The Department of International Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. [Photo/Tide News]

Foreign patients are increasingly flying to Hangzhou for treatment, signaling China's quiet rise as an international medical tourism destination, local media outlets reported.

From pediatric surgery to complex neurosurgery, hospitals in Hangzhou and nearby Yiwu in East China's Zhejiang province are drawing patients with their advanced expertise, fast turnaround, and competitive costs.

At the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hangzhou, a four-year-old boy from Singapore completed consultation, surgery, and discharge within just four days — avoiding a months-long wait at home. The case reflects a broader trend: Zhejiang's top-tier hospitals are seeing rapid growth in international patients, supported by streamlined pre-visit coordination, English-language services, and efficient clinical pathways.

The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Yiwu, the province's busiest for foreign patients, treated more than 26,500 international patients in 2025. The hospital has become a popular destination for complex cases, including rare spinal conditions, backed by experienced teams and clear treatment plans. Improved visa policies, including China's 240-hour transit visa, have further lowered barriers to care.

Experts say the appeal lies in three factors: strong clinical capacity, high efficiency, and cost advantages. As Hangzhou builds dedicated international medical departments and explores integrated models of medical services and tourism, the city is positioning itself not just as a tech hub, but as a global destination for quality healthcare.

A medical team at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Yiwu examines a foreign patient. [Photo/Tide News]