Haikou medical tourism is redefining recovery, combining cutting-edge medical rehabilitation with the serene tropical charm of Hainan.
Haikou, known as the “Coconut City” located in the northern part of Hainan Island, faces the Qiongzhou Strait to the north. It is like a dazzling pearl embedded on the shore of the South China Sea. Not only does it boast charming tropical scenery and profound historical heritage, offering tourists a unique travel experience, but it also keeps making great efforts in the medical field, constructing a high-quality and diverse medical service system, which attracts many people seeking health protection.
Why Choose Haikou for Medical Tourism? Haikou medical tourism offers a holistic approach to recovery, blending treatment with relaxation
I. The Medical Situation in Haikou
(1) High-quality and Continuously Developing Medical Resources
Haikou has been committed to the construction of the medical system in recent years and has achieved remarkable results. As of 2023, there were 1,480 medical and health institutions of various types in the whole city. These include various types such as general hospitals, specialized hospitals, and primary medical units, with a rich variety of disciplines, which can meet the diverse medical needs of different patients. The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University serves as the mainstay of regional medical care. It is a large comprehensive hospital integrating medical treatment, teaching, scientific research, prevention, health care, and emergency rescue. It has performed excellently in multiple disciplines. For example, the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine has successfully treated many patients with cardiovascular diseases by virtue of advanced interventional treatment technology. In the field of organ transplantation, significant progress has also been made, bringing hope to patients with end-stage organ failure.
▼ The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University
The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan is a cutting-edge position of medical innovation. It gathers the world’s leading medical technologies and equipment, and introduces internationally advanced licensed medical drugs and devices. Patients can enjoy internationally leading medical services without going abroad, and it has obvious advantages in the fields of cancer treatment, medical cosmetology and anti-aging, high-end medical check-ups, etc.
▼ The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone
(2) Gradually Improving International Medical Services
In order to provide convenience for foreign patients, medical institutions in Haikou actively integrate with international standards. The International Medical Department of Haikou People’s Hospital is equipped with a medical team proficient in multiple languages such as English and Japanese to ensure smooth communication. The internal signs of the hospital are in both Chinese and English. From registration, waiting for treatment, diagnosis and treatment to getting medicine, the needs of foreign patients are fully considered in all aspects. During the diagnosis and treatment process, medical staff will explain the condition, treatment plan, and rehabilitation precautions in detail in a foreign language, respecting the customs and beliefs of patients from different cultural backgrounds. For example, in terms of dietary arrangements, meals that meet the requirements of patients according to their religious beliefs will be provided; the ward layout also pays attention to creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere to relieve the pressure of patients seeking medical treatment.
▼ Haikou People’s Hospital
(3) Diverse Medical Options
1. International Hospitals and Clinics: In Haikou, international hospitals and clinics are mainly distributed in areas such as Xiuying District and Longhua District. These institutions strictly follow international medical standards, and some have been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). For example, the International Department of Hainan Modern Women and Children’s Hospital has performed outstandingly in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. It provides one-stop services ranging from pre-pregnancy consultation, pregnancy care, childbirth services to postpartum rehabilitation and children’s medical care. The hospital adopts internationally advanced diagnosis and treatment technologies and equipment, such as painless childbirth technology and neonatal intensive care system, to protect the health of mothers and babies. Patients can conveniently make appointments for medical treatment through online platforms and also enjoy the direct payment service of international medical insurance, which greatly reduces the economic burden of seeking medical treatment.
▼ Hainan Modern Women and Children’s Hospital
2. Special Needs Wards in Public Hospitals: The special needs wards in public hospitals in Haikou provide high-quality options for foreign patients with higher demands. Taking the special needs ward of Hainan Provincial People’s Hospital as an example, the environment is elegant and quiet, the facilities are complete, and it is equipped with a professional medical team to provide one-to-one exclusive services. From disease diagnosis, treatment to rehabilitation care, it can meet the strict requirements of patients for privacy protection and the comfort of seeking medical treatment. Although the cost is relatively high, it can bring patients a high-quality medical experience and ensure their health.
▼ Hainan Provincial People’s Hospital
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospitals: Traditional Chinese medicine hospitals in Haikou play an important role in inheriting traditional Chinese medicine culture and providing characteristic diagnosis and treatment. Haikou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital is a comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine hospital integrating medical treatment, teaching, scientific research, prevention, health care, and rehabilitation. Foreign patients can experience acupuncture treatment for chronic pain, tuina (Chinese massage) to relieve muscle fatigue, traditional Chinese medicine to regulate the body’s functions, and traditional Chinese medicine characteristic therapies for skin diseases here. The hospital also holds traditional Chinese medicine culture experience activities, such as traditional Chinese medicine health preservation lectures, traditional Chinese medicine processing demonstrations, and traditional Chinese medicine technique experience activities, allowing foreign friends to have an in-depth understanding of the profoundness of traditional Chinese medicine.
▼ Haikou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
(4) Matters Related to Medical Insurance
It is crucial for foreign patients seeking medical treatment in Haikou to understand the information about medical insurance. Given that the fees for some medical services are relatively high, it is particularly important to purchase suitable medical insurance. The charges of international hospitals and special needs wards in public hospitals are relatively high. Some insurance companies classify them as “high-cost” medical institutions. Patients may need to purchase insurance products with higher premiums to cover all the costs, or pay a certain proportion of the expenses out of their own pockets. Some insurance policies only cover hospitalization expenses, and the premiums are relatively low, but the expenses for outpatient consultations, examinations, etc. need to be borne by the patients themselves. If the budget is limited, you can consider the ordinary outpatient services of public hospitals, and the fees are affordable. However, health insurance policies that cover outpatient services (such as doctor consultations, dental treatments, and medicine fees, etc.) have higher premiums, but they can fully meet the medical needs in international hospitals and clinics.
(5) Medical Emergency Rescue System
Haikou has established an efficient medical emergency rescue system to fully ensure that patients can quickly receive assistance in case of an emergency. The medical emergency call 120 is on duty 24 hours a day. The Haikou Emergency Center has advanced emergency rescue equipment and an experienced and responsive emergency rescue team, which can respond to emergency medical needs at the first time and quickly reach the scene to carry out rescue. Some international hospitals and clinics also have 24-hour emergency hotlines. Foreign patients who first arrive in Haikou are advised to understand and remember these emergency rescue information in advance, and be familiar with the location of nearby hospitals, so as to obtain medical assistance quickly and accurately at critical moments.
▼ Call 120 For medical emergency
II. The Tourism Situation in Haikou
(1) Unique Historical and Cultural Attractions
1. Qilou Old Street: Located in the areas of Deshengsha Road, Wenming East Road, Zhongshan Road, Bo’ai Road, and Jiefang Road in Longhua District, Haikou, it is the most characteristic street landscape in Haikou. Most of the Qilou buildings here were built by overseas Chinese who returned from Southeast Asia in the early 20th century, integrating the Southeast Asian architectural style that combines European and Asian elements with the characteristics of Lingnan architecture. The exterior of the buildings is full of artistic sense, and elements such as arches, pediments, and columns are exquisitely beautiful. Strolling along the street, it feels as if you have traveled through time, and you can feel the past prosperity of Haikou. There are many time-honored shops on the street, selling Hainanese specialty snacks, traditional handicrafts, etc., such as Hainan rice noodles, coconut cookies, Li brocade, etc. Tourists can taste authentic delicacies and experience the local culture while appreciating the historical charm.
2. Wugongci (Five Officials’ Temple): Situated at No. 169, Haifu Road, Qiongshan District, Haikou, it was built to commemorate five historical ministers who were exiled to Hainan during the Tang and Song dynasties (Li Deyu, a prime minister of the Tang Dynasty; Li Gang, Li Guang, Zhao Ding, prime ministers of the Song Dynasty; and Hu Quan, a famous minister of the Song Dynasty), and is known as the “First Building in Hainan”. Wugongci consists of buildings such as Guanjia Tang (Hall of Observing Crops), Xuepu Tang (Hall of Learning Gardens), Dongzhai (Eastern Study), Xizhai (Western Study), the main building of Wugongci, Sugongci (Temple of Su Dongpo), Liangfubo Ci (Temples of the Two Marquises Who Pacified the South Seas), Dongzhuo Ting (Pavilion of Fetching Water), Suquan Ting (Pavilion of Sweet Spring), and Xixin Xuan (Pavilion of Purifying the Mind). The pavilions, terraces, and towers are scattered in an orderly manner, with shady green trees and a serene environment. Here, you can not only learn about the life stories of the five virtuous ministers and their contributions to the cultural development of Hainan but also admire precious cultural relics and historical sites, as well as calligraphy steles, and feel the profound historical and cultural heritage.
3. Qiongtai Academy: Located at No. 8, Fucheng Zhongshan Road, Qiongshan District, Haikou, it is one of the important birthplaces of culture and education in Hainan. The academy was first built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty by Jiao Yinghan, the then magistrate of Qiongzhou Prefecture, and served as a place for students in Hainan to study. The buildings of Qiongtai Academy are simple and elegant, mainly including Kuixing Tower, the lecture hall, and dormitories. Kuixing Tower is the landmark building of the academy, with two floors, green tiles and red walls, and carved beams and painted rafters. Here, the popular story of “Searching the Academy” has been passed down. Tourists can learn about the ancient education system and cultural inheritance in Hainan by visiting the academy.
(2) Charming Natural Scenery
1. Holiday Beach: Located in the north of Qingling Avenue, the west extension line of Binhai Avenue, Xiuying District, Haikou, it is 6 kilometers long. On the left side is a lush forest of Casuarina equisetifolia, and on the right side is the vast Qiongzhou Strait. The beach is white and delicate, and the sea water is crystal clear. It is an excellent place to enjoy the sun and sand and engage in water activities. Tourists can participate in water sports such as swimming, surfing, windsurfing, and jet skiing here. They can also camp and barbecue on the beach, enjoy the beautiful sea sunset, and fully experience the comfort of a seaside vacation.
2. Haikou Volcanic Crater National Geopark: Situated in Shishan Town, Xiuying District, Haikou, it is one of the few dormant volcanic clusters with Holocene (10,000 years ago) volcanic eruption activities in China. There are more than 40 volcanoes in the park, with various shapes. Volcanic landform landscapes such as lava flows, volcanic cones, and volcanic craters are well-preserved. Tourists can climb to the volcanic crater, overlook the spectacular volcanic crater ruins, and learn about the geological knowledge of volcanic eruptions. They can also stroll along the paths paved with volcanic stones, admire the unique scenery where tropical plants and volcanic landscapes set off each other, and feel the uncanny workmanship of nature.
3. Dongzhai Port National Nature Reserve: Located in Yanfeng Town, Meilan District, Haikou, it is China’s first wetland nature reserve mainly featuring mangroves. There are many types of mangroves here, including Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera sexangula, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Rhizophora stylosa. Taking a boat through the mangroves, you can closely observe the unique ecosystem of the mangroves. The dense roots of the mangroves are intricate, providing a habitat for many birds, fish, shrimps, crabs, and other organisms. The ecological environment in the reserve is beautiful, and the air is fresh. It is a good place for bird watching and getting close to nature.
(3) Characteristic Blocks and Cultural Experiences
1. The Night Market at the South Gate of Hainan University: Adjacent to the south gate of Hainan University, it is a very popular food block in Haikou. Here, a wide variety of food snacks from all over the country are gathered, and Hainanese local specialty foods are especially abundant, such as Qingbuliang (a kind of cold dessert), coconut jelly, roasted suckling pig, Zabo Vinegar (a local soup), etc. The stalls are neatly arranged, and the lights are bright and the atmosphere is lively. Tourists can taste the delicious food while feeling the strong hustle and bustle of Haikou, and they can also buy various characteristic small ornaments and souvenirs.
2. Mission Hills Huayi Feng Xiaogang Movie Town: Located at No. 19, Yangshan Avenue, Longhua District, Haikou, it is modeled after Feng Xiaogang’s movies such as “Youth” and “Mr. Six”, creating multiple themed blocks such as the Republic of China Style Street, Southeast Asian Style Street, and 1942 Street. The architectural style in the blocks is retro, full of a sense of history, and restores the urban landscapes of different periods. Tourists can wear retro clothes and walk through the blocks, as if they have traveled back in time. They can also participate in movie-themed experience activities, watch literary and artistic performances, and feel the charm of the integration of movie culture and tourism.
(4) Tempting Culinary Experiences
The food in Haikou has unique characteristics, integrating the local flavor of Hainan with diverse cultural elements.
1. Hainan Rice Noodles: A traditional snack in Hainan, the rice noodles are thin and chewy, paired with side dishes such as dried beef, peanuts, sesame seeds, bamboo shoots, pickled vegetables, and bean sprouts, and topped with a delicious sauce made from conch, dried shrimps, etc. It has a smooth taste and a rich aroma, with a perfect combination of sour, spicy, sweet, salty, and fresh flavors. It is the first choice for breakfast for people in Haikou.
2. Coconut Chicken: It is cooked with fresh coconut water as the base and tender Wenchang chicken added. The coconut water is sweet and delicious, and the cooked chicken is tender and juicy, with a rich coconut fragrance. When eating, it is served with a special dipping sauce, which is a mixture of sand ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, and millet peppers, giving it a unique flavor. You can not only taste the original flavor of Hainanese ingredients but also experience the unique cooking method.
3. Other Specialty Foods: Such as Hele Crab, which is mainly steamed to retain the freshness of the crab meat. The crab roe is plump, and the taste is mellow; Lingao Suckling Pig, with crispy skin and tender meat, and a fragrant smell; and there are also special dessert snacks such as coconut cookies and Jishiteng Bazai (a kind of glutinous rice ball made from Jishiteng). Tourists can taste these foods in the streets and alleys, characteristic restaurants, and food blocks in Haikou and feel the rich food culture of Haikou.
(5) Convenient Transportation and Tourism Services
1. Convenient Transportation: Haikou has a complete transportation network, providing great convenience for tourists’ travel. In terms of urban transportation, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing cars are everywhere, and the bus routes cover a wide range. In recent years, Haikou has also vigorously developed rail transit, and the subway construction is progressing in an orderly manner. Some lines have been put into operation, making it convenient for tourists to reach various scenic spots. For example, you can take a bus directly to scenic spots such as Holiday Beach and Wugongci; the subway can quickly reach areas such as Haikou Volcanic Crater National Geopark. In addition, shared bicycles also bring convenience to tourists’ short-distance travel. In terms of external transportation, Haikou Meilan International Airport is an important aviation hub, with flight routes covering many domestic and foreign cities; Haikou also has several ports, connected by waterways to surrounding areas; the railway transportation is well-developed, and the circular high-speed railway allows tourists to travel conveniently to other cities in Hainan.
2. Improvement of Tourism Services: With the development of the tourism industry, the quality of tourism services in Haikou has been continuously improved. Many scenic areas provide multilingual guided tour services, including audio guides and text introductions, which is convenient for foreign tourists to understand the history and culture of the scenic spots. Tourism places such as hotels and restaurants pay attention to international services. In popular scenic areas such as Qilou Old Street and Haikou Volcanic Crater National Geopark, tourists can rent multilingual interpretation devices. At the same time, Haikou actively promotes mobile payment, and mobile payment is widely supported in scenic areas, restaurants, and stores, improving the convenience of tourism consumption.
Haikou, this city perfectly combines the peace of medical rehabilitation and the comfort of tropical tourism. Whether you are seeking health care or longing for a trip full of charm, Haikou can give you an unforgettable experience and become your ideal destination in your heart.
Additional Resources:
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