The beautiful coast of Sanya

In today's program, we will go to Sanya in South China to find out why Russian tourists are addicted to the "Chinese Medicine Therapy Tour."

In most parts of the Northern Hemisphere, it's chilly right now, but southern China's Sanya is nothing but bright sunshine, warm beaches and hot springs. That's probably why this tropical city in Hainan Province has attracted so many foreign and domestic tourists from colder regions. Sanya has become one of the most popular winter destinations for tourists from Russia, China's northern neighbor. For the Russians, in addition to the warm weather, Sanya offers the added appeal of traditional Chinese medicinal treatments that make them feel refreshed and fit. Our reporter Shen Ting takes a closer look.
Reporter:
In the Sanya Chinese Medicine Hospital, Alisa from Russia is undergoing acupuncture.
Reporter: Where are you from?
Alisa: Chita
Reporter: Did you come here especially for medical treatment?
Alisa: Yes, I came here for a ten-day medical treatment session.
Reporter: How did you know that we provide Chinese medicine treatment here?
Alisa: I heard it from people in Russia, and also the tour guide.
Reporter: How do you like the Chinese medicine?
Alisa: It's the best. The best therapy is traditional Chinese medicine!"
Traditional Chinese medicinal therapy usually combines physical treatment with herbal medicine. It works to sooth the sinews, stimulating blood circulation, relaxing muscles and joints, and readjusting hormones.
In 2002, the Sanya Chinese Medicine Hospital introduced a "Chinese Medicine Therapy Tour," which combines travel with medical treatments.
Many Russian tourists come to Sanya on chartered flights. They travel around in the morning, then come to the hospital for Chinese medical treatments in the afternoon.
Why is this package especially popular among Russian tourists?
The director of the hospital, Liu Dexi, said that many Russians suffer from arthritis, high cholesterol, adiposity and other chronic afflictions, as a result of the frigid winter temperatures in the country.
Chinese medicinal therapy is effective in dealing with the ailments, and moreover, has few side effects since it uses natural methods. The tropical weather makes coastal Sanya a pleasant place to stay, especially during winter.
Chief doctor Li Zhenshan explains.
"We provide the Chinese style of massage, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. In some cases, we also provide cupping, traction and scraping treatments."
After extensive treatments, many Russian patients are relieved of their high blood pressure, arthritis, and aching legs and torsos.
This is 58-year-old Ivan's second trip to Sanya. Each time he comes, he goes to the Chinese medicine hospital for recovery treatments.
He says his back barely bothers him after his treatments.
"I don't have spare time in the summer, because I have to work. But I do have time in winter, so I come here for medical treatments. I want to deal with my aching spine, and this therapy is magic."
In early 2002, some victims of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant leakage experienced the effects of traditional Chinese medicine in Sanya.
In March of the same year, Russian Oil and Gas Corp (Rosneft) signed a five-year tourism contract with the Sanya Chinese Medicine Hospital. Under the contract, the company sends one thousand of its employees to the hospital each year for traditional Chinese medicinal treatment.
And in 2006 and 2007, the victims of the Beslan school hostage crisis came to Sanya for recovery treatment. One particular therapy, which combines traditional Chinese and western medicine, helped the kids recover from the physical and mental trauma, a process which was helped by a variety of entertainment events.
Heshengtang Spa Leisure Center is the best-known health recovery center among Russian tourists. With an area of over 5,000 square meters, the center employs a number of renowned experts on Chinese medicine from across the country to provide services for the customers. Their customers include influential politicians in Russia and Kazakhstan.

Xu Ruohong is the assistant general manager of the center.
"The period around New Year's Day witnesses the largest number of Russian guests. Every health recovery center received more Russian customers than usual. Usually, there are about 100 persons. They trust Chinese medicine very much. They spare a certain period of time each day and come here for treatment."
To meet domestic and overseas demand, Sanya is expediting development of its health recovery and recreation tourism projects. The Sanya International Friendship Traditional Chinese Medicine Convalescent Hospital is under construction, and will include a convalescent center, a training center and a health recovery center.
The local government has adopted the goal of developing Sanya into a "health city" -- a Chinese medicine health care and recovery center that will enjoy international popularity.
Li Qing, a senior official with Sanya Tourism Association, explains.
"It's become fashionable for Russian people to receive Chinese medicinal treatments while traveling. Sanya will spur the development of the Chinese medicinal treatment and recreation industry, providing more and better medical therapies for overseas tourists and offering more products through which they can experience Chinese culture."
Medical students from Austria, Sweden and other countries have also come to Sanya to participate in training sessions on acupuncture, massage and traditional Chinese medicine know-how.
Chinese medicine health recovery institutions in Sanya have signed contracts with relevant institutions in Russia and Kazakhstan to give medical treatment and training sessions.
The "Chinese Medicine Therapy Tour" is expected to play a positive role in communication between Chinese and other countries in the future.
2008-1-27