Reposted from Sohu.com: The handshake between 123-year-old longevity icon Wang Zhongquan and the chairman of Wansongtang heralds new hope for the health industry.
Release time：2024-12-26
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[Reprint Notice] This article is reprinted from Sohu.com, originally titled: “The Handshake Between 123-Year-Old Centenarian Wang Zhongquan and the Chairman of Wansongtang Conveys New Hope for the Health Industry,” published on December 15, 2024. Original article link: https://www.sohu.com/a/837562470_121814835
The main text is as follows:
On the eve of the 2024 Dragon Boat Festival in Changsha, Hunan, a 123-year-old elder, Wang Zhongquan, clasped hands tightly with Shen Xianli, Chairman of Wansongtang Greater Health Pharmaceutical Group. This handshake was not merely an exchange between two generations; it also symbolized the convergence of Chinese culture and the health‑care industry. Wang Zhongquan, Honorary Chairman of the Cross-Strait Cultural Exchange Association of China and Executive Director of the China Taiwan Strait Business and Industry Exchange Association, carries with him a profound legacy of history and culture. His life has spanned a century, witnessing the tumultuous vicissitudes of history, yet his passion for traditional Chinese medicine and his deep concern for the future of his homeland have remained undiminished.
During this encounter, Wang Zhongquan learned that Shen Xianli is working worldwide to integrate traditional Chinese medicine with modern nutrition, dedicated to promoting the greater health industry on a global scale. From the principle of “food and medicine sharing a common origin” to engaging in the international market, every step he takes is aimed at realizing his ambitious vision of building a time-honored brand with a century-long legacy.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Wang Zhongquan clasped Shen Xianli’s hand, his own trembling. This gesture was not only a show of support for the younger generation but also a signal to the world: Traditional Chinese Medicine is not merely a tradition—it is a bridge that connects the present with the future. “Loyal to the nation and the people, we forge an enduring legacy; like springs converging into vast rivers and seas, we irrigate our land stretching ten thousand miles.” With this couplet, Wang Zhongquan expressed his innermost aspirations; his life story mirrors the very words of these lines—filled with ardent love for his country and hopeful anticipation for its future.
Departing from Changsha and driving roughly 500 kilometers north, you’ll reach Suizhou in Hubei Province—the ancestral homeland of Yan Di, the legendary founder of Chinese civilization. Here, Shen Xianli’s family has long been steeped in the traditions of Chinese medicine; having grown up immersed in this cultural heritage, he has developed a deep affection for both the land and its rich history. As a child, he first heard the legendary tale of “Shennong tasting hundreds of herbs, encountering seventy-two poisons in a single day, and finding relief through tea,” a story that laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors.
Shen Xianli’s career began by honoring his family’s time-honored traditions and staying true to his original aspirations. After graduating from university, he devoted himself to the field of traditional Chinese medicine—though his path was far from smooth sailing. The hardships he endured in the early days of marketing smoking‑cessation products made him acutely aware of the critical importance of technology and innovation. In 1996, he serendipitously stumbled upon a secret smoking‑cessation formula passed down through his ancestors and resolved to develop his own line of cessation aids. Through countless experiments and relentless effort, he ultimately succeeded in creating “Lao Yan Jiang,” a smoking‑cessation liquid that seamlessly blends ancient TCM wisdom with modern science—and went on to achieve remarkable commercial success.
Shen Xianli did not stop there. In promoting his products, he made full use of the internet—a cutting-edge tool—pioneering his own approach to online marketing. Even in the early days of the internet economy, he keenly recognized this opportunity: he secured an 80,000-yuan loan to purchase computers and launched a website for product promotion, ultimately driving a dramatic surge in sales. It is precisely this spirit of innovation and exploration that has enabled Shen Xianli to advance ever further along the path of the greater health industry.
The success of the “long-time smoker” not only validated his confidence in the greater health industry but also fueled his determination to explore even more possibilities. Viewing honor and responsibility as inseparable, he resolved to develop another health‑promoting tea with hangover‑relieving properties, thereby carrying forward the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. As Wang Zhongquan hopes, Shen Xianli’s vision is poised to help TCM culture shine on an even broader stage. His story once again inspires countless young people to dedicate themselves to the greater health sector, embracing the mission and responsibility of safeguarding well‑being.
As symbolized by the handshake between Wang Zhongquan and Shen Xianli, history and the future, tradition and innovation are converging. Though 123 years old and advanced in years, Wang Zhongquan sees hope in this younger generation. He firmly believes that no matter how times may change, the spirit and culture of traditional Chinese medicine will never be forgotten; on the contrary, they will shine even more brilliantly within a new social context. This handshake represents both the passing down of culture and a shared commitment to the future. Amid the currents of the new era, we are fortunate to witness the health industry stepping forward with a fresh vigor, reaching every corner of the world and enriching people’s lives.
