Editor's note: We have invited foreigners living in China to share their stories about the cities where they live and work. Kerbouche Abdeldjalil is a 22-year-old international student from Algeria. He is currently a sophomore majoring in pharmacy at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, Anhui province.

Studying biotechnology in my home country sparked my interest in the healing power of nature, particularly through phytotherapy. I became captivated by how our ancestors historically utilized the natural world to treat illnesses, which naturally led me to explore the profound medical system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

In September 2024, I passed an examination and got the opportunity to study TCM at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in Hefei, Anhui province. Since my arrival, I've had incredible experiences, including a fascinating tour of the university's museums. This immersion has deepened my appreciation for TCM's rich history.

In my second semester, we began exploring foundational concepts such as acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion, along with the essential idea of yin and yang. What impresses me most about TCM is its holistic philosophy — the notion that the body is an interconnected system and must be treated as a whole.