[Blessing from Zhongjing]

In memory of the outstanding achievements of Zhang Zhongjing and to promote his traditional virtues of benefiting the world and saving lives, Zhongjing Wanxi Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd. has established the Medical Sage Mountain Tourist Area. A statue of Zhang Zhongjing was erected on the Medical Sage Mountain for worship and commemoration.

On the morning of September 21, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., Zhongjing Wanxi Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd. invited over 500 leaders, experts from various regions across the country, as well as news media units including CCTV, to gather at the Medical Sage Mountain for the unveiling ceremony of the statue.

At that time, heavy rain poured from the sky, and the red silk covering the statue could not be unveiled due to the long rainfall. People had no choice but to offer incense and bow. After three bows, a sudden gust of hot wind and an almost appearing rainbow in the sky caused the red silk to gently fall down on its own. The heavy rain on the Medical Sage Mountain gradually stopped, and the weather cleared up slowly. Everyone exclaimed, "The Medical Sage blesses us!" This phenomenon was considered miraculous and widely spread in the local area. Since then, the incense offerings at the Medical Sage Mountain have thrived, and visitors continuously pay respect and offer incense to Zhang Zhongjing.

[Medical Services Provided in ‘Tang’]

In his middle age, Zhang Zhongjing excelled in medicine and was known for his generosity. During the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty, he was recommended as a filial and incorruptible official, and eventually became the Governor of Changsha during the Jian'an period of the Eastern Han Dynasty. At that time, due to strict hierarchical norms, officials were not allowed to enter private homes. Therefore, on the first and fifteenth day of each month, Zhang Zhongjing would no longer ascend the public hall to handle official duties. Instead, he would take off his official robes and sit in the courtyard of the government office to provide free medical consultations for the people.

Over time, people from all around would gather at the government office on the first and fifteenth day of each month to seek medical help from Zhang Zhongjing. This practice gave rise to the timeless tale of “providing medical services in ‘Tang’”. Even now, many hospitals and pharmacies are named with “XXX Tang” in honor of Zhang Zhongjing’s virtuous act of providing medical care while seated in his office. Throughout the centuries, it has been a tradition for people to burn incense and make wishes to Zhang Zhongjing on the first and fifteenth of each month, praying for the safety of their loved ones, prosperity in the family, and happiness in life.

[The Legend of Dumplings]

Legend has it that when Zhang Zhongjing served as the Governor of Changsha, he often provided medical care for the people and treated their illnesses. During a rampant epidemic in the area one year, he set up a large pot at the gate of the government office, using medicine to save the people, and earned the deep admiration of the people of Changsha.

Upon returning to his hometown of BaIhe after retiring from Changsha, Zhang Zhongjing arrived on the winter solstice to find many impoverished people on the banks of the river suffering from hunger and cold, their ears frostbitten. At that time, there was a prevalent epidemic of typhoid fever, resulting in many deaths. Distressed by what he saw, Zhang Zhongjing was determined to help them.

Back at home, he was overwhelmed with people seeking medical assistance, but he always kept in mind those impoverished people with frostbitten ears. Following the methods he used in Changsha, he instructed his disciples to set up a medical tent on an empty plot of land at Dongguan in Nanyang. They erected a large pot and on the day of the winter solstice, they provided medicine to treat the injuries of the poor.

The medicine created by Zhang Zhongjing was called "Jiao Er Decoction for Dispelling Cold," developed from over 300 years of clinical practice during the Han Dynasty. The method involved boiling lamb meat, chili peppers, and various herbs to dispel cold in a pot. Once cooked, these ingredients were chopped into small pieces, wrapped in dough to resemble ear shapes called "Jiao Er," which were then boiled and distributed to the patients seeking treatment. Each person received two "Jiao Er" and a bowl of soup. After consuming the decoction, the patients would experience a warming sensation throughout their bodies, improved blood circulation, and their ears would warm up.

The common folk would eat this on the winter solstice until the New Year's Eve, successfully warding off the typhoid fever and healing the frostbitten ears. Dumplings originally named "Jiao Er," today, we no longer need to use these ear-shaped remedies for frostbitten ears, but dumplings have since become a popular and beloved food item.