Medical Guide for Foreigners Travelling in Zhangjiakou

Zhangjiakou, host of the 2022 Winter Olympics, features a continental monsoon climate with extreme seasonal variations.

Environment and health risks:

Altitude ranges from 700 to 2,800 m (Chongli Ski Area), creating a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). In winter (Nov to Mar), temperatures drop from -20°C to -5°C, causing frostbite and hypothermia, while dry air (humidity below 30%) irritates the respiratory tract. Summer activities (Jun to Aug) such as grassland hiking bring tick-borne diseases (including Lyme risk), and high UV radiation (index 8 to 10) causes sunburn. The local diet, heavy in high-salt preserved meats, can worsen hypertension, and unpasteurized dairy carries a risk of bacterial infection.

Common health issues and response protocols:

Frostbite is caused by sub-zero temperatures. Warm the affected area gradually (do NOT rub) and avoid direct heat. Go to Zhangjiakou First Hospital; average ER wait is about 40 minutes.

Altitude sickness results from rapid ascent above 1,800 m. Descend 500 m and use portable oxygen. Go to Peking University Third Affiliated Hospital Chongli; average ER wait about 30 minutes.

Ski injuries from falls on the slopes: immobilize the joint and prevent hypothermia. Go to Peking University Third Affiliated Hospital Chongli; average ER wait about 60 minutes.

Tick bites from grassland hiking: remove the tick with tweezers and save it for testing. Go to Hebei North China Medical University Affiliated Hospital.

Respiratory distress from dry air and pollution: use a humidifier mask and seek bronchodilators. Go to Zhangjiakou First Hospital; average ER wait about 50 minutes.

Public hospital directory (Grade 2A to 3A):

Zhangjiakou First Hospital - Trauma, Frostbite, Skin. Address: 6 Libaishi, Xinhua St, Qiaoxi District.

Hebei North China Medical University Affiliated Hospital - Tick bites. Address: 12 Changqing Rd, Qiaoxi District.

Peking University Third Affiliated Hospital Chongli - Orthopedics, Ski Injuries. Address: Yingbin Rd, Chongli.

Pediatric care focus:

Zhangjiakou Children's Hospital (张家口市儿童医院). Address: 58 Dongxing St, Qiaodong District. Key services include an Altitude Sickness Unit with pediatric oxygen therapy, a Winter ER for frostbite and fracture treatment, and a Vaccination Clinic offering TBE and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines. Critical notes: carry child-sized oxygen masks if skiing above 2,000 m; for complex cases, transfer to Beijing Children's Hospital (3 hours by car).

Emergency protocols - severe case transfers:

Major trauma: destination Peking University Third Hospital, by ambulance via Jingzhang Expressway, about 2.5 hours.

Pediatric emergencies: destination Beijing Children's Hospital, by G-series medical train, about 1.5 hours.

Emergency contacts:

Ambulance: dial 120, and say "waiji ertong" (外籍儿童) for pediatric cases.

Mountain rescue: dial 119 (the Fire Department handles ski rescues).

Cost and prevention guide:

Frostbite treatment: 50 to 120 USD; use HEAT gel packs (avoid direct skin contact).

Altitude consultation: 20 USD; ascend no more than 300 m/day above 1,500 m.

Pediatric oxygen session: 15 USD/hour; rent portable oxygen at ski resorts.

ER admission: 30 USD; carry cash, as international insurance is not accepted.

Environmental health alerts:

Winter air quality: PM2.5 peaks at 150 to 200 μg/m³ (Dec to Feb), so asthmatics should avoid outdoor activity in the morning. Summer tick season: Lyme disease risk from May to Sep, so tuck pants into socks during hikes. Altitude warning: AMS affects 25% of visitors above 2,500 m, and acetazolamide prophylaxis is recommended.

Always carry your passport, insurance card, and translated medical history.