In 2024, the Gerson Institute’s leadership team embarked on a journey to China as part of a site visit and inspection for licensing as an official Gerson clinic location. The requirements to become a licensed Gerson clinic are rigorous and take several years to implement, with a high standard of care set by decades of service from the existing licensed locations in Mexico (Health Institute de Tijuana) and Hungary (Gerson Europe).

The team included the Gerson Institute’s Executive Director, Nicole Ferrer-Clement; Patient Relations Manager, Barbara Garcia; Senior Clinical Instructor and Course Leader, Dr. Henry McGrath; Chief Administrator of Gerson Europe, Noemi Borsa; and Senior Clinical Instructor, CEO and Lead Physician of Gerson Europe, Dr. Melania Nagy. Hailing from the United States, Hungary, and England, this group has nearly 100 years combined experience with the Gerson Therapy.

Why China?
While China may seem like an unexpected location for a licensed Gerson clinic, the countries long history of Traditional Chinese Medicine and general attitude towards natural modalities offers a conducive environment for the Gerson Therapy. In addition, this facility meets the most critical requirement to become a licensed Gerson clinic: a qualified, experienced physician certified through the Gerson Institute, who has long demonstrated thoughtful application of the Gerson Therapy.

Dr. Jervin Lim, a Certified Gerson Practitioner since 2009, has supported numerous cancer patients in their healing journey through the thoughtful application of Gerson Therapy principles in Southeast Asia. In 2020, Dr. Chen Ping – the recognized holder of the official representation rights for Gerson Therapy in China – approached Dr. Lim to acknowledge the encouraging outcomes observed under his guidance, and to explore opportunities for collaboration. United by their shared commitment to the healing principles of the Gerson Therapy, both parties agreed to jointly promote and expand its application across Chinese communities. Together with Mr. Jonathan Peng, who joined as investor and director, and Ms. Yang Fei, a core founding member providing strategic and operational leadership, the collaboration gained strong momentum. With the invaluable support of the Diqing Shangri-La Development Zone Government, this united effort culminated in the establishment of the Gerson International Health Care Base in the scenic Diqing Shangri-La Development Zone – a pioneering initiative in integrative cancer care rooted in the Gerson philosophy.

Located in the scenic Diqing Shangri-La Development Zone in Yunnan Province, the clinic occupies a peaceful corner of southwest China. Situated in the hills beneath the Kawagarbo Mountains, Diqing County is home to the city of Shangri-La. To Westerners, Shangri-La evokes a vision of “paradise on earth”. The name was first coined and made famous by author James Hilton’s book, Lost Horizon, and subsequent film adaptations in the 1920s and 1970s. The area was originally called Zhongdian before being renamed to Shangri-La in 2001.

Welcome to Shangri-La
After many hours of traveling, the group arrived in Yunnan province, warmly welcomed by Dr. Jervin Lim and his dedicated team. The one hour drive up long, winding hills went by in a flash, and Gerson’s leadership delegation arrived in Shangri-La.

Exiting the vehicle, the group stood in awe – before them, in huge bright letters – Gerson International Wellness Center. This building is a newly renovated hotel and conference space dedicated to Gerson patients, their families, and furthering Gerson education in China. It has a dining hall, conference room, and offices for the Gerson Shangri-La team. There are two separate “wings” of the hotel, separated by a lovely courtyard with a pond, fountain, and gazebo – perfect for conversation or quiet reflection. Inside, the rooms are spacious and comfortable with standard amenities.

The morning sun shines high above the mountain range, and the peaceful atmosphere stirs with locals beginning their morning routines. The leadership group, accompanied by Dr. Lim and his team, walk about 10 minutes before arriving at the hospital. While there are cars and trucks driving around, it is quite relaxed; the team walked in the street without disturbance.

The Diqing County People’s Hospital has dedicated an entire floor to the Gerson Therapy. The floor has 10 patient rooms, staff offices, a nurse’s station, and separate rooms where juice and coffee are prepared, and where supplements, clay, and castor oil are stored. Lab work, Ultrasound, and CT scans are performed in the lower floors, with results returned within two hours.

The hospital grounds are serene and filled with nature. With the Jinsha River (Upper Yangtze River) as a backdrop, patients often do therapy sessions in the gazebo’s overlooking the river. With a sea of plants and flowers, the hospital campus offers a peaceful and healing atmosphere.

Just a few blocks away is their Gerson Kitchen & Café, where Gerson meals are prepared. Patients enjoy the short walk to eat their meals, although meals are delivered to the patient at the hospital as needed. Local markets display a beautiful assortment of fruits and vegetables for sale – grapes, apples, dragon fruit, peaches, pears and pomegranates. Pesticide-free farming practices are observed in the region, as locals wish to preserve their land, along with traditional practices.

Meet the Shangri-La Team
Dr. Lim has assembled a highly skilled, experienced, and dedicated team who – through a formal licensing agreement – will also carry out the Gerson Practitioner Training program and Gerson Caregiver Training in China. This comprehensive licensing agreement ensures quality, accuracy, and oversight while fostering a strong, long-term collaborative partnership with the Gerson Institute.

Dr. Chen Ping
Dr. Chen Ping is a pioneering figure in the introduction and advocacy of Gerson Therapy in China. As a devoted ambassador of the XiangGerson approach, she has worked passionately to bring this healing philosophy into Chinese homes, benefiting countless families. Her leadership was instrumental in gaining recognition and strong support from the Diqing Shangri-La Development Zone Government, leading to the successful launch of the Gerson International Health Care Base. With deep dedication and vision, Dr. Chen has become a central figure in the history of Gerson Therapy in China – her contributions are both profound and enduring.

Faith, Fei Yang
Faith has over fifteen years experience as an oncology nurse, where she performed pre- and post-operative care, wound care, and emergency treatment. Her father is a recovered Gerson patient under Dr. Lim’s care. Having been both an oncological nurse and a devoted caretaker for her father during his Gerson Therapy journey, Faith brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and personal compassion. Her medical background allows her to support patients with complex needs, while her caregiving experience offers deep empathy for the Gerson healing process. Known for her calm presence and commitment to holistic care, Faith is a trusted ally to both Gerson Practitioners and Gerson patients alike. She will also serve as the primary administrator for the Gerson Practitioner Training Program in China, helping to guide and support new practitioners with clarity, consistency, and cultural insight.

Mark, Jingye He
Mark is a National Registered Public Nutritionist in China, who also graduated from culinary school. He is the Chief Gerson Chef and Health Coach who helps patients implement the therapy at home. In 2016, Mark began groundwork for the education and infrastructure needed for the Gerson Therapy in his home town. His work was instrumental in making the Gerson Therapy viable in the region over time. Mark is a gifted chef, enthusiastic and passionate about helping people implement the therapy at home. He will be the primary trainer for Gerson caregivers in China.

Ellie, Yun Shu Yang
Ellie has over twelve years experience in cancer psychology counseling, integrating psychology with various healing methods. The group was impressed to learn about how Ellie leads the psychological and spiritual support for Gerson patients. In addition to counseling sessions, patients participate in traditional tea ceremonies (using Gerson-approved herbal teas), music therapy, group reading, and grounding activities like picking wildflowers from the hospital grounds to create flower arrangements.

In 2025, Dr. Huang BoYao and Dr. Lin JingWen completed theoretical training with the Gerson Institute and joined Gerson Shangri-La’s XiangGe Academy as Gerson Practitioners-in-Training.

Connection Through Healing
Most rewarding of all, recovered patients are presented with a certificate and a “Gerson Warrior” medal to honor and recognize their success. The leadership team was fortunate to hear several patient testimonials; two via Zoom (an incredible colorectal cancer recovery and an equally incredible recovery from severe, whole body eczema); and two in-person presented by the wives of the recovered patients. The group was then presented with a surprise and incredible honor: one of the recovered patients was in attendance with his wife, and the Gerson leadership team presented him with his certificate and medal.

The neighborhood has a slow-paced, comfortable feel. The air is crisp and clean with a temperate climate. Locals and patients enjoy lovely evening walks along the river, and in the center of town at 7:00PM every day, a large circle forms, and locals unite to perform traditional group circle dances.

Gerson China, Shangri-La is in many ways the paradise on earth that it is known for. After a successful site inspection and entering into a formal agreement, the Gerson Institute is proud, honored, and thrilled to announce a new licensed Gerson clinic location: Gerson Shangri-La, China.

Questions about this new location?

Watch the replay of our live Q&A webinar with Executive Director, Nicole Ferrer-Clement, and Clinical Director of Gerson Shangri-La, Dr. Jervin Lim.

Learn More

For more information, including session, application, and admission details, contact [email protected] or [email protected].