In China, the standards of medical care and availability of medicine vary immensely from region to region.

Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an etc. have well equipped medical facilities.There are ambulances with sophisticated medical equipment and ambulance personnel are well trained. Some hospitals have separate divisions for foreigners. There are Doctors and Nurses who are very well versed in English. Highly qualified staff assures good medical attention. The fees are very reasonable.

Small cities won't have such efficient ambulance services, but there are emergency centers in most small cities. In order to get medical help in these small cities, it is advisable for the injured or seriously ill to take taxis or other immediately available vehicles rather than waiting for ambulances to arrive.

Please ensure that you are in good health before you travel as primary health care is available in most of the remote areas. It is very essential to take all recommended precautions to avoid illness.

Most Hotels usually have access to a doctor if you need one. Should you require treatment, contact your hotel desk clerk who will arrange for a doctor to visit you or transport you to a good hospital depending on the emergency.Alternatively, seek the assistance of your tour manager or the local office of your travel agents if for any reason the hotel staff is unable to help you. If your condition is serious, you will be taken to hospital. In emergency, you may call:

SOS First Aid Centre
Qianmen West Street
Tel: 66014433/120

There are also two private clinics offering Western qualified doctors, medicines and treatment. Both run a 24-hour service and doctors and nurses can speak English. These clinics are not cheap, but they will accept payment by credit card.Their services are usually considerably more expensive than hospitals and clinics operated by local government health authorities.

Asia Emergency Assistance (AEA)
International 14 Liangmahe
South Road 1/F Chaoyang District
Tel: 64629100

International Medical Centre (IMC)
Lufthansa Centre (Ground Floor)
Room 5106 50 Liangmaqiao Road
Tel: 64651561