Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone

en.hainan.gov.cn

Updated: 2025-06-30

The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is located in Qionghai, near the core area of the Boao Forum for Asia. [Photo/Courtesy of Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone]

The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone (official website: www.hainanlecheng.com), approved by the State Council in 2013, is located in Qionghai, near the core area of the Boao Forum for Asia. Covering 20 square kilometers along the scenic Wanquan River, it has convenient access via Boao Airport, high-speed rail and expressways. Surrounded by resort hotels, hot springs and attractions like Yudai Beach and Dongyu Island, the zone offers a pleasant environment that is ideal for international medical tourism.

As China's only medical zone open to international access, Boao Lecheng brings together high-end medical tourism services and cutting-edge global medical innovations. It is developing into a hub for international medical technology and services, with 36 medical institutions already in operation. Key areas include cancer prevention and treatment, medical aesthetics and anti-aging, health management and rehabilitation.

Lecheng's magnetic appeal lies in its unique policy framework, built around four special licenses for medical practice, research, business operations and international medical exchange. This pioneering system has enabled Lecheng to achieve full synchronization with international standards in medical technology, equipment and pharmaceuticals. It has become a "city of hope" for patients with rare diseases and complex conditions who seek access to cutting-edge drugs, devices and therapies. And the zone is China's inaugural and sole testing ground where real-world data finds extensive application.

In recent years, the pilot zone has emerged as a standout attraction within the Hainan FTP and gradually become a leading force in Asian medical tourism, attracting overseas medical consumption and evolving into a crucial intersection point for domestic and international dual circulation. In 2024 alone, Lecheng welcomed 413,700 medical tourists, up 36.8 percent year-on-year, with international groups spending an average of over 12,000 yuan ($1,640) per person. Ancillary sectors such as health checkups, medical aesthetics and rehabilitation have likewise prospered, testifying to the zone's ripple effect on the local economy.

As of April 2025, Lecheng has imported over 470 innovative medicines and devices not yet approved on the mainland, benefiting more than 110,000 patient visits, an annual increase of 134.2 percent over the past five years. Partnerships now span over 180 pharmaceutical and med-tech companies from 20 countries, including leading players like Merck, Sonova, Gilead Sciences and Novartis.

Positioning

Health Management
Licensed Medical Practice
Rehabilitation and Nursing Care
Medical Anti-aging Services

Industry Focus

1. Medical Services
Key investment priorities include cancer treatment, stem cell therapy, orthopedics and joint care, dentistry, integrative medicine combining TCM and Western approaches, regenerative medicine, translational medicine and cardiovascular treatment.

2. Health Management
The zone encourages investment in health management institutions such as physical examination centers, rehabilitation facilities, international maternity hospitals, medical aesthetics clinics and anti-aging centers.

3. Health Services
Investment is focused on attracting international medical and health organizations, medical information service providers and international medical tourism service platforms.

Preferential Policies

Boao Lecheng offers a range of preferential policies to support medical innovation and international cooperation. These include simplified approval procedures for urgently needed medicines and devices, support for medical institutions to carry out clinical tests, and the establishment of an e-prescription center. The zone also encourages the development of supporting services such as intellectual property consulting, financial and tax advisory, legal services and financing matchmaking. Renowned medical cosmetic institutions are encouraged to establish a presence in the zone. In addition, the zone supports talent development through independent assessment of senior professional titles in the healthcare sector.

Sources: hainan.gov.cn, en.hnftp.gov.cn and english.iedb.org.cn