Why Are Chinese Herbal Pharmacies Often Called “Tang”?
Chinese herbal pharmacies across China are mostly named “Tang”—such as “Tongrentang” or “Qingyutang.” This originates from the legendary story of Zhang Zhongjing, the “Medical Saint” of the late Han Dynasty, who “practiced medicine in the hall.”
Zhang Zhongjing was deeply moved by the story of Bianque treating patients, as recorded in historical texts. He then studied under his hometown’s renowned physician, Zhang Bozu, learning much. Later, he became the Prefect of Changsha. During a time of widespread infectious diseases like typhoid fever, to save the common people, he balanced his official duties with diligent study of traditional Chinese medicine, treating patients. He boldly defied bureaucratic rules, sitting in the grand hall of the prefecture office to diagnose and prescribe. He even began adding “Hall Physician” before his name. After his passing, to honor Zhang Zhongjing, some herbal pharmacies adopted the character “Tang” on their signs—this tradition continues to this day.