Medical Guide for Foreigners Travelling in Lijiang

1. Common Altitude-Related Health Issues & Public Facilities

Acute Mountain Sickness: Lijiang People's Hospital, 528 Fuhui Rd, Gucheng District; average wait 1.5 hours; cost $25-60.

Food Poisoning: Lijiang People's Hospital, 528 Fuhui Rd, Gucheng District; wait about 2 hours; cost $20-50.

Hiking Injuries: Lijiang Traditional Medicine Hospital, 7 Caiyun Rd, Gucheng; wait about 1 hour; cost $30-80.

Respiratory Distress: Lijiang Emergency Center, 526 Fuhui Rd, Gucheng District; 24/7 ER; cost $40-100.

Key notes: Lijiang People's Hospital is a public Grade 3A hospital (national standard). Cash/Alipay/WeChat only — no international insurance billing.

2. Emergency Protocols

Initial stabilization: Lijiang People's Hospital ER (24/7). Contact your embassy immediately.

Air transfer options: The closest advanced facility is Kunming (40-min flight).

Bilingual options: Carry generic drug names (e.g., "Acetazolamide" for altitude sickness).

3. Pediatric Care

(Limited options — public only)

Lijiang Maternal & Child Health Hospital: General pediatrics; Mandarin only, basic care.

4. Cost & Capability Comparison

CT Scan: Lijiang public $60, Kunming public $45, difference +33%.

Emergency Consult: Lijiang $15, Kunming $20, difference -25%.

Specialist Access: Lijiang limited, Kunming full-range.

Quality note: Lijiang hospitals handle routine emergencies but lack advanced cardiac surgery, neonatal intensive care, and multi-organ failure treatment.

5. Must-Save Contacts

Mountain Rescue: Dial 110, then request "高山救援" (gāoshān jiùyuán — mountain rescue).

6. Pro Tips for Altitude Areas

Pre-trip prep: Get altitude meds (e.g., Diamox) before arrival. Pack portable oxygen cans (sold at Lijiang Airport, or ask your hotel).

Hospital timing: Avoid 8-10 AM (local patient peak). Evenings (6-9 PM) have the shortest waits.