BEIJING, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – China is expanding the use of artificial intelligence across traditional Chinese medicine, linking digital tools with education, research and clinical support. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine has developed Xinhuo TCM, a specialized large language model focused on traditional medical knowledge. The system draws on classical texts, medical theory, herbal information, prescriptions and teaching materials. Developers introduced its first version in 2025 and continued expanding its capabilities during 2026.
Xinhuo TCM operates as a 70-billion-parameter model designed for traditional Chinese medicine applications. Its functions cover teaching, research, administration and international communication related to the field. Students can ask about herbal combinations and receive explanations of formulas and their medical principles. The system also helps users navigate large collections of traditional medicine knowledge. These tools give educators and researchers faster access to material that previously required extensive manual review.
Artificial intelligence is also moving into practical training for traditional medical techniques. Researchers have developed an intelligent robot that demonstrates massage methods used in traditional Chinese medicine instruction. The technology gives students another way to observe standardized movements during training sessions. Other digital projects focus on medical knowledge management, pre-consultation systems and diagnostic support. Together, these applications show how Chinese institutions are applying AI across several parts of the traditional medicine system.
Digital policy brings AI into traditional medicine
China has also placed artificial intelligence within its national framework for traditional Chinese medicine development from 2026 through 2030. The National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine issued the plan with the National Development and Reform Commission in July. It calls for high-quality AI datasets created specifically for traditional medicine. The framework also supports digital infrastructure, intelligent clinical assistance and smart traditional medicine hospitals. Primary healthcare facilities form part of the planned digital expansion.
The policy gives data management a central role in the wider adoption of artificial intelligence. It calls for stronger rules covering data classification, protection and compliant circulation throughout the traditional medicine sector. Authorities also support standardized intelligent equipment for clinical services, teaching and scientific research. Digital systems can organize medical literature and structure information from experienced practitioners. That work can make large bodies of traditional medicine material easier to search, study and manage.
Clinical support becomes another focus for AI
Researchers are also testing artificial intelligence inside traditional Chinese medicine healthcare settings. Recent work has examined AI pre-consultation systems that collect patient information before a doctor begins an appointment. Physicians responded more positively to information collection than to several decision-support functions in one evaluation. The study also identified limits involving complaint capture, workflow integration, documentation and access for older patients. These findings provide measured evidence about how such systems perform in routine medical settings.
China’s current AI projects now span traditional medicine classrooms, research programs, data systems and clinical support tools. The technology can help organize large knowledge collections and assist with structured information before consultations. National policy also gives AI datasets and digital health infrastructure a formal place in traditional medicine development. Current programs combine specialized language models, intelligent training equipment and hospital-focused systems while keeping traditional Chinese medicine as the central subject of each application.