Lying in a Shanghai hospital and experiencing TCM cupping treatment for the first time, Republic of San Marino resident Fernando Ceccoli says the pain on his lower back was relieved after a short time.

"I feel the comfortable warmth of the bamboo cups," said Ceccoli, a 58-year-old retiree from the landlocked country on the northern Italian Peninsula. "I've never tried this before and I would like to try it again."

Ceccoli, along with another 50 members from the microstate, was taking part in an exchange program at Central Hospital of Shanghai Putuo District, organized by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

In the room next door, his counterpart Peverani Givseppe had just finished a short massage treatment on his shoulder and neck.

The foreign guests had been shown around the hospital and were invited to try the Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies on Monday.

"The TCM therapy is amazing. I'm glad I had the opportunity to try this magic," Givseppe said through an interpreter.

Liu Guizhen, chief physician at the hospital's rehabilitation department, explained: "Every year, 40 to 50 people come from overseas, including from countries like the United States, France, Belgium and Japan, to seek treatment here."

The hospital is known for combining TCM techniques, such as acupuncture, cupping and massage, with an evaluation system derived from Western medicine.

Liu said the exchange programs organized by the friendship association are helpful, as they promote cultural exchange and help more Westerners understand Chinese medicine and culture.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the association organized delegations from San Marino, New Zealand, Singapore and some expats from other countries on Monday to visit a middle school, a hospital, a farmers' market and community recreational centers in Shanghai.

Monday's celebration also featured a performance of the San Marino delegation's exotic flag-waving show, a square dance by Shanghai women and a martial arts performance by local students.

"It is such a delight to have friends coming from afar to review the stormy history we've weathered, to look toward a better future and to create a new chapter in exchanges between Chinese and foreign people," said Zhou Minhao, head of Putuo district, at the ceremony.

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Peverani Givseppe, a member of a visiting delegation from San Marino, tries Chinese massage at Central Hospital of Shanghai Putuo District on Monday.Gao Erqiang / China Daily