In 2025, over 9,300 overseas patients from 14 countries and regions worldwide sought treatment in Hainan's Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone—also known as "Hope City." In the little over a month since the launch of island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) on December 18, 2025, this number jumped sixfold compared to the same period a year ago. In total, the zone received a record-breaking 860,000+ visits from medical tourists in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 109.18%, the first triple-digit growth in three years. How has the zone become a "city of hope" for medical tourists worldwide?

Matching globally advanced standards

The uniqueness of Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone lies in its ability to deploy innovative drugs, apparatus, and devices that have been approved abroad but not yet in the Chinese mainland. Over the years, the zone has become a crucial gateway for such medical products to enter the Chinese market.

To date, more than 540 urgently needed clinical drugs and devices have been rolled out in Boao Lecheng, with 22 of them fast-tracking Chinese market approvals through real-world evidence studies. These approaches have enabled more patients to access globally advanced treatment options in a timely manner.

Alexander, an engineer from Greece, ultimately chose to receive treatment in Lecheng after being diagnosed with glioblastoma. He was able to be treated with a new drug, Vorasidenib, which was not available in his home country at the time. "Fortunately, I had immediate access to this medication here," he said. In Lecheng, an increasing number of patients like Alexander are benefiting from innovative drugs and medical devices from around the world.

Policy benefits in the zone have continued to expand. In 2024, Lecheng received the go-ahead to temporarily import functional foods and foods for special medical purposes (FSMP) that have been legally marketed overseas. Products such as Clinique La Prairie L-Arginine and Sage Extract Complex capsules from Switzerland have been used in the zone by over 200 patients, while 13 other health products, such as RAENEN CoQ10 + Curcuma softgels from Australia and Metagenics Ultraflora Balance Probiotic capsules from the US, have also become available.

Internationally leading medical services

For Canadian patient Mark Batka, his experience at Lecheng left a deep impression. Suffering from multiple lipomas (fatty growths) for ten years, he faced long waiting times and high costs back home. In contrast, doctors at Lecheng swiftly completed their examination and formulated a surgical plan, removing five growths within an hour. "Everything was done within a day," he exclaimed. "Everyone was exceptionally friendly, and I would recommend more friends and family to seek treatment here."

Behind this premium experience lies Lecheng's efforts to integrate global medical resources. The zone has built partnerships with over 180 domestic and international pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and more than 40 medical institutions have established a presence there. This includes prestigious domestic healthcare providers, such as Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and West China Hospital, Sichuan University. International pharmaceutical giants like Merck and Gilead are also working with partners in the zone, forming a "dual domestic-international" model for integrating medical resources.

Not just treatment but a spa-like getaway

In November last year, Awad Mohammed bin Al Sheikh Magrin from Dubai visited Lecheng with his family to experience its high-end health management and leisure wellness services. "My family loves it here," he said, "I believe more tourists from the Middle East will soon discover Lecheng."

Lecheng has established medical cooperation with more than 20 countries and regions, particularly with those participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Medical tourism groups from countries as far afield as Indonesia and Canada have visited the zone to experience traditional therapies such as Chinese acupuncture and calligraphy-based wellness, and have shown strong interest in chronic disease management programs.

The zone and its host city, Qionghai, have established a "storefront-backroom workshop" collaboration model, with the zone ("storefront") providing professional diagnosis and treatment, and the city ("backroom workshop") offering complementary health and leisure facilities. This integrated service system, featuring high-end hotels, hot spring resorts, and cultural attractions, creates a seamless experience, with patients "receiving treatment in Lecheng, recovering in Qionghai, and enjoying Hainan."

With the deepening development of the Hainan FTP, the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is steadily advancing toward its goal of becoming a world-class international medical tourism destination by 2030. This unique "medical special zone" is becoming a vital hub connecting innovative medical resources from around the globe with patient needs.