Core Insights - The Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is emerging as a new destination for international medical tourism, with over 860,000 medical tourism visits in the past year, representing a 109% year-on-year increase [1] - Medical revenue in the zone exceeded 8.39 billion yuan, marking a 51.5% increase compared to the previous year [1] - The zone has attracted over 9,300 foreign patients from 14 countries and regions, with a sixfold increase in foreign patient visits following the full closure of Hainan's free trade port [1] Group 1 - The zone has introduced over 540 types of urgently needed clinical drugs and medical devices that are not yet listed in China, achieving synchronization with global advanced standards [1] - In the past year, the zone has successfully introduced over 100 types of global innovative drugs and medical devices, including advanced technologies such as the first boron neutron capture therapy system in China and Histotripsy ultrasound tissue fragmentation technology for tumor treatment [1] Group 2 - The service system in the zone is being developed, including the establishment of Hainan's first wholly foreign-owned hospital and the creation of a one-stop cross-border insurance service platform [2] - The "Lecheng Special Drug Insurance" has been upgraded to include Hainan residents, enhancing the accessibility and convenience of cross-border medical services [2] - The zone aims to become a world-class medical tourism destination and a platform for medical technology innovation, marking the beginning of its development under the "14th Five-Year Plan" [2]

2025年，乐城先行区接待医疗旅游人数86.53万人次，同比增长109.18% 博鳌乐城缘何"圈粉"海内外? ①博鳌乐城"永不落幕"国际创新药械展迎来大批国内外游客。 在这片繁忙而有序的"医疗特区"里，不少特许药械正享受着"零关税"政策的红利，从入库到配送，全流 程高效运转，随时准备为国内患者带来康复的希望。 "'零关税'政策对于我们这些在乐城先行区内注册的医疗机构来说可谓是'锦上添花'，不仅可以减轻患者 用药用械成本，也为我们企业资金周转提供了很大的便利。"海南博鳌超级医院相关负责人冯家龙的话语，道 出了众多入驻机构的心声。 翻开博鳌乐城国际医疗旅游先行区(以下简称乐城先行区)一年来的发展画卷，起笔有势，落笔生辉。 这一年，乐城先行区交出了一份亮眼的成绩单：医疗旅游人次同比增长109.2%，特许药械使用人次同比 增长139.9%，全年引进国际创新药械和特殊食品首次突破100种，其中创新药械89种……这些数字背后，不 仅是量的积累，更是质的飞跃。 这一年，乐城先行区以制度集成创新为笔，以开放合作共赢为墨，在万泉河畔书写了医疗健康事业发展 的崭新篇章。从特许药械引进数量的井喷式增长，到生物医学新技术临床转化的破 ...

Core Viewpoint - The government of Qionghai City aims to leverage the opportunities presented by the Hainan Free Trade Port to accelerate its development as a central city in eastern Hainan, targeting a GDP of over 55 billion yuan by 2030 with an average annual growth rate of over 6% [1][3]. Group 1: Economic Development Strategy - Qionghai will focus on building a modern industrial system with unique local characteristics, emphasizing the integration of healthcare, conferences, and tourism into a trillion-yuan "medical, conference, and tourism" industry cluster [1][3]. - The city plans to enhance economic development by promoting consumption in healthcare, duty-free shopping, and education, creating diverse consumption hotspots [2][4]. Group 2: Open Economy and Innovation - Qionghai will deepen its integration into the Hainan Free Trade Port by implementing zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified tax systems, while also expanding high-value-added bonded logistics [4][5]. - The city aims to establish itself as a hub for technological innovation, focusing on tropical medicine and agriculture, and fostering a talent pool in various industries [4][6]. Group 3: Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability - Qionghai will enhance regional cooperation and infrastructure connectivity, including projects like the Qionghai to Danzhou expressway and the East Ring Railway [5][6]. - The city is committed to ecological preservation and green development, implementing measures to control pollution and promote low-carbon initiatives [5][8]. Group 4: Social Welfare and Safety - Qionghai plans to improve public education and healthcare services, aiming for balanced development in education and enhancing healthcare capabilities in the eastern region [6][8]. - The city will focus on risk prevention in key areas such as real estate and finance, while also enhancing emergency response capabilities [8].

2026年是"十五五"规划开局之年，也是海南自贸港全面实施封关运作开局之年。乐城将有哪些新动向？ 中新网海南琼海1月21日电(记者 符宇群)海南博鳌乐城国际医疗旅游先行区(下称"乐城")是中国唯一 的"医疗特区"。琼海市市长陈明21日介绍，"十四五"时期，乐城高水平医疗机构增至39家，真实世界数 据及其医保创新应用在全国率先试点，累计引进552种国际创新药械和特医保健食品，园区累计营收突 破230亿元。 海南省琼海市第十六届人民代表大会第七次会议21日开幕，陈明在作政府工作报告时说，过去五年，默 沙东、诺华等多家全球头部药械企业落子乐城，园区接待医疗旅游突破200万人次，其中海外医疗消费 回流超90万人次。 2025年，琼海与乐城加快一体化融合发展，助力乐城"加速跑"。共同出台乐城国际医疗旅游试行管理办 法，实施"打造示范窗口23条举措"。海南省药械审评服务中心乐城分中心揭牌，特许药械、特医保健食 品新增超百种，20个生物医学新技术项目获批转化应用，"国际创新药械'三医协同'可信数据空间"入选 全国试点。全省首家外商独资医院落地。国际商业医疗保险破题，乐城特药险覆盖人群突破1.13亿人 次。 在医旅发展方面， ...

Group 1 - The Hainan Free Trade Port has officially started operations, with Qionghai City launching a series of key projects to inject strong momentum into the first year post-closure [2][9] - A total of 72 projects have been signed, started, and put into production, with a total investment exceeding 30 billion yuan, covering various sectors including public services, ecological protection, infrastructure, and industrial development [8][9] - The Wenpo Community Agricultural Market project is nearing completion, with 90% of construction finished, expected to be operational before the Spring Festival, providing a comprehensive service hub for local residents [2] Group 2 - The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is gaining popularity among foreign patients, who appreciate the speed and cost-effectiveness of medical services available there [4][5] - Lecheng has introduced 553 licensed products, including 187 drugs and 353 medical devices, facilitating access to international medical resources for over 200,000 patients [7] - The recent approval of the Elecsys® pTau181 blood test for Alzheimer's disease marks a significant advancement in early diagnosis capabilities within the region [6] Group 3 - The construction of the Wenchang New Bridge, a key rural road project, is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve accessibility during flood seasons for 24,000 residents [3] - The recent capital connection meeting aims to support high-quality development for potential listed companies in the biopharmaceutical sector, leveraging the opportunities presented by the Hainan Free Trade Port [5][6] - The focus on diverse projects, including health industry parks and smart transportation centers, reflects a strategic approach to enhance the industrial structure and urban functionality in Qionghai [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - The international medical tourism market is rapidly growing, with China emerging as a new destination due to its rich medical resources and clinical experience, despite facing competition from other Asian countries [3][5][6]. Global Medical Tourism Landscape - The global medical tourism market is expected to grow from $102.6 billion in 2019 to $272.7 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% to 25% [4]. - The market is characterized by two main groups: middle-income individuals seeking cost-effective care and high-net-worth individuals seeking top-tier medical services [3][4]. China's Position in Medical Tourism - China has traditionally been a source country for medical tourists but is now seeing a rise in inbound medical tourism due to advancements in specialized medical fields and increased openness [5][6]. - The competition primarily comes from other Asian countries, which have established cross-border medical frameworks and attract patients through cost advantages and comprehensive service offerings [6][7]. Supply-Side Capabilities - Chinese hospitals, particularly public ones, require policy support and significant investment to develop international medical services [7]. - The establishment of the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan has been a significant step in promoting medical tourism in China [8]. Growth in Patient Numbers - In 2024, Hainan is expected to receive 41.37 million medical tourists, a 36.8% increase year-on-year [8]. - Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are also seeing growth in international medical services, with Shanghai reporting 30.55 million international medical service visits in the first half of 2024 [8]. Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility - China offers significant cost advantages for high-end medical treatments compared to the US and UK, with treatments costing significantly less [9][10]. - The availability of experienced medical professionals and advanced treatment options enhances China's attractiveness as a medical tourism destination [10]. Target Market Segmentation - China should focus on two main groups for medical tourism: high-net-worth individuals from developing countries with lower medical standards and overseas Chinese who are price-sensitive [11][12]. Challenges to Overcome - Key challenges include the need for improved medical visa processes, accessibility of innovative drugs and medical devices, and enhancing the soft skills of healthcare providers [14][15][16]. - There is a lack of international brand recognition for Chinese hospitals, which hampers their ability to attract foreign patients compared to countries like Malaysia and Thailand [17][18].

在全球化进程加速、医疗资源非均衡分布的背景下，国际医疗旅游已成为一个规模庞大且持续增长的市 场。每年有数以千万计的患者跨越国界，寻求更优质、更快捷或更具性价比的医疗健康服务。中国，作 为医疗资源总量丰富、临床经验密集的国家，在这场横跨各大洲的"医疗迁徙"中，正成为新的目的地。 然而，面对这块跨境医疗旅游"蛋糕"，拥有顶尖技术实力、丰富医生经验及就医便捷优势的中国医疗机 构，应如何分享？ 全球医疗旅游格局已变 "目前全球医疗旅游市场的基本格局，一端是追求性价比的中等收入群体，从高成本国家流向低成本国 家；另一端是追求顶级医疗的高净值人群，从医疗水平较低国家流向顶尖医疗国家。这一现象的背后， 是不同国家医疗水平、费用体系、保险覆盖及服务能力的巨大差异所驱动的跨境医疗流动。"盛诺一家 总经理蔡强表示。 在当前这张全球医疗等级地图上，各国定位清晰，中国的份额还微乎其微，且打破固有格局非一日之 功。 全球医疗旅游指南《病人无国界》（Patients Beyond Borders）的相关数据显示，全球每年有2100万 ~2600万人出国接受医疗保健服务，预计医疗旅游市场规模将由2019年的1026亿美元上升至2027年的 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of medical tourism in China, highlighting the integration of healthcare services with travel experiences, driven by policies like the 240-hour visa-free transit and the "Healthy China 2030" strategy, which aims to make healthcare services more accessible and appealing to international visitors [5][14]. Group 1: Medical Tourism Growth - The implementation of the 240-hour visa-free policy has led to a significant increase in foreign visitors to China, with 40.6 million arrivals in the past year, marking a 27.2% year-on-year growth [5]. - Chinese hospitals, particularly in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, are increasingly catering to international patients, offering competitive pricing and efficient services compared to Western countries [8][13]. - The cost of medical procedures in China is significantly lower than in the U.S.; for example, a heart bypass surgery costs approximately $40,000 in China compared to $130,000 in the U.S. [8]. Group 2: Unique Offerings and Experiences - Chinese hospitals are not only providing medical services but also integrating cultural experiences, such as traditional Chinese medicine, into their offerings, which enhances the appeal for international tourists [15]. - The article highlights successful cases of foreign patients receiving treatment in China, showcasing the effectiveness and affordability of the services provided [7][14]. - The combination of medical treatment and tourism is creating a unique experience that is gaining recognition among international visitors, with some even traveling to China for childbirth [14]. Group 3: Future Projections and Market Potential - The medical tourism market in China is projected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2029, driven by the dual forces of the "Healthy China" strategy and rising consumer spending [17]. - The article draws parallels with other countries that have successfully developed their medical tourism sectors, such as Cuba and Japan, indicating that China is still in the early stages of establishing a recognizable global brand in this field [18][25]. - The competition among Chinese cities to become the leading destination for medical tourism is intensifying, with initiatives and standards being developed to enhance service quality and attract more international patients [24][23].

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 article discusses the growing trend of integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into tourism, particularly for foreign visitors, highlighting the potential for TCM to enhance the travel experience and attract more international tourists [2][10]. Group 1: TCM Tourism Development - The Ministry of Commerce and nine other departments issued policies to expand service consumption, emphasizing the use of TCM and traditional cultural resources to create unique tourism experiences for foreign visitors [2]. - Regions like Hainan, Sichuan, and Guangdong are seeing an increase in TCM-related tourism products, which are becoming popular among inbound tourists [2]. - Sichuan's TCM Museum showcases over 50,000 unique medicinal materials, providing a distinctive experience for international tourists [2]. Group 2: Tourist Experiences - Foreign tourists, such as those from Germany and Bulgaria, express positive experiences with TCM practices like acupuncture and herbal medicine, noting the comfort and natural aspects of TCM [4][6][7]. - Tourists are engaging in hands-on activities, such as making herbal sachets, which enhances their understanding and appreciation of TCM [7]. Group 3: Challenges in TCM Tourism - The TCM tourism sector faces challenges, including a shortage of professionals who are knowledgeable in both TCM and foreign languages, which limits marketing efforts [10]. - There is a high overlap in TCM tourism projects across different regions, leading to a lack of diversity in offerings [10]. - The integration of medical and tourism sectors is not smooth, which hampers the development of TCM tourism [12]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - Experts suggest a long-term development strategy for the health tourism industry to avoid issues of homogenization and to build a strong international brand [12][14]. - Establishing a coordination mechanism between the medical and tourism sectors is recommended to create a comprehensive inbound medical tourism service platform [14]. - There is a call for a focus on training professionals who can bridge the gap between TCM knowledge and foreign language skills, as well as enhancing the overall tourist experience [16][18].