Where Can Foreign Tourists Get Medical Care in Chongqing? A Local’s Honest Guide
- DolphinUnion
- Sep 29
- 5 min read
Getting Sick in Chongqing? Don’t Panic
Here’s the thing: seeing a doctor in China is not like in the West. Back home, you book an appointment weeks ahead. In Chongqing? You can walk into a hospital and get help fast. But — and this is a big but — if you don’t speak Chinese, it’s easy to get lost, stressed, or even misdiagnosed.
I’m a native Chongqing local. I’ve helped over 500 foreign travelers plan their trips in the past 8 years. Last summer, a UK friend of mine, Emma, got a high fever on Day 2 of her trip. She went to a small clinic near Ciqikou (Ci Qi Kou). The doctor didn’t speak English. No translator. No clear diagnosis. She waited 3 hours, paid ¥200, and left with just some pills — and no relief.
I took her to Chongqing University’s First Affiliated Hospital (Chongqing Yike Da) that night. Within 20 minutes, she saw a doctor who spoke fluent English. Got a blood test. Got the right medicine. By morning, she was better.
That’s why I wrote this guide.
This is your go-to resource for medical care in Chongqing as a foreign tourist. I’ll show you the best hospitals with English service, what to expect, and how to avoid wasting time or money. Whether it’s a stomach bug, a fever, or your child needs care — you’ll know exactly where to go.
Best Hospitals in Chongqing for Foreign Tourists
Chongqing University’s First Affiliated Hospital (Chongqing Yike Da)
Chinese Name: 重庆医科大学附属第一医院 (Chóngqìng Yīkē Dà)Location: Yuzhong District, near Jiefangbei (Yuzhong Qu)Emergency & English Hotline: +86 186 2338 9261 (24/7)
This is my top pick — and where I take my family when we’re sick.
It’s one of Chongqing’s first official “foreign-friendly” hospitals. The Jinyuan (Jin Yuan) Campus has a Special Service Ward (Te Xu Bing Fang) just for international patients. They offer 24-hour English phone support, fast-track registration, and one-on-one English-speaking staff to guide you.
No need to stand in long lines. No confusing forms. You get a private room, clear explanations, and treatment in English.
A Canadian friend, Mark, twisted his ankle hiking at Hongya Cave (Hongya Dong). He went to Chongqing Yike Da. The doctor used an English app to explain the X-ray. Gave him a brace and painkillers. Total cost: ¥480. “It felt like a clinic back home,” he said.
My Advice: Call the hotline first. Say: “I’m a foreign tourist. I need English-speaking help.” They’ll guide you step by step.
Chongqing University’s Second Affiliated Hospital (Chongqing Erke Da)
Chinese Name: 重庆医科大学附属第二医院 (Chóngqìng Erke Dà)Location: Yuzhong District, close to the Yangtze River Cableway (Chang Jiang Suodao)24-Hour English Hotline: +86 150 8685 2337
This hospital is smaller than the First Affiliated, but still fully equipped for foreigners.
They offer 24-hour bilingual service — staff who speak both Chinese and English. You can get blood tests, X-rays, and basic surgery here.
I took a Brazilian friend, Sofia, here when she had a sudden rash. The doctor spoke basic English. Used a tablet to show skin condition charts. Diagnosed an allergic reaction. Gave her antihistamines. She was seen in under 30 minutes.
The waiting area is clean. The process is fast. But — it’s not as quiet or private as the First Affiliated. Expect a busy public hospital vibe.
My Advice: Go here if you’re near the river or cableway. Call the hotline first. Bring your passport — they’ll need it for registration.
Chongqing University’s Children’s Hospital (Chongqing Er Tong Yi Yuan)
Chinese Name: 重庆医科大学附属儿童医院 (Chóngqìng Yīkē Dà Értóng Yīyuàn)Location: Yuzhong District, about 15 minutes from Jiefangbei by taxi24-Hour English Hotline: +86 189 8328 8441
If you’re traveling with kids, this is the place.
This hospital is China’s top pediatric center in the southwest. It’s huge — over 1,000 beds. And it’s one of the first to offer 24/7 English support for foreign families.
A UK couple, Tom and Lucy, came here when their 3-year-old son got a high fever. The staff greeted them in English. Gave them a private waiting room. The doctor explained everything slowly, with pictures. Their son got IV fluids and recovered in 12 hours.
The hospital also has a pediatric emergency room and a vaccination clinic. They accept international insurance — just ask.
My Advice: This place is busy. Go early (before 10 a.m.). Call the hotline first. Say: “I have a sick child. I need English help.”
Chongqing People’s Hospital (Chongqing Renmin Yiyuan)
Chinese Name: 重庆市人民医院 (Chóngqìng Shì Rénmín Yīyuàn)Location: Yuzhong District, near Liziba (Li Zi Ba) monorail stationInternational Medical Center Hotline: +86 199 2316 7939
This hospital is special — it offers Chinese + Western medicine together.
Their International Medical Center has English-speaking doctors who can do acupuncture, herbal therapy, and massage — all in English.
A German tourist, Klaus, had chronic back pain. He tried Western clinics in Berlin — no relief. At Chongqing Renmin, he got acupuncture and cupping. After 3 sessions, his pain dropped 70%. “It’s not magic,” he said. “It’s real medicine.”
They also offer one-on-one English guides, cashless payment (Alipay, WeChat, credit cards), and direct billing with some insurance companies.
My Advice: Best for long-term issues like back pain, stress, or recovery. Not for emergencies. Call ahead.
Raffles Hospital Chongqing (Luo Fu Shi Yiyuan)
Chinese Name: 重庆莱佛士医院 (Chóngqìng Lái Fó Shì Yīyuàn)Location: Jiangbei District, in the Raffles City Mall (Luo Fu Shi Cheng)Phone: +86 23 6377 8888
This is Chongqing’s only fully international private hospital.
Think of it like a clinic in London or New York. Clean. Quiet. All staff speak fluent English. No waiting. No stress.
They offer family medicine, dental care, vaccinations, and health checks — all in English. Prices are higher (consultation: ¥600–1,000), but it’s worth it for peace of mind.
An Australian friend, Jess, came here for a flu shot. She booked online. Arrived. Got the shot in 15 minutes. “It felt like home,” she said.
My Advice: Use this for non-emergency care. Book online at rafflesmedical.com.cn. Bring your insurance info.
Other Foreign-Friendly Medical Centers
Chinese Name: 其他涉外医疗服务点 (Qi Ta She Wai Yi Liao Fu Wu Dian)
There are 17 more official foreign-friendly medical centers in Chongqing. Here are 3 I trust:
Three Gorges Hospital (San Xia Yiyuan) – Good for surgery and internal medicine.
Chongqing Emergency Medical Center (Chongqing Jiuzhong Yiyuan) – Fast ER service, some English staff.
Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Chongqing Zhongyi Yiyuan) – Best for herbal therapy and acupuncture.
All have basic English support. Call ahead to confirm.
Final Tips: How to Get Medical Help Like a Local
I’ve been there. I’ve seen friends go to the wrong clinic, waste money, or panic.
So here’s my honest advice:
Call the hotline first — Don’t just walk in. Call the English number. They’ll tell you what to do.
Bring your passport & insurance — Hospitals need ID. Some accept direct billing.
Use DiDi (Chongqing’s Uber) — Tell the driver: “Take me to Chongqing Yike Da.” Show him the Chinese name.
Don’t go to street clinics — My French friend got food poisoning. Went to a small clinic. Got the wrong medicine. Ended up in the ER. Stick to the hospitals on this list.
What Foreign Travelers Say
“I had a fever in Chongqing. Called Chongqing Yike Da. They sent a nurse to my hotel. Amazing!” — Anna, Germany“My son got sick. Chongqing Er Tong Yi Yuan saved our trip. Staff were so kind.” — David, USA“Raffles felt like a clinic in Sydney. No stress, just care.” — Liam, Australia
Ready to Stay Safe in Chongqing?
You don’t need to fear getting sick here.
Chongqing has great medical care — if you know where to go.
Pick the right hospital. Call ahead. Stay calm.
And if you need help — just reply here. I’ll help you find the best care.
Your safe trip to Chongqing starts now.
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