BEIJING, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – The National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Development and Reform Commission have incorporated artificial intelligence into China’s strategic plan for the development of traditional medicine from 2026 to 2030. This initiative, announced in July, emphasizes the creation of high-quality AI datasets tailored specifically for the traditional Chinese medicine sector. Additionally, it promotes the development of digital infrastructure, the establishment of smart hospitals dedicated to traditional medicine, and the deployment of intelligent diagnostic tools at primary healthcare centers.
The overarching framework emphasizes aligning data governance with the expansion of AI tools within the traditional medicine system. It advocates for improved data classification, protection, and compliant sharing across healthcare, research, and related digital services. The plan also aims to increase the utilization of standardized intelligent equipment and digital technologies across clinical, educational, research, and management domains in traditional Chinese medicine.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into China’s traditional Chinese medicine landscape, spanning education, research, and clinical support. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine has created a large-scale specialized model rooted in extensive TCM knowledge and resources. The Xinhuo TCM system comprises classical texts, medical theories, herbal data, prescriptions, and educational materials. Its initial version was launched in 2025, with subsequent expansion in 2026.
According to the university, Xinhuo TCM now functions as a 70-billion-parameter system built on leading Chinese AI platforms. Its design aims to support learning, teaching, research, administration, and international communication related to traditional Chinese medicine. Students can inquire about herbal formulations and receive explanations regarding formulas and their fundamental principles. The university has also introduced an intelligent robot that demonstrates traditional massage techniques for practical training purposes.
The application of AI in traditional Chinese medicine extends to medical knowledge management and clinical decision-support tools. Digital systems facilitate the organization of historical medical literature and structure insights from experienced practitioners for educational and research purposes. Researchers are exploring AI for diagnostic data processing, pre-consultation systems, and other decision-making aids. These efforts reflect a broader push to connect traditional medical knowledge with modern data systems and computational technologies.
China promotes digital infrastructure development for TCM
China has integrated artificial intelligence into its national framework for traditional medicine development from 2026 to 2030. The National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Development and Reform Commission issued this plan in July. It highlights the need for high-quality AI datasets specifically designed for traditional Chinese medicine and underscores investments in digital infrastructure, smart hospitals, and intelligent diagnostic tools at primary healthcare facilities.
The national blueprint emphasizes data governance alongside the deployment of AI technologies across the traditional medicine sector. It advocates for enhanced data classification, protection, and compliant sharing across healthcare, research, and digital services. The plan also encourages the wider adoption of standardized intelligent equipment and digital technologies in clinical practice, education, scientific research, and the management of traditional medicine information.
From classroom applications to clinical support, AI advances in TCM
Research published in 2026 has examined how large language models perform within traditional Chinese medicine healthcare environments. One study assessed an AI pre-consultation system at a tertiary traditional medicine hospital and found initial acceptance among physicians. Clinicians responded more favorably to its ability to gather information before consultations than to its decision-support functions. The study identified limitations related to complaint recording, workflow integration, documentation workload, and accessibility for elderly patients.
Recent developments demonstrate AI’s growing role across multiple facets of China’s traditional Chinese medicine system. Xinhuo TCM has obtained national registration for generative AI services, positioning its specialized model within China’s regulatory framework for public AI tools. Presently, AI applications encompass education, research, knowledge management, hospital workflows, and auxiliary diagnostic technologies. The 2026–2030 TCM development plan explicitly incorporates AI datasets and digital medical infrastructure as vital components of the sector’s future growth.