Medical Destination · Hainan Province

Hainan & Boao
China's Medical Free Zone

Hainan's Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is China's only special medical zone where unapproved therapies — including imported CAR-T products, stem cell treatments, and experimental drugs — are legally available to international patients.

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40+
Hospitals in Boao Lecheng Zone
Unique
Unapproved therapies legally available
59
Nationalities with visa-free entry
Tropical
Recovery environment
Why Hainan & Boao

China's only zone for legally accessing unapproved experimental therapies

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.

China's only zone where FDA/EMA-approved but NMPA-unapproved drugs can be used legally — no waiting for Chinese regulatory approval
Patients can access imported CAR-T constructs, novel checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapies that have regulatory approval abroad but have not yet completed China's NMPA approval process, which can take 2–5 years after overseas approval.
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)
Partner & Recommended Hospitals

Top hospitals for international patients in Boao Lecheng Zone

China Care has established relationships with the following Boao hospitals. We coordinate your case, translate records, and accompany you during consultations.

China Care Partner
Boao Super Hospital
Experimental Therapies · Stem Cell · Regenerative Medicine

The anchor institution of Boao Lecheng Zone, Boao Super Hospital operates under special NMPA protocols that permit imported drugs and devices not yet approved in mainland China. It is the leading centre for stem cell therapy, exosome infusions, and next-generation CAR-T constructs awaiting full Chinese regulatory clearance.

Stem Cell Therapy Experimental CAR-T Exosome Therapy Regenerative Medicine
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Top Ranked
Hainan Proton International Medical Center
Proton Therapy · Oncology

One of China's dedicated proton therapy centres, located within the Boao Lecheng Zone. Combines precision proton beam radiotherapy with a resort-style recovery environment. Particularly effective for prostate cancer, brain tumours, head and neck cancers, and paediatric oncology cases where minimising radiation to healthy tissue is critical.

Proton Therapy Brain Tumours Head & Neck Cancer Paediatric Oncology
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Top Ranked
Hope International Cancer Center Boao
CAR-T · Immunotherapy · Clinical Trials

A purpose-built international cancer centre within the Boao Lecheng Zone, focusing on CAR-T therapy, PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, and access to international clinical trials not available in other Chinese cities. The centre's international team includes oncologists with training from leading US and European institutions.

CAR-T Therapy Immunotherapy Clinical Trials Lymphoma
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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
$180K–$250K
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
Clinical Trial CAR-T
Next-generation targets (solid tumours, dual-target, autoimmune) under investigational protocols. Trial drug costs may be covered by the hospital.
Boao Cost
$40K–$120K
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 on-site during key consultations. Real-time interpretation is provided for 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 can legally access cutting-edge therapies — including some CAR-T constructs, next-generation immunotherapies, and stem cell protocols — that are not commercially available elsewhere in China.
Can I access CAR-T therapy that is not yet approved in China?
Yes. Under Boao Lecheng Zone regulations, imported CAR-T products approved by the FDA or EMA but not yet licensed by China's NMPA can be administered to international patients. This is relevant for newer CAR-T constructs targeting solid tumours or novel haematological targets that have recently received Western regulatory clearance. China Care assesses your case and advises whether a Boao-specific therapy provides a meaningful clinical advantage over options available in Guangzhou or Beijing.
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?
For an initial assessment and stem cell or exosome infusion course: 1–2 weeks. For proton therapy: 3–5 weeks depending on the treatment protocol. For CAR-T therapy: 4–8 weeks covering bridging chemotherapy, manufacturing, infusion, and monitoring. The Boao environment is designed for extended stays and many patients find recovery significantly more comfortable than in a conventional urban hospital setting.
Is Hainan suitable for both treatment and recovery?
Yes — Hainan's tropical climate, beachside setting, and resort-style hospital facilities make it one of the few medical destinations in the world where patients genuinely prefer to extend their stay beyond clinical necessity. The Boao area offers warm weather year-round, seafood restaurants, beach access, and a relaxed atmosphere that is significantly more conducive to recovery than major urban centres like Beijing or Shanghai. Many patients combine their active treatment phase with a deliberate recovery stay of one to two additional weeks before returning home.

Ready to explore treatment in Hainan & Boao?

Submit your medical records to China Care. We will review your case, identify whether Boao Lecheng's unique 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