Irina Karabulatova (R), a scholar from Russia, practices walking with a walker during rehabilitation at The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, accompanied by a medical staff member, following a spinal surgery in January. Lin Jianping
A growing number of expats in Shenzhen are adopting a local tradition: presenting silk thank-you banners and letters of gratitude to their doctors. At the international medical departments of several city hospitals, English-language pennants are becoming a common sight — a symbol of rising international confidence in Shenzhen's health care system.
That confidence is backed by hard numbers. Hospital data show that overseas patients are arriving in larger numbers each year for treatments and checkups, drawn by affordable pricing, streamlined services, and shorter wait times for surgery. With its unique edge in drug accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality care, Shenzhen is increasingly emerging as a preferred medical destination for international patients.
Guangdong Province has designated its first group of pilot hospitals for international medical services, including four in Shenzhen: Shenzhen People's Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), and Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University.
An aerial view of The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital. Shenzhen Special Zone Daily
For Peter, a Briton who has lived in Shenzhen for years, the city's medical expertise proved life-saving. Two years ago, he was diagnosed at HKU-SZH with male breast cancer, a condition less than 1% as common as in women. Impressed by the care he received, Peter chose to remain in Shenzhen for treatment.
When initial chemotherapy had limited effect on his 5-centimeter tumor, a multidisciplinary team at the hospital pivoted. Plastic surgeons proposed using a local skin flap to cover the surgical site, addressing Peter's concerns regarding both appearance and physical function.
"This was my first time at a Shenzhen hospital, and I'd recommend it to other expats, especially non-Chinese speakers," Peter said. "The staff spoke excellent English, and I felt safe. I trust my doctors — they know better than I do."
The influx marks a reversal from years ago, when Chinese citizens frequently traveled abroad for specialized care. Analysts credit the shift to China's expanded visa-free policies and its advancing medical industry, but the motivations are diverse: robotic surgery expertise, better value, and access to innovative drugs that now debut first in China.
"More international patients are coming to China for drug access," said Dr. Jing Haiman of the oncology department at HKU-SZH. Thanks to regulatory reforms, some innovative drugs are approved in China ahead of other countries, and Chinese experts now lead global multi-center clinical trials. Affordability remains a major draw, with centralized procurement and government negotiations keeping drug and procedure prices lower than in many other nations.
Jing recalled treating a German professor who flew to Shenzhen specifically for a consultation because his doctor in Germany told him that the targeted therapy he needed was only available through Chinese clinical data.
Payment has also been simplified. Shenzhen hospitals have direct-billing arrangements with overseas insurers. HKU-SZH, for example, works with more than 30 domestic and international high-end insurance firms to offer one-stop settlement.
The city is steadily expanding this sector. Under a 2024 three-year action plan, 25 hospitals in Shenzhen now operate international pilot programs.
The statistics reflect this growth: From 2023 to 2025, overseas outpatient and emergency visits in Shenzhen jumped from 784,000 to 1.359 million — an average annual increase of 31.7%. Inpatient admissions rose 33.6% annually during the same period.
"The upcoming APEC meeting in Shenzhen will open new doors for our hospitals to grow globally," said Geng Qingshan, president of Shenzhen People's Hospital. "Through exchanges with international institutions, we aim to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to patients worldwide."
