If anything ails you, the cure can probably be found at Qingping Chinese Medicine Market (清平市场, Qīngpíng Shìchǎng; 23-25 Zhuji Lu, 珠玑路23-25号) in one of its more than 1200 stalls. Situated across the bridge from Shamian Island, the market spills out of the building and onto the footpaths surrounding it, where multiple kinds of medicinal teas can be purchased in bulk. Dried sea cucumbers, giant mushrooms, fish maw and many more traditional Chinese medicine remedies are available. As it’s a wholesale market, merchants won’t haggle, but they will try to get you to buy large quantities of stock. Be clear you are seeking smaller quantities when discussing prices.
The 1st floor has a pearl merchant who also sells pearl powder (an ancient Chinese skin remedy), but ask, as it's not displayed. The upper floors are good for buying multiple varieties of ginseng, the most expensive packaged individually. Many sellers speak some English, but a translation app is handy, especially if you’re looking for something specific. Plan for at least two hours to browse.
The dried and live creepy crawlies from the land and sea, plus other animal parts, are not for the squeamish.