China Handbookby Mobi & Toro

Finding a hospital

How to find a hospital, what to bring, and how paying for treatment usually works.

Last checked · reviewed quarterly

In an emergency, call 120 for an ambulance.

For anything less urgent, here's how to find care. This handbook does not recommend specific hospitals or give medical advice.

How to find a hospital

  • Search 医院 (yīyuàn, hospital) in Amap to see the nearest ones.
  • Some large hospitals in big cities have an international or VIP department (国际医疗部) with English-speaking staff. Search for it in Amap, or ask your hotel.
  • Your travel insurer and your hotel's front desk can both suggest where to go.
  • Show the take me to the nearest hospital card to a taxi driver.

What to bring

  • Your passport — you'll need it to register
  • A payment method (phone payment app, card or cash)
  • Your insurance details
  • A list of any medicines you take and allergies you have

How it usually works

At most public hospitals you register first (挂号, guàhào), see the doctor, then pay before tests or medicine. Keep every receipt for your insurance claim.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (药店, yàodiàn) are easy to find — look for a green cross.

Official sources