How to See a Doctor in Xi'an: A Foreigner’s Guide

Written by Ruqin
August 04, 2026

Standing on the ancient city wall at sunset, or walking through the lively streets of the Muslim Quarter, you will feel Xi’an’s unique charm.

However, travel can bring unexpected health problems. A stomach issue, a cold, or a small injury can happen anytime.

Therefore, I created this How to See a Doctor in Xi’an Guide to help you find medical care with confidence. In Xi’an, modern hospitals and traditional hospitality come together to support foreign visitors.

1. Two Medical Options in Xi’an: Choose the Right One

When you need medical help in Xi’an, you mainly have two choices: public tertiary hospitals and international clinics or international departments. Both options can treat foreign visitors, but they offer different experiences.

Public hospitals provide strong medical expertise and advanced equipment. Meanwhile, international clinics focus more on convenience, English communication, and a smoother medical experience. Therefore, your choice depends on your health condition, budget, and how much language support you need.

Option 1: Public Tertiary Hospitals (公立三甲医院)

Public tertiary hospitals are the foundation of Xi’an’s healthcare system. They have experienced doctors, complete medical departments, and advanced equipment. Therefore, they are often the best choice for serious illnesses, specialist consultations, and complicated medical problems.

Many doctors in these hospitals have years of clinical experience. They treat a large number of patients every day and handle many difficult cases. For travelers who need high-level medical treatment, public hospitals can provide excellent care at a reasonable cost.

However, public hospitals also have some challenges. Because they serve many local residents, famous hospitals can become very crowded. You may need to spend more time on registration, waiting, and completing medical procedures.

Meanwhile, English service is not always available in every department. Some doctors may speak English, but registration counters and nurses may mainly use Chinese. Therefore, a translation app or some help from a Chinese speaker can make the process easier.

The good news is that many major hospitals in Xi’an are improving their services for international visitors. Some hospitals now provide international medical departments, English-speaking guides, or assistance for foreign patients.

Option 2: International Clinics and International Departments

International clinics and international departments provide a more comfortable option for foreign visitors. They are especially suitable for travelers who prefer English communication, shorter waiting times, and a more familiar medical environment.

The process is usually simpler. You make an appointment first, arrive at the scheduled time, and receive guidance from hospital staff. Meanwhile, doctors and nurses can usually communicate more easily with international patients.

These facilities are a good choice for minor illnesses, routine consultations, and travelers who feel uncomfortable navigating a large Chinese hospital. They also provide better support for visitors who need help with insurance, medical documents, or follow-up arrangements.

However, international medical services usually cost more than public hospitals. Therefore, they are better suited for travelers who value convenience, comfort, and communication.

2. Which Hospitals Can Foreign Visitors Trust in Xi’an?

Xi’an has many hospitals.

However, not every hospital is equally convenient for foreign visitors.

When choosing a hospital, you should consider three things:

Medical expertise
English communication
Location and convenience

For serious illnesses, public tertiary hospitals usually provide the strongest medical resources.

Meanwhile, international clinics offer a smoother experience for travelers who prefer English support.

Below are some hospitals that I often recommend to foreign visitors.

1. Leading Public Tertiary Hospitals

1) Xi’an Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital (西安交通大学第一附属医院)

📍 Address: 277 Yanta West Road, Yanta District

Xi’an Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital (交大一附院) is one of the strongest hospitals in northwest China.

The hospital has excellent departments, especially:

Neurology
Cardiology
Emergency medicine

For foreign visitors, the hospital’s International Medical Department and VIP outpatient services provide extra convenience.

The department brings together more than 130 senior experts from different specialties. It covers nearly 40 clinical departments.

Meanwhile, the hospital provides a complete service process.

Staff can help with:

Appointment booking
Doctor visits
Medical examinations
Payment procedures

For first-time patients, doctors usually spend enough time understanding their condition. Therefore, communication feels more comfortable.

The hospital has treated patients from many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Russia.

📞 Appointment: 029-85324766
(Monday to Friday)

2) Air Force Medical University Xijing Hospital (空军军医大学西京医院)

📍 Address: 15 Changle West Road

Air Force Medical University Xijing Hospital (西京医院) is one of China’s most respected hospitals.

It is especially famous for:

Burn treatment
Orthopedics
Heart surgery

Many patients from across China come here for specialist care.

However, foreign visitors should know one important thing.

Xijing Hospital uses a 100% appointment system.

The hospital does not provide same-day registration at the counter.

Therefore, you need to book in advance.

The easiest way is through the official WeChat account:

“西京医院”

You need to register your information first.

Then, you can choose a department and make an appointment.

The hospital releases appointment slots at 4:00 pm every day.

Meanwhile, I suggest preparing about seven days ahead.

Although Xijing Hospital does not have a department officially called an “International Medical Department,” foreign visitors can still access expert services through VIP and specialist channels.

3) Xi’an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital (西安交通大学第二附属医院)

📍 Address: 157 Xiwu Road

Xi’an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital (交大二附院) is another well-known public hospital in Xi’an.

It is especially strong in:

Dermatology
Obstetrics and gynecology
Ear, nose, and throat care

The location is also convenient.

The hospital is close to the Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter.

Therefore, it can be a practical choice if you are staying in the city center.

4) Xi’an Honghui Hospital (西安市红会医院)

📍 Address: 555 Youyi East Road, Nanshaomen

If you have a bone or joint injury during your trip, remember this name:

Xi’an Honghui Hospital (红会医院).

It is one of the best orthopedic hospitals in northwest China.

Local residents often choose it for:

Broken bones
Sports injuries
Joint problems
Sprains and fractures

For example, if you accidentally twist your ankle while walking around the ancient city wall or fall during a trip, this hospital is a good option.

5) Xi’an Gaoxin Hospital International Department (西安高新医院国际部)

📍 Address: Xi’an High-tech Zone

Xi’an Gaoxin Hospital International Department (西安高新医院国际部) focuses more on international patients.

The department has experienced specialists and senior doctors.

It provides a more comfortable medical experience for foreign visitors.

You can make an appointment by phone or visit the international department directly.

📞 Appointment:
029-88335155
029-88330088

6) Xi’an Chang’an Hospital (西安长安医院)

📍 Address: 17 Wenjing Road, Xi’an Economic and Technological Development Zone

Xi’an Chang’an Hospital (西安长安医院) is a China-foreign joint venture tertiary hospital.

One special feature is its international service experience.

The hospital serves as a designated medical examination center for immigration applicants from countries such as:

The United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand

It is also recognized as a service station for foreign experts in Xi’an.

Meanwhile, the hospital has a professional multilingual medical service team.

Therefore, it can be a convenient choice for foreign visitors who need language support.

(2) International Clinic for Foreign Visitors

Global Doctor Xi’an Kangruijia Clinic (环球医生西安康瑞家门诊部)

📍 Address: 8/F, Yongli International Financial Center, Jinye 1st Road, Xi’an High-tech Zone

For travelers who prefer a more international medical experience, Global Doctor Xi’an Kangruijia Clinic (环球医生西安康瑞家门诊部) is another option.

This clinic mainly serves foreign residents and international visitors.

Its medical team includes:

Experienced foreign general practitioners
Senior Chinese doctors
Bilingual nurses

The clinic provides services in:

English
Mandarin
Japanese
Korean

It offers:

General medicine
Health checkups
Pediatrics
Women’s health services
Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture

More importantly, the clinic provides hotel visits and home visits.

Meanwhile, it works with local tertiary hospitals.

Therefore, if you need specialist care, the clinic can help arrange referrals and appointments.

📞 Phone: 029-81112673
(Monday to Saturday, 9:00–18:00)
📧 Email: xian@globaldoctor.com.cn

3. How to Make an Appointment at a Hospital in Xi’an

After choosing a hospital, the next step is making an appointment.

For foreign visitors, this process is usually simple. However, different hospitals use different systems. Therefore, it helps to know the options before you go.

For public hospitals with international departments or VIP clinics, WeChat is usually the most convenient way.

First, follow the hospital’s official WeChat account. For example, you can search for “Xi’an Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital Patient Service Platform” (西安交大一附院患者服务平台) or “Xijing Hospital” (西京医院). Then, find the appointment section, choose the department, and register with your passport information.

You can also make an appointment by phone. For example, Xi’an Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital (西安交大一附院) provides appointment services through its international department.

📞 Appointment: 029-85324766

Meanwhile, some hospitals also accept online booking through their official websites. If you are already in Xi’an, you can visit the international department counter and ask staff for help.

For international clinics such as Global Doctor Xi’an Kangruijia Clinic (环球医生西安康瑞家门诊部), the process is usually more direct.

You can call the clinic to make an appointment. You can also book through the official WeChat account “Global Doctor” (环球医生). Because these clinics mainly serve international visitors, communication is usually easier.

However, there is one important difference between hospitals.

Air Force Medical University Xijing Hospital (西京医院) uses a complete appointment system. You must book online in advance because the hospital does not provide same-day registration.

Therefore, if you plan to visit Xijing Hospital, prepare early and make your appointment before arriving.

On the other hand, hospitals such as Xi’an Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital (交大一附院) and Xi’an Gaoxin Hospital International Department (西安高新医院国际部) offer more flexible options. They accept online appointments and also provide on-site registration services.

For most foreign visitors, bringing your passport is enough to complete registration.

My practical advice is simple: do not wait until you feel very sick before searching for a hospital. Save the hospital’s contact information before your trip. A little preparation can make your medical experience in Xi’an much smoother.

4. The Whole Medical Visit in Xi’an: From Arrival to Medicine

For foreign visitors, the process of visiting a hospital in Xi’an may feel unfamiliar at first. However, once you understand the basic steps, the experience is usually quite straightforward.

In general, you will go through five stages: registration, waiting, seeing the doctor, completing tests, and collecting medicine. The process is similar to many hospitals around the world, but China uses a real-name registration system, so your passport is important.

Step 1: Arrival and Registration

First, bring your passport and go to the hospital. If this is your first visit, you need to complete real-name registration and create a medical record.

Most hospitals provide registration counters and self-service machines. Meanwhile, some hospitals also allow foreign visitors to create an electronic medical card through their official WeChat accounts.

After registration, you will receive a patient number or medical card. Then, you can continue with your appointment and visit the correct department.

Step 2: Registration Confirmation and Waiting

After you complete registration, go to the department shown on your appointment information. Then, wait for your number to appear on the screen or for the nurse to call you.

Large public hospitals in Xi’an can be busy, especially during peak hours. Therefore, it is better to arrive early and leave enough time for registration and finding the right building.

If you visit an international department or VIP clinic, the experience is usually smoother. The staff normally guide foreign visitors through registration, waiting areas, and the next steps.

Step 3: Seeing the Doctor

When your number is called, enter the consultation room and explain your symptoms clearly. Tell the doctor when the problem started, what symptoms you have, and whether you have taken any medicine.

The doctor will ask questions, check your condition, and decide whether you need further tests. Meanwhile, you can show medical records or photos of previous reports if you have them.

In international departments, doctors usually spend more time communicating with foreign patients. Therefore, you can explain your situation in a more relaxed way.

Step 4: Medical Tests and Payment

If the doctor requests further examinations, you may need tests such as blood work, CT scans, or ultrasound.

First, you need to pay for these services. You can usually pay at a counter or through a self-service machine. Most large hospitals accept popular payment methods such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, and bank cards.

After payment, go to the designated department for your examination. Later, bring the test results back to the doctor, who will review them and decide on the next treatment.

Step 5: Collecting Medicine

If the doctor prescribes medicine, take the prescription to the pharmacy. Then, complete payment and collect your medication.

International departments often have dedicated service counters or pharmacies, which makes the process easier for foreign visitors.

Before leaving the hospital, keep your medical documents, including test results, prescriptions, and payment receipts. These documents can help if you need follow-up treatment or insurance reimbursement later.

Emergency Care: When You Should Go Directly to 急诊

Some situations should not wait for a normal appointment.

If you experience a high fever above 39°C, serious bleeding, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, or a major injury, go directly to the emergency department.

In China, the emergency department is called 急诊 (jí zhěn). Nurses will first assess your condition through a triage process and then arrange treatment according to the urgency.

Meanwhile, remember that the emergency departments of major public tertiary hospitals in Xi’an operate 24 hours a day.

5. How to Pay Medical Fees in Xi’an

After seeing the doctor, the next step is payment.

For foreign visitors, paying medical bills in Xi’an is usually straightforward. However, the payment method depends on whether you pay by yourself or use international health insurance.

Option 1: Self-Payment

Most public hospitals in Xi’an accept self-payment.

The good news is that medical costs at public hospitals are generally reasonable compared with many countries.

The consultation fee usually ranges from dozens to several hundred RMB. However, international departments and VIP clinics usually charge more because they provide additional services and a more comfortable experience.

For payment, you can usually use:

Cash
Visa or Mastercard
Alipay
WeChat Pay

Nowadays, mobile payment is very common in China.

Therefore, I recommend setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip. It will not only help with medical expenses, but also make daily travel much easier.

Option 2: Direct Billing with International Health Insurance

If you have international medical insurance, direct billing can make the process much simpler.

Some international clinics and hospital international departments cooperate with global insurance companies.

For example, clinics such as Global Doctor Xi’an Kangruijia Clinic (环球医生西安康瑞家门诊部) may provide direct billing services with certain insurance providers.

Before visiting, contact the hospital or your insurance company first.

Confirm:

Whether the hospital is within your insurance network
Whether your treatment is covered
Whether direct billing is available

If everything is approved, the process is convenient.

You only need to show your insurance card or policy information.

Then, the hospital communicates directly with the insurance company. You usually only need to sign the confirmation documents.

You do not need to pay the full amount first.

Step 3: Keep All Medical Documents

After treatment, remember to keep your medical documents.

These include:

Diagnosis reports
Medical receipts
Detailed expense lists
Prescriptions
Examination results

These documents are important if you need insurance reimbursement later.

For example, after returning home, your insurance company may ask for proof of treatment and payment records.

Therefore, do not throw away any hospital papers.

A small habit can save you a lot of trouble later.

6. Ruqin’s Practical Advice for Foreign Visitors

After many years of helping international travelers in China, I believe preparation makes every journey easier. This How to See a Doctor in Xi’an Guide is not only about hospitals. It is also about knowing what to do before a health problem happens.

For minor problems, you can first visit a local pharmacy. In Xi’an, chain pharmacies such as LBX Pharmacy (老百姓大药房) and Yikang Pharmacy (怡康医药) are easy to find. You can usually buy basic medicines, such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, and bandages. Remember to bring your passport, as some medicines may require registration.

Meanwhile, choosing the right department can save you time. For stomach problems, visit the gastroenterology department. For a high fever, go to the fever clinic. If you twist your ankle or suffer an injury, Xi’an Honghui Hospital (西安市红会医院) is a good choice for bone problems. Families traveling with children can consider Xi’an Children’s Hospital (西安市儿童医院).

Before your trip, I also recommend buying travel insurance with medical coverage. A translation app is another useful tool. Although major hospitals and international departments provide bilingual services, a translation app can still help you communicate more smoothly.

If you visit a public hospital, try to arrive between 8:00 and 10:00 in the morning. The waiting time is often shorter. Finally, remember that Xi’an is not only the home of the Terracotta Warriors and ancient history. It is also a welcoming city that cares for visitors.

I hope this guide helps you feel calmer and more prepared when you need medical help in Xi’an. Travel safely, stay healthy, and enjoy this amazing ancient city.

About the Author

Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.