Medical Tourism in China

Which city in China is right for your treatment?

Explore China's leading medical tourism destinations and discover the best cities for health screening, cancer treatment, CAR-T therapy, proton therapy, and specialist care. Six cities serve international patients, each with different clinical strengths, at costs 60–80% lower than the US or Europe. This guide helps you choose.

Medical Tourism Destinations in China

Why choose China for medical tourism?

China offers a diverse range of medical tourism destinations, each with unique strengths. Whether you're seeking executive health screening, cancer treatment, CAR-T therapy, proton therapy, or specialist care, choosing the right city can make a significant difference to your medical journey — and international patients increasingly choose China for a combination of advanced technology, affordable costs, world-class hospitals, and dedicated concierge support.

Advanced Medical Technology

Heavy-ion and proton therapy centres, NMPA-approved CAR-T products, and robotic surgery platforms on par with or ahead of Western equivalents.

Affordable Treatment Costs

Treatment costs quoted directly by the hospital, typically 60–80% below equivalent care in the US or Europe.

World-Class Hospitals

Tertiary hospitals and specialist cancer centres with high clinical volume, international patient departments, and English-language support.

Healthcare Concierge Support

China Care coordinates hospital matching, medical records translation, visa support, and logistics from your first enquiry to discharge.

Popular Medical Tourism Cities

Which Chinese city is best for your medical needs?

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, and Hainan / Boao are the six Chinese cities with the most experience treating overseas medical tourists — each specialising in different treatments, from CAR-T therapy and heavy-ion radiotherapy to executive health screening. Use the “Best For” list on each card as a quick reference, then get in touch and China Care will confirm the right fit for your specific case.

Cost Comparison

What does treatment cost in China vs the rest of the world?

China's public hospitals deliver care at a fraction of Western prices — without compromising on technology or outcomes. For patients from the US, UK, Australia, the Gulf, or Southeast Asia, the savings are substantial enough to cover travel, accommodation, and support services many times over.

70–80%
Average saving vs US costs for CAR-T cell therapy
$30K
vs $150K+ in the US for heavy-ion radiotherapy
~$2,500
Executive health screening vs $8,000–$15,000 in Singapore or the Gulf
No markup
Treatment costs quoted directly by the hospital — zero treatment markup from China Care
Treatment China USA UK Germany Singapore Thailand India
CAR-T Cell Therapy (domestic product) $125,000–$215,000 $400,000–$500,000 $300,000–$450,000 $250,000–$380,000 $250,000–$350,000 Not available $90,000–$150,000
CAR-T Cell Therapy (imported, Boao zone) $120,000–$180,000 $400,000–$500,000 $300,000–$450,000 $250,000–$380,000 $250,000–$350,000 Not available Not available
Heavy-Ion Radiotherapy $30,000–$45,000 $120,000–$180,000 Not available $80,000–$120,000 Not available Not available Not available
Proton Therapy $25,000–$40,000 $80,000–$120,000 $60,000–$100,000 $50,000–$80,000 $40,000–$70,000 $30,000–$50,000 $15,000–$30,000
Liver Cancer Surgery (hepatectomy) $8,000–$18,000 $60,000–$120,000 $40,000–$80,000 $30,000–$60,000 $25,000–$45,000 $12,000–$22,000 $6,000–$14,000
Lung Cancer Surgery (lobectomy) $10,000–$20,000 $70,000–$130,000 $45,000–$85,000 $35,000–$65,000 $28,000–$50,000 $14,000–$26,000 $7,000–$16,000
Bone Marrow Transplant (allogeneic) $30,000–$60,000 $300,000–$500,000 $150,000–$300,000 $100,000–$180,000 $80,000–$140,000 Limited availability $25,000–$55,000
Executive Health Screening (comprehensive) $1,800–$3,500 $5,000–$15,000 $3,000–$8,000 $2,500–$6,000 $3,500–$10,000 $1,500–$4,000 $800–$2,500
PET-CT Scan $800–$1,200 $5,000–$10,000 $1,800–$3,500 $1,500–$3,000 $2,000–$4,000 $1,200–$2,200 $500–$1,000

All figures are indicative estimates in USD. Actual costs depend on diagnosis, disease stage, hospital, and individual treatment plan. Treatment costs are quoted directly by the hospital — China Care does not add to, inflate, or mark up the hospital's quoted treatment cost. Prices current as of 2026.
Sources: US CAR-T list prices from manufacturer label filings (Novartis Kymriah, Gilead/Kite Yescarta); UK/Germany figures from published NHS England and German DRG reimbursement data; Singapore figures from published private-hospital rate cards (Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth); India figures from published Apollo and Fortis Hospital rate schedules; China CAR-T approvals verified via NMPA official registry; clinical trial availability via ClinicalTrials.gov; China treatment cost figures from hospital-issued quotes coordinated by China Care (2024–2026).

City Comparison

Which city is right for your treatment?

A quick reference guide summarising which Chinese city is best for your medical needs — Beijing for cancer, CAR-T, and rare diseases; Shanghai for international care and executive health screening; Guangzhou for cancer and stem cell research; Shenzhen for health screening and medical innovation; Wuhan for comprehensive specialist care; and Hainan / Boao for innovative medicines. China Care will recommend the most appropriate city based on your specific diagnosis and records.

City CAR-T Therapy Heavy Ion Experimental Drugs Health Screening Near Hong Kong Visa-Free Entry
Guangzhou ✓ Strong Limited ✓ Yes ✓ 47 min HSR 240h transit
Beijing ✓ Leading Limited ✓ Clinical trials ✓ Yes 240h transit
Shanghai ✓ Yes ✓ Leading Limited ✓ Yes 240h transit
Hainan / Boao ✓ Imported products ✓ Yes ✓ Unique access ✓ Yes ✓ 59 nationalities
Shenzhen ✓ Yes Limited ✓ Yes ✓ 20 min MTR 240h transit
Wuhan ✓ Yes ✓ Clinical trials ✓ Yes 240h transit
How China Care Helps

From your first question to discharge — handled by your concierge

1
Submit Your Medical Needs

Send us your diagnosis, medical records, or screening interest. Not sure where to go? We review your case and recommend the most appropriate hospital and city.

2
Receive Personalised Recommendations

We forward your case to the hospital and obtain their initial assessment — confirming whether they can accept you as a patient and providing a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate in English.

3
Choose Your Hospital

Already have a hospital in mind? We help you engage them directly. Otherwise, we confirm the specific hospital, department, and physician team suited to your case.

4
Travel to China with Our Support

The hospital issues your medical visa invitation letter. We coordinate airport transfer, hospital admission, and interpreters — and remain your point of contact for 90 days after discharge.

Real Cases

Patient journeys

CAR-T — Beijing
David T. — Canada
14 months sustained remission

His oncologist in Toronto had no further options to offer. Within a week we had identified an active trial. He is now in complete remission, fourteen months later. “I had been told there were no options left.”

Health Screening — Shanghai
Anonymous L. — Singapore
Early-stage finding, treated successfully

Quoted $14,000 by a Singapore private hospital, she contacted us while planning a business trip to China. We booked a 2-day full-body programme for $4,200. Screening flagged a 1.2cm nodule later confirmed as early-stage.

Dental — Shenzhen
Anonymous R. — United Kingdom
Full restoration completed in 6 days

Quoted £28,000 in London, he contacted us via the website form. Total cost including flights and accommodation: under £9,000. Full-arch restoration across two visits over 6 days.

Common Questions

Medical tourism in China — frequently asked questions

Which city is best for medical tourism in China?
It depends on your treatment need. Beijing and Guangzhou lead for CAR-T therapy and cancer treatment; Shanghai for proton and heavy-ion radiotherapy and international hospital standards; Shenzhen for executive health screening and proximity to Hong Kong; Wuhan for comprehensive specialist care and transplantation; and Hainan / Boao for access to internationally approved medicines not yet available elsewhere in China. China Care reviews your specific case and recommends the most appropriate city.
Is China a good destination for medical tourism?
Yes, for the right diagnosis. China combines NMPA-approved treatments — including CAR-T cell therapy — more active clinical trials than any other country, and treatment costs typically 60–80% below the US or Europe. It isn't the right fit for every case, and China Care will tell you honestly if it isn't for yours.
Which Chinese hospitals accept international patients?
Leading tertiary and specialist hospitals across all six destination cities accept international patients, including SYSUCC and Nanfang Hospital in Guangzhou, GoBroad Hospital and Peking University Cancer Hospital in Beijing, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, HKU–Shenzhen Hospital, Tongji Hospital and Wuhan Union Hospital, and the hospitals within the Boao Lecheng zone. See the full Hospital Directory.
Which city has the best hospitals in China?
Beijing and Shanghai have the highest concentration of nationally top-ranked hospitals, but Guangzhou's SYSUCC is Asia's highest-volume cancer hospital, and Wuhan's Tongji Hospital ranks among China's top 5 by clinical volume and academic output. “Best” depends on your specific treatment need rather than the city alone.
Can foreigners receive medical treatment in China?
Yes. International patients from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Middle East, and elsewhere routinely travel to China for treatment on a medical visa (S2). China Care coordinates the hospital invitation letter, visa support, and logistics as part of its facilitation service.
Which city is best for health screening?
Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou all host premium executive health screening centres — including JD Health, Meinian, and Ruici — offering full-body MRI, PET-CT, and cardiac imaging with English reports delivered within 3–7 working days. Shenzhen's proximity to Hong Kong makes it a popular choice for combined business and screening trips.
Which city is best for CAR-T therapy?
Beijing is China's premier CAR-T hub, anchored by Beijing GoBroad Hospital — a specialised dual-target CAR-T centre with 1,000+ cases and 40+ active clinical trials. Guangzhou (SYSUCC) and Hainan / Boao (for imported CAR-T products not yet NMPA-approved) are the other leading options.
Get Started

Not sure which city is right for you?

Every patient has different medical needs. Submit your case to China Care — we'll review your records, identify the most appropriate hospital and city, and get a specialist's assessment before you commit to travel.

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