China - August 12, 2024

TCM medical tourism attracts foreign tourists to China's tropical Hainan Island

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Besides its beaches and landscapes, the city of Sanya, on South China's Hainan Island, is also becoming known for its traditional Chinese medicine therapies.

For more than a decade, the island has billed itself as a medical tourism destination after having built up its TCM industry with help from the government.

The allure of receiving TCM treatments on a tropical island has attracted guests from all over the world, especially Russia, where the climate can be cold and harsh.

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Russian tourist:

"We come from Russia. My waist hurts, but after receiving treatment here for four days, I'm feeling a bit better. Now, it's convenient to come to Sanya due to the visa-free policy."

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According to a report from the Sanya Tourism Board, some 38,000 Russian tourists visited the island from January to May of this year.

To better cater to foreign visitors, some of the local hospitals and clinics in Sanya are offering multilingual services and amenities like international credit card terminals.

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Sa Ren, Deputy head, Sanya International Friendship Sanatorium of Traditional Chinese Medicine:

"We have established a treatment department specifically designed to cater to the needs of foreign visitors. This department offers translation services in both English and Russian, making it easier for them to receive treatment."

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In February this year, the Chinese government further relaxed the island's travel policies allowing citizens of 59 countries to stay visa-free for 30 days for sightseeing, medical treatments, business, and sporting events, amongst other reasons.

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