Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing trend of foreign patients traveling to China for medical treatment, driven by the efficiency and affordability of the Chinese healthcare system, as well as the recent relaxation of visa policies for foreign visitors [7][10][30]. Group 1: Medical Tourism Growth - Major cities in China are witnessing a surge in foreign patients seeking medical care, with hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou reporting an influx of international visitors [4][6]. - The relaxation of visa policies has significantly contributed to this trend, with China implementing unilateral visa exemptions for 75 countries and expanding transit visa exemptions to 55 countries by July 2025 [9][10]. - Official data indicates that the number of foreign visitors entering China surpassed 40 million, marking a 27.2% year-on-year increase [10]. Group 2: Patient Experiences and Perceptions - Foreign patients have shared positive experiences regarding the efficiency of the Chinese medical system, often highlighting quick diagnosis and treatment compared to their home countries [8][9]. - For instance, a British patient reported receiving comprehensive medical care within four days in China, contrasting sharply with the lengthy wait times in the UK [8]. - The cost of treatment in China is significantly lower than in Western countries, with examples showing treatments costing $1,500 annually in China compared to $25,000 quarterly in the US for similar conditions [9]. Group 3: Emerging Business Opportunities - The rise in foreign patients has led to new business opportunities in the medical tourism sector, with individuals offering services such as translation and patient accompaniment [11][12]. - Entrepreneurs are beginning to establish businesses that connect foreign patients with Chinese healthcare providers, indicating a growing market for medical tourism [18][19]. - The article notes that while the current market is still in its early stages, there is optimism about its potential for growth, especially as awareness of China's healthcare capabilities increases [27][29]. Group 4: Economic Implications - The Chinese government is actively promoting international medical tourism as a strategy to reduce the travel service trade deficit, which reached over 1.5 trillion yuan in 2024 [30][31]. - The article suggests that attracting foreign patients for medical services can help balance the financial outflow caused by Chinese citizens traveling abroad for healthcare [30][34]. - Data shows that foreign spending in China on travel services has increased by 51.3% in 2025, indicating a positive trend for the country's economy [40].

Core Viewpoint - The influx of foreign patients to China's major cities for medical treatment is increasing, driven by the relaxation of visa policies and the efficiency of the Chinese healthcare system [6][8][32]. Group 1: Medical Tourism Trends - Foreign patients are increasingly visiting China for medical care, with notable cases such as a British patient receiving rapid treatment within four days [4][5]. - The efficiency and affordability of medical services in China are highlighted, with comparisons showing significant cost savings for treatments compared to Western countries [5][30]. - As of December 2025, over 40 million foreign visitors are expected to enter China, marking a 27.2% year-on-year increase [7]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The demand for medical tourism is shifting from sightseeing to healthcare, creating new business opportunities in the sector [8][9]. - Young entrepreneurs are entering the medical tourism space, providing services such as translation and patient coordination [10][11]. - The market for accompanying foreign patients is competitive, with many individuals vying for limited opportunities [17][18]. Group 3: Business Models and Opportunities - Companies like MedTourChina are emerging to facilitate connections between foreign patients and Chinese healthcare providers, resembling a travel agency model [21][22]. - The Chinese government is actively promoting international medical tourism, with pilot programs in major cities and a growing number of hospitals offering international services [22][23]. - The potential for growth in this sector is recognized, but challenges remain in establishing China as a primary destination for Western patients [28][30]. Group 4: Economic Implications - The Chinese government aims to reduce the travel service trade deficit, which exceeded 1.5 trillion yuan in 2024, by attracting foreign spending through medical tourism [33][35]. - In the first eleven months of 2025, foreign spending in China reached 351.57 billion yuan, a 51.3% increase compared to previous years [36][37]. - The medical tourism sector is seen as a vital component of China's broader strategy to enhance service consumption and economic stability [38].