Health & Safety in China
China is generally a very safe place to travel—no wild people in the streets, promise. But if you catch a cold from too much hotpot or twist an ankle chasing dumplings, here's what you need to know about staying healthy and safe on your trip.
How to See a Doctor in China ?
Bring Your Passport (and Insurance Card if You Have One)
Head to the hospital with a valid ID. If you have travel insurance, take that too.
Wait in the Outpatient Hall
Find a seat and watch the screen for your name or number.
Walk In And Get Registered
Walk in and book your appointment at the nurse station, where you can also pay. And get yourself officially registered.
Check In for Your Appointment
Pick up your appointment slip. If you’re unsure where to go, just ask the nurses — they’re used to helping!
See the Doctor
When it’s your turn, head into the consultation room. Time for a proper diagnosis! (prepare translator when it’s necessary).
Pay, Pick Up Medicine, and Schedule Tests if Needed
Head to the in-house pharmacy (yes, Chinese hospitals have their own!) to pay and collect your medicine.
（Medicine from the hospital pharmacy is often cheaper than outside pharmacies — thanks to centralized purchasing policies!）
If you need further tests or checkups, you can make appointments with a doctor.
Follow-Up or Hospital Stay
If the doctor ordered additional treatments or exams, follow the instructions.
If hospitalization is needed, you’ll be guided through the next steps.
Finished? You’re Free to Go!
All done? Great job! Now you can get back to exploring China — hopefully feeling better already.
What About Pharmacies?
You’ll see pharmacies (药房 yào diàn) everywhere. Most common meds are easy to get—just show a photo or say what you need (or show symptoms).
Pharmacies in China don’t usually have the big green cross like in Europe. Instead, they might use chinese characters —often with green background, but not always.
Feeling Sick but Not into Hospital Lines?
For small sickness like colds, tummy troubles, or allergies, most locals just head to a pharmacy — they’re everywhere! Just describe your symptoms to the pharmacist and they’ll recommend something common and safe.
Real Emergency? Don’t Panic!
Call 120 — China’s emergency number.
In Beijing, operators can already handle calls in 8 foreign languages. In other cities, though, you might need a translation app to help explain your situation.
Hospitals You Can Trust (No Sketchy Clinics Here)
We’ve curated a list of foreigner-friendly hospitals in major cities — including top-rated public hospitals and international clinics. You will see this part in the end of each city’s intruduction.
Is It Expensive? Will I Be Bankrupt?
Good news: Healthcare in China is way cheaper than in most Western countries. Without Chinese insurance, you’ll pay out of pocket — but prices are usually reasonable. International clinics are more expensive, but you get convenience and English-speaking staff. Choose what works best for you.
DIY First-Aid Kit: More Than Band-Aids
What to pack for your trip? Here’s our mini travel pharmacy checklist:
Cold & flu meds
Anti-diarrheal tablets
Painkillers
Band-aids
Mosquito spray
