Hainan's Boao Lecheng Emerges as a Premier Medical Tourism Hub
December 18, 2025
The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, situated in Boao, Hainan Province, is rapidly solidifying its position as a pivotal health and innovation center within China, increasingly attracting international patients and offering renewed hope to those with rare conditions.
Advancing Patient Care
A compelling example is four-year-old Haohao, born with profound deafness, who is receiving advanced treatment at the pilot zone, also known as Hope City. After his initial cochlear implant near his home in Anhui Province, his family opted for the Medical Tourism Pilot Zone for his second implant. His grandmother shared their motivation, stating, "Haohao's doctor told us that he had a very serious gene mutation affecting his hearing in both ears. Before, I didn't believe that he would be able to hear. Now I think it's very helpful to get him this equipment, and I think it's better to do it here." This decision was driven by the zone's access to cutting-edge medical devices, including the latest generation cochlear implant and a stabilizing robotic arm, a first for China, enabled by the Lecheng pilot zone's expedited approval policies.
Strategic Economic Advantages
Beyond advanced quality of care, the Lecheng pilot zone offers substantial economic benefits for patient travel due to its unique policies. Imported medical devices are exempt from duties, significantly lowering treatment expenses. Cui Jingwei, Deputy Chief Physician of the E.N.T. Dept at Boao Super Hospital, highlighted this advantage: "Hainan now has a duty-free policy thanks to the special customs rules. That means the cochlea is imported on a tax-free basis, so it is cheaper than in other places. Then some of the cost is reimbursed through medical insurance, so the burden of patients has been greatly reduced."
Expanding Healthcare Destination
This cross-border healthcare destination now hosts over 30 leading domestic and international medical institutions. Furthermore, more than 500 pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices, previously approved overseas but unavailable in China's domestic market, are now licensed for patient access within the Lecheng pilot zone. Cui Jingwei also noted the zone's pioneering role: "Our Lecheng pilot zone is the first to try this way of operating. We have already enjoyed the zero tariff policy - something exclusive to Boao. But after the special customs operations, there will be more places in Hainan like us that can enjoy preferential policies like ours." This indicates a potential expansion of such preferential policies across Hainan, further enhancing its appeal as a comprehensive wellness tourism and healthcare destination.
Bottom Line
The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone exemplifies China's commitment to advancing medical tourism and providing high-quality care.
It offers expedited access to innovative medical technologies and treatments.
Duty-free policies for imported medical devices reduce patient costs, supporting patient travel.
The zone serves as a growing hub for international patients seeking specialized care and advanced pharmaceuticals.
Its success positions Hainan Province as a significant player in the global health tourism landscape.
Read the full article here: https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/5469279-hainan-emerges-as-chinas-premier-international-medical-tourism-destination