Shi Xiangdong, a doctor at the TCM department of Huayang Community Hospital in Shanghai's Changning district, receives more than 12,000 patients a year. Such is his reputation that many of his patients would travel two hours from remote districts to be treated by him.

"Patients have to make an appointment with me at least three months in advance because I simply have too many patients to handle," says the 48-year-old.

Shi handles multiple patients at any time. A row of timers on the wall helps him to keep track of the time left for each patient's treatment. He starts working around 7:30 am and does not stop till five hours later.