A new wave of medical tourism in China is sweeping the globe. Increasingly, overseas tourists are choosing to combine scenic travel with high-quality, efficient healthcare. From Canada to the UK, international patients are flying in to experience China’s advanced medical capabilities. For those interested in these services, you can explore our International Patient Services.
The Rise of Medical Tourism in China: High Efficiency
In the past, Chinese patients sought treatment in Western countries. Today, the trend has reversed. Hainan Boao Lecheng, China’s only “Medical Special Zone,” has become a core hub for this shift.
In May 2025, a Canadian patient successfully underwent a lipoma surgery at Ruijin Hospital Hainan Branch. The cost was significantly lower than in Canada, and it eliminated the long waiting times. Furthermore, data shows that Shanghai’s public hospitals served over 73,200 foreign patients in 2025.
Patients consistently praise the efficiency, time-saving processes, and outstanding cost-performance ratio. This solid reputation stems from China’s steady rise in medical capabilities. According to the prestigious Lancet global healthcare quality rankings , China ranks near the top, capable of providing safe and professional services for both complex and chronic conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Becomes a New Trend
Beyond advanced surgeries, medical tourism in China also highlights traditional therapies. For many overseas visitors, acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine are fascinating “Eastern mysteries.” These have become part of the new must-try experiences for travelers.
Take 68-year-old British tourist Karen as an example. After failing to find relief for severe headaches in the US and UK, she visited Yangshuo People’s Hospital. After just 20 days of systematic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment, her symptoms significantly improved. Specifically, TCM services accounted for 26.8% of all foreign outpatient visits in Yangshuo in 2025.
Treatments like acupuncture and cupping are highly favored for treating travel fatigue and muscle pain. Yangshuo has seamlessly integrated these services into tourist scenarios, including scenic spots, homestays, and night markets. Consequently, this holistic approach has won widespread recognition from global tourists.
A Nationwide Expansion
This boom is not limited to Hainan and Yangshuo. Other regions are leveraging their unique resources. For instance, Hunchun in Jilin Province offers classic TCM therapies to Russian tourists, while Menghai County in Yunnan attracts foreigners with Dai traditional medicine. Supported by new national policies to build international medical tourism zones, the influx of global patients seeking care in China will undoubtedly continue to grow.
