Cover image
Medical Guide for Foreigners Travelling in Nanjing
March 24, 2026
Public Grade 3A hospitals, emergency protocols, pediatric care, cost comparisons, and practical tips for foreign travelers in Nanjing.
1. Common Travel Health Issues and Public Facilities
- Heatstroke (summer): Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Rd, Gulou District — average wait 1 hour — cost 25-60 USD.
- Food poisoning: Jiangsu Provincial Hospital, 300 Guangzhou Rd, Gulou District — wait 1.5 hours — cost 30-80 USD.
- Respiratory problems: Nanjing First Hospital, 68 Changle Rd, Qinhuai District — wait 2 hours — cost 20-50 USD.
- Fractures: Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Rd, Gulou District — wait 1 hour — cost 50-150 USD.
- Skin allergies: Jiangsu Provincial Hospital, 300 Guangzhou Rd, Gulou District — wait 45 minutes — cost 30-70 USD.
Key notes:
- All listed are public Grade 3A hospitals (China's highest standard).
- Cash/Alipay payment only — international departments accept international insurance billing.
2. Emergency Protocols
- Call 120 → say "English" → request transfer to: Jiangsu Provincial Hospital ER.
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital.
3. Pediatric Care Options
(Public hospitals only — verified in 2024)
- Nanjing Children's Hospital: general pediatrics — limited English support.
- Jiangsu Maternal/Child Health: neonatal care — NICU available.
For complex cases: transfer to Shanghai Children's Medical Center (2 hours by high-speed rail).
4. Cost and Capability Comparison
- Doctor consultation: Nanjing public 15-30 USD vs. Shanghai public 30-60 USD — 50% savings.
- CT scan: Nanjing 60 USD vs. Shanghai 120 USD — 50% savings.
- Emergency care: Nanjing 25 USD vs. Shanghai 50 USD — 50% savings.
Quality notes:
- Jiangsu Provincial Hospital: 12 national key specialties.
- Drum Tower Hospital: founded in 1892, historical reputation, high ranking in the Fudan Hospital List.
5. Must-Save Contacts
- Police Medical Assist: dial 110 → say "wàijí yīliáo" (外籍医疗 — foreigner medical care).
6. Pro Tips
- Language help: use the "Jiangsu Health" WeChat mini-program for symptom translation (CN ↔ EN) and real-time ER wait times.
- Timing: avoid 7:30-9:30 AM (peak registration). Evening ER visits (7-9 PM) are often faster.
Content is for reference only, not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
← Back to articles




