Medical Destination · Hainan Province

Hainan & Boao
China's Medical Free Zone

Hainan's Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is a designated zone where therapies approved overseas — including some imported CAR-T products, stem cell protocols and experimental drugs — may be administered to international patients under zone regulations.

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Licensed
Hospitals in the Boao Lecheng pilot zone
Pre-NMPA
Therapies approved overseas, used under zone rules
59
Nationalities with visa-free entry
Tropical
Recovery environment
Why Hainan & Boao

A designated zone for legally accessing therapies approved overseas but not yet in mainland China

For patients who have exhausted approved treatment options or who wish to access therapies not yet licensed in mainland China, Boao Lecheng offers a legally sanctioned pathway. The zone operates under special regulations that allow imported drugs and devices approved by FDA or EMA but not yet approved by China's NMPA to be administered under medical supervision.

FDA/EMA-approved drugs that are not yet NMPA-approved can be administered under zone regulations
Patients may be able to access imported CAR-T constructs, novel checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapies that hold regulatory approval abroad but have not yet completed China's NMPA approval process, which can take several years after overseas approval. The treating institution confirms whether a specific product is available under zone rules.
International hospitals with resort-style facilities — recovery in a tropical beachside environment
Boao's hospitals are purpose-built in a beachside setting with private rooms, garden courtyards, and facilities more closely resembling a wellness resort than a conventional hospital. The environment is deliberately designed to support recovery and reduce the psychological burden of treatment.
Visa-free entry for citizens of 59 countries for up to 30 days
Hainan operates a broader visa-free policy than mainland China, covering citizens of 59 countries for stays of up to 30 days. This is particularly relevant for diagnostic visits and short treatment courses that would require a full medical visa elsewhere.
Stem cell therapy, exosome therapy, and anti-aging treatments available under special protocols not permitted in mainland China
Boao Lecheng's regulatory framework extends beyond oncology to include regenerative medicine protocols including mesenchymal stem cell therapy, exosome infusions, and longevity interventions that are not commercially available under standard mainland Chinese medical regulations.
Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone hospital exterior — China's special medical free zone in Hainan

Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, China's only special medical zone for accessing unapproved and experimental therapies.

Getting There
Flight: Direct from major Chinese cities; international connections via Haikou Meilan (HAK)
Transfer: ~1.5 hours from Haikou or Sanya to Boao
Airport: Haikou Meilan International (HAK) or Sanya Phoenix (SYX)
Visa: Visa-free for 59 nationalities (30 days)
Hospital profiles

Hospitals in the Boao Lecheng Zone

The following institutions are named in the zone's July 2026 technology register or covered on this site. A listing here is general information, not a recommendation, a confirmation of current programme availability, or a statement about clinical suitability. China Care coordinates your case, translates records, and accompanies you during key consultations.

Boao Lecheng Zone
Ruijin Hospital Hainan
Oncology · Haematology · Internal Medicine

The Hainan branch of Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Operating within the Boao Lecheng Zone, Ruijin Hainan brings the main campus's clinical expertise in haematology, oncology, and internal medicine to a resort-environment setting, with access to imported therapies under zone regulations.

Haematology Oncology Internal Medicine Imported Therapies
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Boao Lecheng Zone
West China Lecheng Hospital
Oncology · Surgery · Precision Medicine

The Lecheng branch of West China Hospital (Sichuan University). West China Lecheng brings the main campus's surgical oncology and precision medicine capabilities to the Boao zone, enabling access to clinical programmes and imported treatment options not available at the Sichuan campus.

Surgical Oncology Precision Medicine Solid Tumours Imported Therapies
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China Care Partner
Boao Yiling Life Care Center
Health Screening · TCM · Rehabilitation · Anti-Aging

A health management campus in the Boao Lecheng Zone offering full-body health screening, traditional Chinese medicine therapies, rehabilitation and anti-aging programmes. Programme scope, pricing and current availability are set by the institution and should be confirmed directly.

Health Screening Programme Details on Request TCM Rehabilitation Anti-Aging
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Boao Lecheng Zone
Ciming Boao International Hospital
Stem cell lines · Cell therapy

Named in the zone's July 2026 technology register for six stem cell technologies. Programme scope, current availability and clinical suitability are confirmed by the institution.

Stem cell programmes Lecheng register
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Boao Lecheng Zone
Shulan (Boao) Hospital
Stem cell lines · Liver cancer cell therapy

Named in the zone's July 2026 technology register for eight technologies — five stem cell lines and three cell-therapy lines for liver cancer. Programme scope, current availability and clinical suitability are confirmed by the institution.

Stem cell programmes Cell therapy Lecheng register
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Boao Lecheng Zone
Boao Super Hospital
Tumour immunotherapy · Vaccine lines

Named in the zone's July 2026 technology register for four technologies, three of them tumour immunotherapy and vaccine lines. Programme scope, current availability and clinical suitability are confirmed by the institution.

Immunotherapy Lecheng register
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Boao Lecheng Zone
Hainan Diwan Hospital
Stem cell lines

Named in the zone's July 2026 technology register for three stem cell technologies. Programme scope, current availability and clinical suitability are confirmed by the institution.

Stem cell programmes Lecheng register
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Boao Lecheng Zone
Boao Meisaier Hospital
Stem cell · Hepatocyte therapy

Named in the zone's July 2026 technology register for three technologies, including a stem cell product for compensated cirrhosis and an allogeneic hepatocyte infusion. Programme scope, current availability and clinical suitability are confirmed by the institution.

Stem cell programmes Lecheng register
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What It Costs

Treatment costs in Hainan Boao (2026 estimates)

All figures are indicative ranges based on China Care's network data. Final costs depend on your specific protocol, hospital, and treatment duration. We provide a written itemised estimate before you commit to travel.

Commercial CAR-T Therapy
CD19, BCMA or dual-target constructs for lymphoma, myeloma, or ALL. Includes bridging chemo, infusion, and 4–6 week inpatient monitoring.
Boao Cost
$125K–$215K
Stem Cell Therapy
Mesenchymal stem cell infusions for autoimmune conditions, organ repair, and regenerative indications under Boao Lecheng Zone special protocols.
Boao Cost
$20K–$45K
PD-1 Immunotherapy
Tislelizumab, Camrelizumab, Sintilimab, or imported Keytruda/Opdivo. Annual cost including infusions and monitoring.
Annual Cost
$15K–$30K
Proton Therapy
Precision proton beam radiotherapy for brain, head and neck, and prostate tumours. 2–4 week treatment course at Hainan Proton International Medical Center.
Boao Cost
$35K–$55K
Executive Health Screening
Full-body check including CT, MRI, PET-CT, cardiac assessment, tumour markers, and specialist review. 1–2 day programme.
Boao Cost
$1,000–$1,400

Sources: China Care cost database 2026, hospital published price lists. Costs exclude accommodation, flights, and navigation service fee.

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you travel

Visa & Entry
Visa-Free Entry
Visa-free for 59 nationalities (30 days). Mainland China visa not required. Additional regulatory flexibility for experimental therapies under Boao Lecheng Zone rules.
Extended Stays
For treatment courses exceeding 30 days, a Medical Visa (S2) is recommended. China Care prepares the full documentation including the hospital invitation letter and financial proof.
Accompanying Person
One family member may accompany the patient under the same visa-free or visa provisions. China Care coordinates entry documentation for the entire travelling party.
Language & Communication
At the Hospital
Boao Super Hospital and Hope International Cancer Center both operate dedicated international patient services with English-speaking physicians and case managers. All treatment plans and reports are provided in English.
China Care Support
Xiaoyue Peng is your coordinator and patient advocate. Professional medical interpretation is arranged for consultations, ward rounds and treatment planning discussions.
Accommodation
In-Hospital
Boao's hospitals are purpose-built with resort-standard private rooms, garden settings, and beachside views. Family companion rooms are available at all major facilities within the zone.
Near Hospital
Serviced apartments and resort hotels within the Boao Lecheng Zone offer comfortable long-stay options. China Care recommends suitable accommodation options within the zone and arranges airport transfers from Haikou or Sanya.
Payments & Insurance
Payment Methods
International wire transfer and select international credit cards accepted at major hospitals. Payment is made directly to the hospital.
Common Questions

What patients ask about treatment in Hainan & Boao

What makes Boao Lecheng special compared to the rest of China?
Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone operates under regulations that do not apply to the rest of mainland China. Specifically, drugs and medical devices that have received regulatory approval from the FDA (United States), EMA (European Union), or equivalent authorities can be imported and administered within the zone even before receiving approval from China's NMPA. This means patients may be able to access newer therapies — including some CAR-T constructs, next-generation immunotherapies, and stem cell protocols — that are not commercially available elsewhere in China. The treating institution confirms what is available for a specific case.
Can I access CAR-T therapy that is not yet approved in China?
Under Boao Lecheng Zone regulations, imported CAR-T products approved by the FDA or EMA but not yet licensed by China's NMPA may be administered to international patients, subject to the treating institution's confirmation. This can be relevant for newer CAR-T constructs targeting solid tumours or novel haematological targets that have recently received overseas regulatory clearance. China Care assesses your case and explains which options the institution confirms are available in the zone, so you can discuss them with your own specialist.
Is stem cell therapy at Boao safe and legitimate?
Stem cell therapy at Boao Lecheng Zone hospitals is conducted under legitimate hospital protocols authorised by the zone's regulatory framework. It differs fundamentally from unregulated stem cell clinics that operate illegally in other countries. However, as with all experimental medicine, outcomes are not guaranteed, and China Care only refers patients to clinically credible programmes at established institutions within the zone. We recommend patients discuss any stem cell proposal with their home oncologist or specialist before proceeding.
How long should I plan to stay in Hainan?
Planned stay differs substantially by protocol — an assessment visit, a proton therapy course and a CAR-T course each involve very different timeframes. The treating institution confirms the schedule for your case, and China Care plans accommodation and transfers around what the hospital confirms. Length of stay should be confirmed with the institution and is not settled by this page.
Is Hainan suitable for both treatment and recovery?
Hainan's climate, coastal setting and resort-style hospital facilities are frequently mentioned by patients as practical advantages during an extended stay. The Boao area offers warm weather year-round, beach access and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether to add a recovery period beyond what the hospital requires is a personal and clinical decision and should be discussed with your treating physician.

Ready to explore treatment in Hainan & Boao?

Submit your medical records to China Care. We will review your case, identify whether Boao Lecheng's zone-specific regulatory access is clinically relevant, and get a specialist's assessment — before you book any flights.

Submit Your Case → CAR-T Therapy Guide Hospital Directory Hainan Lecheng Zone