In September 2020, Zhang Boli was awarded the national honorary title, "the People's Hero," for his outstanding contribution to the country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The decision was made to commend people who have contributed to the fight, and carry forward their dedication and other noble qualities. 

This short documentary was produced by Tianjin Haihe Media Group, which told Dr. Zhang’s story on the battle against COVID-19 during the pandemic. In 2020, Zhang Boli, 72, made the world recognize the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by leading an expert team to treat COVID-19 infections in Wuhan, China's frontline in the battle against the novel coronavirus disease. 

As head of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhang arrived in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province on January 27, the third day of China's Lunar New Year and the fifth day into the megacity's lockdown for pandemic control. 

Zhang Boli and over 300 other doctors formed a TCM medical team. They were stationed at a temporary hospital in Wuhan's Jiangxia district using TCM decoctions with other treatments such as massage, acupuncture and physical exercises from Tai Chi and Baduanjin, a traditional aerobics form, to treat COVID-19 patients. 

With Zhang's pioneering practices, TCM treatment has been given to 90 percent of COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, relieving symptoms, slowing the progression of the disease, reducing mortality and boosting recovery.