2025 was a major growth year

According to Hainan government reporting, Lecheng recorded more than 860,000 medical-tourism visits in 2025, up about 109% year on year.

Why Lecheng is different from an ordinary hospital district

Lecheng is often described in China as a “medical special zone.” Its policy framework includes special arrangements for medical care, research, business operation and international medical exchange.

One of its best-known features is controlled access to certain overseas-approved drugs and medical devices that are not yet registered for ordinary nationwide use in China, when they meet the applicable clinical-need and regulatory conditions.

The attraction is not limited to one specialty

Patients may travel to Lecheng for oncology, rare diseases, rehabilitation, health management, specialist consultations or access to particular medical technologies.

International patients still need case-by-case eligibility review

A policy pilot does not mean every overseas drug or treatment is available to every patient. Access depends on the medical institution, diagnosis, product approval status, physician assessment and regulatory requirements.

Source: Hainan government and China Economic Net reporting on Lecheng’s 2025 performance.