their core principles. Additionally, the university has developed an intelligent robot capable of demonstrating traditional massage techniques for practical training purposes.
The use of AI in China’s traditional Chinese medicine sector is also expanding to encompass medical knowledge management and clinical support tools. Digital platforms are capable of organizing historical medical literature and structuring insights from experienced practitioners for educational and research purposes. Researchers are exploring artificial intelligence for diagnostic data analysis, pre-consultation systems, and other decision support functions. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to integrate traditional medical knowledge with modern data processing and computing technologies.
China invests in expanding digital infrastructure for TCM
Within its national development framework for traditional medicine from 2026 to 2030, China has incorporated artificial intelligence as a key component. The National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine along with the National Development and Reform Commission issued this strategic plan in July. It emphasizes the creation of high-quality AI datasets specifically tailored for the traditional Chinese medicine industry. The plan also advocates for digital infrastructure, smart hospitals dedicated to traditional medicine, and intelligent diagnostic support at primary healthcare centers.
This national strategy emphasizes data governance alongside the deployment of AI tools across the traditional medicine system. It calls for enhanced data classification, protection, and compliant circulation across healthcare, research, and related digital services. The government also aims to promote the broader adoption of standardized intelligent equipment and digital technologies in traditional Chinese medicine. These measures target improvements in clinical services, education, scientific research, and the management of traditional medicine information.
From classroom innovations to clinical applications with AI
Research published in 2026 has examined how large language models are performing within traditional Chinese medicine healthcare environments. One study assessed an AI pre-consultation system at a tertiary traditional medicine hospital, noting initial acceptance by physicians. Medical professionals responded more favorably to its capacity to gather patient information before consultations than to its decision-support functionalities. The study also identified remaining challenges, including issues with complaint capture, workflow integration, documentation workload, and accessibility for older patients.
Recent developments illustrate the expanding role of artificial intelligence across multiple facets of China’s traditional Chinese medicine system. Xinhuo TCM has obtained national registration for generative AI services, positioning the specialized model within China’s regulatory framework for public AI applications. Currently, AI applications cover areas such as education, research, knowledge management, hospital workflows, and auxiliary diagnostic tools. The 2026 to 2030 TCM development plan further formalizes the importance of AI datasets and digital healthcare infrastructure in advancing the sector.