What actually happens to travelers here.
A US prescription doesn't let you buy any controlled medication in China. Bring your own supply in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Counterfeit pharmaceutical risk outside major chains.
Beijing, Tianjin, and northern China can have severe air-quality days, especially NovemberβMarch. Respiratory-condition travelers should bring N95 masks and check daily AQI.
Any cannabinoid product is prohibited. Customs uses THC testing. No exception for CBD isolate.
Beijing United Family, Shanghai United Family, and similar international-focused hospitals offer English service and direct billing. Rural healthcare is basic β evacuate to major cities for anything serious.
The system.
System: Mixed public-private system. Public hospitals are the backbone, but tourists typically pay out-of-pocket at international departments.
Quality: β β β β β Very Good
Tier-1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) have world-class hospitals with international wings. Rural areas have limited resources. Overcrowding is common at public hospitals. VIP/international departments offer faster, English-friendly service.
China is an emerging medical tourism destination, particularly for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dental care, and certain surgical procedures in Shanghai and Beijing.
Where to actually go.
International-standard private hospital. Direct insurance billing. Major credit cards accepted.
Full-service international hospital. 24/7 emergency department.
One of China's top-ranked public hospitals. International department has English-speaking staff.
Foreign-run clinic catering to expats and tourists. Appointments recommended.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Most pharmacies open 8:30am-9pm daily. 24/7 pharmacies available in major cities.
Prescription rules: Many medications that require prescriptions in Western countries are available OTC in China. However, antibiotics officially require a prescription. Foreign prescriptions are not accepted β you need a Chinese doctor's prescription for controlled medicines.
Look for green cross signs or chains like Guoda Pharmacy (ε½ε€§θ―ζΏ) and Tongjitang (εζ΅ε ). Many OTC medicines are available without prescription. Pharmacists rarely speak English β use a translation app or bring written Chinese.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen (εΈζ΄θ¬)
- paracetamol/acetaminophen (ε―ΉδΉι °ζ°¨εΊι )
- cold medicine (ζεθ―)
- stomach/digestive medicine (θθ―)
- allergy medication (ζθΏζθ―)
- band-aids and basic first aid supplies
Useful pharmacy phrases
- ζιθ¦ε€΄ηθ―
- ζθεηΌ
- ζε―Ή...θΏζ
- ζθΏηθ―εΊε¨εͺιοΌ
- ζιθ¦ηε»η
Chains you'll see
- Watsons (ε±θ£ζ°) β Green and white Watsons logo (Major cities throughout mainland China)
- Mannings β Red and white signage (Tier 1 cities, often inside malls)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen β Panadol or Tylenol
Panadol and Tylenol are both available; locals also use generic brands. - ibuprofen β Brufen or Advil
Available at most pharmacies. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) β Imodium
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a bilingual (English/Chinese) doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names. Keep all medicines in original packaging. For controlled substances, carry only trip-duration quantities.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall Β· Sudafed Β· Codeine Β· CBD Β· Tramadol Β· Xanax Β· Opioids
Strictly controlled due to methamphetamine precursor laws. Bring only small personal quantities with documentation.
Require documentation. Bring a doctor's letter and keep in original packaging. Large quantities may be confiscated.
Bring a doctor's letter in English and Chinese if possible. Quantities should not exceed personal use for trip duration.
Cannabis in any form is strictly illegal in China. CBD products containing any THC are prohibited.
If something breaks.
Availability: Dental care is widely available in major cities. International dental clinics in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer high-quality care.
Cost range: Β₯200-800 ($30-110) for a basic consultation; Β₯500-3,000 ($70-420) for fillings or extractions
Arrail Dental and Jiamei Dental are reputable chains with English-speaking dentists in major cities.
What you actually need.
π‘οΈ Recommended
Average cost: $30-60/week
Hospitals require upfront payment (cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay preferred β credit cards often not accepted outside international departments). Travel insurance with direct billing to international hospital departments is highly recommended.
Filing a claim
Chinese hospitals typically require upfront payment. Keep all receipts (εη₯¨ fΔpiΓ o) and request an English medical certificate. International departments at major hospitals can provide documentation for insurance claims. File claims with your insurer within 30 days.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $25-60 |
| ER visit | $80-300 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $150-500 |
| Ambulance | $30-150 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Local treatment is excellent in major cities
Secondary destination: Singapore or Tokyo
Typical cost band: $30,000-100,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle the vast majority of cases β air evacuation is rarely needed for tourists. If a condition exceeds local capacity: Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and major Chinese cities have world-class tertiary hospitals β Singapore is the regional super-hub for the most specialized cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis (for rural or prolonged stays)
- Rabies (for adventure travelers or rural areas)
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, polio) are up to date.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Bottled-Only β Do not drink tap water in China. Boiled water is safe and widely available (hotels provide electric kettles). Bottled water is inexpensive and available everywhere. Avoid ice in drinks outside high-end establishments.
Food safety
Eat freshly cooked food from busy restaurants. Street food is generally safe if cooked to order. Avoid raw vegetables and salads from questionable sources. Wash or peel fruits yourself. Stick to busy, popular food stalls.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Beijing: 010-8295-1332 (International SOS 24-hour assistance)
English-speaking therapists: Available in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou through international clinics. Expect Β₯800-2,000 ($110-280) per session.
English-language mental health services are limited to major cities. International SOS and United Family hospitals offer counseling services.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com β crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility infrastructure is improving rapidly in major cities but remains limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
Hospital accessibility: Major international hospitals and new public hospitals are wheelchair accessible. Older hospitals may have limited accessibility.
Accessible transport: Beijing and Shanghai metros have elevators at most stations. Accessible taxis are limited β use Didi app to request wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
New attractions and hotels generally meet accessibility standards. Older tourist sites (Great Wall, temples) may have significant barriers. Plan ahead and contact attractions directly.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: Masks are no longer required but remain common in healthcare settings and on public transit.
Testing availability: PCR and antigen tests available at hospitals and designated testing sites. Cost: Β₯50-200 ($7-28).
China lifted COVID entry restrictions in early 2023. Healthcare facilities may still require masks.
China travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State β travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Beijing
- China National Health Commission
- WHO International Travel and Health