Tongji University students recently learned to make sachets at Tianzifang in Shanghai, a tourist attraction steeped in artistic and historical significance.

The event commenced with a presentation by Professor Xu Zhen, who explained the cultural significance of sachets in Chinese tradition. Historically, sachets have been regarded as auspicious items, believed to ward off evil spirits and promote health and peace.

Professor Xu further introduced the medicinal herbs used in sachets, explaining the theory and applications of traditional Chinese medicine. Drawing from ancient works like Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) and Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica), he explained the holistic principles of harmony and balance, alongside diagnostic methods such as observation, smelling, questioning, and pulse-taking.

In the sachet-making session, students tried crafting sachets. They cut colorful fabrics and filled them with aromatic herbs like mugwort and osmanthus, infusing the room with a refreshing fragrance.

The event also featured a quiz on intangible cultural heritage and traditional Chinese medicine, helping students understand Chinese culture in a lively manner.

Source: International School of Tongji University