Zhuang medicinal resources such as cinnamon, aniseed and honeysuckle have good prospects for development, and specialists have also paid great attention to the development and comprehensive use of pseudo-ginseng, a ginger-like herb that can promote blood circulation.

The region is home to more than 4,000 traditional medicines, mostly herbs but also products derived from animals and minerals. Zhuang doctors commonly use as many as 700 traditional medicines.

"Now, in our hospital, modern experimental methods and technologies for disease diagnoses have accelerated the modernization of Zhuang medicine," Tan said.

Guangxi plays an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative, and the hospital is focusing on cooperation and exchanges with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It has signed cooperation agreements with hospitals in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Singapore.

It also organizes annual training courses. The first one, held last year, invited 27 doctors from five countries to Nanning for medical exchanges and to learn Zhuang medicine.

"We have had 260 foreign patients come to our hospital, and the number is increasing," Tan said. "We provide our best medical services to all patients, no matter where they are from.

"As we know there are many Muslims in ASEAN countries, the hospital provides a prayer room for them. We respect different cultures."

Hoa said she was one of two foreign doctors working at the hospital.

"We are very happy and grateful that we have the opportunity to work here," she said. "Work with my Chinese colleagues is really enjoyable, so I want to stay here as long as I can."