Boao, Qionghai, Hainan
Boao Lecheng
Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone · licensed innovative therapies
- Level
- State Council–approved international medical tourism pilot zone
- Founded
- 2013
Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Qionghai, Hainan (Wanquan River estuary)
Stories & cases
1–3 / 5
Overview
The Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone was approved by China’s State Council in February 2013 in Boao, Qionghai, Hainan—widely described as China’s only “medical special zone.” Policy priorities include licensed specialty care, health management, rehab/nursing, and medical aesthetics within an international medical-tourism framework.
Under “licensed medical care, research, operations, and international medical exchange” policies, designated institutions inside the zone may—after regulatory approval—import and use certain clinically urgently needed drugs and devices already marketed overseas but not yet registered on the Chinese mainland. Access is limited to approved hospitals and indications in the zone, not a nationwide open pathway.
Xinhua and Qiushi reporting cite roughly 36 operating medical institutions (including foreign-invested ones), anchored by leading public hospitals such as Ruijin Hospital Hainan campus and West China–related partnerships, plus a real-world data pilot that supports faster domestic registration of innovative products.
For cross-border care inquiries, contact Lexaid: WhatsApp / phone +86 185 2131 5346, email [email protected]. Confirm receiving hospital, product lists, indications, fees, and slots in writing before travel.
Key departments
Ruijin Hospital Hainan campus (public)
A major public hospital in the zone; public reports cite licensed innovative pathways (e.g., hemophilia therapies) and real-world evidence collaboration.
Oncology & precision medicine
A flagship focus area linking innovative oncology drugs/devices with multidisciplinary care for urgent clinical needs.
Rare & complex diseases
Public coverage positions Lecheng as a “city of hope” for rare and complex conditions seeking new drugs, devices, and therapies.
Stem-cell / cell & gene pathways
Selected cell- and gene-related pathways may be available under licensed lists at approved sites—indications and permits must be verified case by case.
Health management & executive checkup
Prevention, early screening, and health management—often bundled with rehab and aesthetics in medical-tourism packages.
Rehab wellness & medical aesthetics
Zone priorities include rehab/nursing and aesthetics/anti-aging, paired with Hainan’s climate and hospitality for care-plus-wellness travel.
Real-world evidence & access
Among China’s first real-world data pilot regions; reports note products entering the China market via Lecheng RWE pathways, with some later listed for reimbursement.
Featured care
Licensed drugs & devices—“triple sync” access
Official coverage says the zone has largely achieved “triple sync” of technologies, equipment, and drugs with international advances. Xinhua (Mar 2025) cited 460+ overseas-approved products not yet mainland-registered; Qiushi (Oct 2025) cited 512 innovative products and 180,000+ patient visits benefited. Always verify the current licensed list and hospital approvals.
Top public hospitals + specialty brands
A cluster led by top public hospitals such as Ruijin and West China networks, plus branded specialty institutions—strengthening oncology, rare-disease, and related capabilities.
Real-world evidence accelerating access
As a real-world data pilot, Lecheng converts licensed clinical use into evidence supporting domestic registration. Reports cite multiple products entering the China market via the pilot, with some later included in national reimbursement lists.
Medical tourism + care-wellness travel
Xinhua reported 413,700 medical-tourism visits in 2024 (+36.8% YoY) and 51,400 licensed product-use visits (+79.3%), with customized routes for Southeast Asian travelers and publicly cited per-capita spend above RMB 12,000.
Ready to explore this hospital pathway?
Tell us your condition and travel window—Lexaid / Qile Wuyou (上海其乐无忧科技有限公司) will help coordinate matching, records, and next steps via WhatsApp, email, or WeChat.
Information is compiled from public sources for reference only and is not medical advice. Confirm pathways, fees, and appointments with the hospital in writing.