The 2026 Huangfu Mi Acupuncture Academic and Cultural Forum is held in Lingtai county, Pingliang, Gansu province, from Sept 11 to 13. [Photo/Gansu Daily]

The 2026 Huangfu Mi Acupuncture Academic and Cultural Forum was held in Lingtai county, Pingliang, Gansu province, from Sept 11 to 13, exploring the preservation and development of traditional Chinese acupuncture.

Under the theme "Exploring the Essence of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and Discussing Paths for Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance", the forum featured discussions on the inheritance and innovation of Huangfu Mi's acupuncture culture and its integration with the health and wellness industry.

During the event, Lingtai promoted its acupuncture and wellness resources, while the China Economic Information Service of Xinhua News Agency released an index on Huangfu Mi's traditional Chinese medicine health and wellness industry. Eight experts also shared insights on preserving acupuncture-related intangible cultural heritage.

Lingtai is the hometown of Huangfu Mi, a renowned figure in the history of acupuncture. The county has developed various industries including acupuncture therapy, traditional Chinese medicine study programs, ecological wellness, and leisure tourism. Its traditional Chinese medicine and cultural tourism wellness industries have generated 750 million yuan ($111 million) in output value to date.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), Lingtai plans to promote the standardized, branded, and market-oriented development of its acupuncture and wellness industry, targeting an annual output value of more than 500 million yuan by 2030.