Tóngréntáng

Beijing

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Peddling pills and potions here since 1702, this traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shop became a royal dispensary during the Qing dynasty. Today the company is China's biggest producer of TCM products, and despite the ornamental facade, the interior has all the atmosphere of a modern pharmacy flagship.

Doctors practicing TCM are available on the spot for consultations (Chinese only). You can be cured of anything from fright to encephalitis, or so the shop claims. Look for the pair of qílín (mythical beasts sometimes called Chinese unicorns) standing guard outside.

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