By Jing (based in China) + Kai | Last verified: March 2026
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- Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) IMS — 1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing. Top public hospital, English-speaking doctors. Consultation: ¥300–800.
- Beijing United Family Hospital — 2 Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang. 24/7 emergency, direct insurance billing. Consultation: ¥800–1,500.
- Shanghai United Family Hospital — 1139 Xianxia Road, Changning. 24/7 emergency, pediatric, dental, specialist.
- ParkwayHealth Shanghai — 1376 West Nanjing Road. Walk-in clinic, same-day appointments.
- Guangzhou United Family Hospital — 306 Jiefang North Road. 24/7 emergency, tropical medicine specialists.
- Clifford Hospital International — 8 Foliao Road, Panyu. Lower costs, international accreditation.
- Shenzhen United Family Hospital — 1008 Taizi Road, Shekou. 24/7 emergency and dental.
- ParkwayHealth Shenzhen — 1001 Shennan Road, Futian. Central location, urgent care.
- Chengdu United Family Hospital — 48 South Kehua Road. Altitude sickness expertise for Tibet/Yunnan travelers.
- West China Hospital International — 37 Guoxue Alley. Top-tier public hospital, affordable care.
- Bring: Passport, insurance policy number, any current medications
- Registration (挂号): Provide passport, fill short form, pay registration fee (¥300–1,500)
- Wait: 10 min (private international) to 1–2 hours (public hospital)
- Consultation: Doctor examines you, orders tests if needed
- Pay for tests/medication (收费): Pay upfront unless insurance covers direct billing
- Complete tests / pick up medication (药房): Results usually within 1–2 hours
- Follow-up: Book at registration desk before leaving
Pro tip: If you don't speak Chinese, bring a translation app or book a medical translator in advance.
- Minimum ¥1,000,000 (≈$140,000) medical coverage including emergency evacuation
- Repatriation coverage is non-negotiable (can exceed $100,000)
- Most Chinese public hospitals do NOT accept direct billing — pay upfront, claim later
Recommended providers: World Nomads, Allianz Travel, SafetyWing.
Keep digital and physical copies of your policy with your passport at all times.
- Up to 3 months personal supply allowed
- Must not be on China's controlled substances list (check NMPA website; Adderall, certain opioids, some sleeping pills are controlled)
- Carry original prescription (English + Chinese translation preferred) in original packaging
- Watsons: In all major cities, some English-speaking staff, imported OTC meds
- Neptune Pharmacy: Large chain, wide selection of Chinese and imported medications
- Traveler's diarrhea: Most common issue. Avoid tap water, ice from street vendors, raw vegetables at cheap restaurants. Bring Imodium and oral rehydration salts.
- Air pollution: Northern China, winter months (Nov–Mar). Wear N95 mask if AQI > 150. Use the Air Matters app.
- Altitude sickness: Tibet, western Sichuan, high-altitude Yunnan (above 3,000m). Ascend slowly, avoid alcohol, carry Diamox.
- Heat exhaustion: Southern China (Jun–Aug), often above 35°C. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, take AC breaks.
- All United Family Hospital locations have English-speaking psychiatrists and psychologists
- Crisis hotline: Shanghai Mental Health Center 24/7 English line: +86 21 6438 7250
- Independent clinics in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer therapy in English
- Dental: Cleaning ¥300–600, filling ¥500–1,500, crown ¥2,000–4,000 (70% cheaper than US prices)
- Optical: Prescription glasses ¥200–800, ready in 1–2 hours. No prescription needed for contacts. Mojing Glasses chain in all major cities.
- No mandatory vaccinations required for entry as of 2026
- Recommended: Hepatitis A and Typhoid, especially for street food and rural travel
- Malaria: Only in very remote Yunnan/Hainan border areas near Myanmar/Vietnam. Not a risk in major cities.
- Routine vaccinations (measles, tetanus) should be up to date
All COVID-19 entry requirements were lifted in early 2024. No testing, quarantine, or vaccination required. Mask wearing is optional but common on public transport in winter. Buy OTC fever/cold medication at any pharmacy for mild symptoms.
- Call 120 for ambulance (most operators don't speak English — ask hotel staff or locals to call)
- Go directly to nearest international hospital emergency department (24/7)
- WeDoctor WeChat mini-program: English-language online consultations 24/7, medication delivered in 1–2 hours
- Bring a translator to the emergency room if you don't speak Chinese
This guide is maintained by Jing (living in China) and Kai (AI partner). If something changed since we wrote this, let us know: [email protected]
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