What Is Boao Lecheng? China’s Only “Medical Special Zone”
Approved by China’s State Council on February 28, 2013, the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is a first-of-its-kind jurisdiction in China — the country’s only designated “medical special zone.” Located in Qionghai, on the eastern coast of Hainan Island, near the Boao Forum for Asia venue, the zone occupies a strategically chosen area within the broader Hainan Free Trade Port framework.
Unlike conventional hospital districts or wellness resorts, Lecheng is fundamentally a regulatory sandbox. Its mission is to test a more open healthcare model before any potential national rollout. The zone operates under a set of nine special support policies, often summarized as the “four concessions”:
Special Medical Concession — Authorized medical institutions can import and use innovative drugs, vaccines, and medical devices that have been approved overseas (by the FDA, EMA, PMDA, etc.) but are not yet registered in mainland China.Special Research Concession — The zone is China’s first and only pilot area for Real-World Data (RWD) and Real-World Evidence (RWE) application, allowing clinical data generated during patient use to be submitted as supplementary evidence for national drug and device registration.Special Operations Concession — Foreign investors are permitted to establish wholly foreign-owned medical institutions within the zone, and foreign physicians are allowed to practice under simplified licensing procedures.Special International Medical Exchange Concession — Simplified customs, visa, and residency procedures for international medical staff, patients, and their accompanying family members.As of May 2026, the pilot zone has introduced more than 560 internationally innovative drugs and medical devices that are unavailable elsewhere in China, covering oncology, cardiovascular diseases, ophthalmology, rare diseases, and more. It is home to over 40 medical institutions and has served more than 130,000 patient visits through its licensed drug and device pathway. (Sources: Xinhua News Agency, March 2025; Hainan Provincial Government, May 2026)
The Policy Engine: What Makes Lecheng Different
The zone’s appeal is not about tropical scenery — it is about speed of access. In standard Chinese regulatory pathways, getting a new drug approved can take 18–24 months or longer after its overseas debut. In Lecheng, the timeline for clinically urgent imported drugs and devices has been compressed to 3 to 7 working days for approval.
In September 2024, China announced that eligible drugs and medical devices in the Lecheng pilot zone would be exempt from import tariffs and value-added tax (VAT). With the full island-wide independent customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port launched in December 2025, zero-tariff coverage expanded from 21% to 74%, significantly reducing the procurement cost of high-value therapies. (Source: People’s Daily Online, November 2025)
Furthermore, the zone has become China’s proving ground for Real-World Data (RWD) applications. As of early 2026, 47 licensed medical products have been included in the RWD pilot program, and 21 products have successfully used RWE generated in Lecheng to support their national registration with China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). These include 6 pharmaceuticals and 15 medical devices spanning ophthalmology, oncology, cardiovascular care, urology, and diagnostics. Three products have further been included in China’s national medical insurance catalog with the help of RWE, achieving the dual goal of “accelerated access” and “affordable coverage.” (Source: Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology, March 2026)
Medical Institutions in the Zone
The Lecheng Pilot Zone has developed a “1+X” shared hospital ecosystem — one shared platform supporting multiple specialized clinical centers. The zone now hosts over 40 operating medical institutions, anchored by top-tier Chinese teaching hospitals alongside international and private providers.
Ruijin Hospital (Hainan) — Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Ruijin Hainan Hospital is the flagship public hospital in the zone, functioning as both a research hospital and a clinical care center. It specializes in hematology, cardiovascular diseases, oncology, and endocrinology. In February 2025, Ruijin Hainan Hospital wrote China’s first — and the world’s first outside the United States — prescription for the hemophilia drug Matasizimab (anti-TFPI), demonstrating the zone’s ability to deliver truly global-first clinical applications. (Source: Xinhua, March 2025)
West China Lecheng Hospital — Sichuan University. Leveraging the expertise of West China Hospital — consistently ranked among China’s top three hospitals — this facility focuses on precision oncology, rare diseases, and complex surgical interventions.
Boao Super Hospital. The first medical institution established in the zone, Boao Super Hospital operates on a “1+X” cluster model that brings together 17 academician-led clinical teams under one roof. Its centers of excellence include the Oncology Innovation Center (offering CAR-T cell therapy and personalized DC vaccines), the Regenerative Medicine Department (stem cell treatments for joint disease, COPD, and heart failure), and the Cardiovascular Institute. The hospital provides comprehensive concierge services for international patients including multilingual coordination in six languages, 24/7 interpretation, and airport transfers from Boao, Haikou, and Sanya airports. (Source: China Healthcare Guide / Boao Super Hospital official page)
Hainan Boao Evergrande International Hospital. A major international oncology hospital co-developed with Brigham and Women’s Hospital (a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital), this facility focuses on radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and precision cancer diagnostics. It was among the first in the zone to offer novel targeted therapies such as Lorlatinib for ALK-positive lung cancer.
Boao International Hospital (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine). This hospital equally emphasizes Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offering integrated approaches for anti-aging, rehabilitation, women’s health, and chronic disease management. Its TCM services have been particularly popular among international visitors.
Shulan (Boao) Hospital. Affiliated with the Shulan Medical Group, this hospital operates a “1+X” shared model and specializes in hepatology, hepatobiliary-pancreatic oncology, nephrology, rare diseases, anti-aging, and high-end rehabilitation.
Yiling Life Care Center. Focused on full lifecycle health management, Yiling combines TCM therapies (acupuncture, tuina massage, herbal medicine) with international rehabilitation protocols. It has built a full-scenario multilingual service network covering English, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and French, making it a popular destination for international wellness tourists. (Source: People’s Daily Online, November 2025; Hainan Provincial Government, May 2026)
Examples of Licensed Drugs and Devices Available in Lecheng
As of early 2026, over 560 products have been approved for use in the zone. Below are representative examples:
| Category | Product Name | Indication | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oncology | Pralsetinib (Gavreto) | RET fusion-positive NSCLC | FDA-approved |
| Oncology | Lorlatinib (Lorbrena) | ALK-positive lung cancer | FDA-approved |
| Oncology | Trilaciclib (Cosela) | Chemotherapy myeloprotection | FDA-approved |
| Hematology | Matasizimab (anti-TFPI) | Hemophilia A/B with inhibitors | First global use outside US |
| Cardiology | Leqvio (Inclisiran) | Hyperlipidemia (PCSK9 siRNA) | FDA/EMA-approved |
| Ophthalmology | Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implant | Chronic non-infectious uveitis | FDA-approved |
| Infectious Disease | Cefiderocol (Fetroja) | Drug-resistant gram-negative infections | FDA/EMA-approved |
| Neurology | Viltolarsen (Viltepso) | Duchenne muscular dystrophy | FDA-approved |
| Cardiology | “Rocket Heart” Implantable LVAS | Advanced heart failure | China-developed, first in Lecheng |
| Device | TriGUARD3 Cerebral Embolic Protection | Cardiovascular surgery protection | First clinical use in Asia |
(Source: Boao Lecheng Licensed Drug & Device Directory, lczxyf.com; Xinhua, 2025; People’s Daily, 2025)
Real Patient Stories
Bulgarian Entrepreneur Finds Treatment in Lecheng. At 67, Bulgarian entrepreneur Bobokov Atanas Stoilov discovered the Lecheng Pilot Zone online and decided to travel to Hainan specifically for medical care. Local institutions designed a personalized anti-aging and medical aesthetics program for him. During his stay, he also underwent a comprehensive cardiovascular check-up at Ruijin Hainan Hospital and received treatment with Leqvio (inclisiran) — a novel siRNA-based cholesterol-lowering drug that was not yet available in many other markets. Thanks to Lecheng’s special import policies, the drug was first introduced and used in China right there in the zone. (Source: Hainan Provincial Government, May 2026)
First Prescription of Matasizimab Outside the United States. In February 2025, a patient with hemophilia A with inhibitors received the first prescription of Matasizimab (anti-TFPI) at Ruijin Hainan Hospital. This was not only China’s first prescription of this drug — it was the first successful administration anywhere outside the United States. Professor Wang Xuefeng, director of the Hemophilia Center at Ruijin Hospital, noted that the drug’s rapid deployment through Lecheng’s concession policies allowed Chinese patients to benefit from cutting-edge therapy simultaneously with patients in the most advanced pharmaceutical markets. The clinical data collected will also support the drug’s broader national registration. (Source: Xinhua News Agency, March 2025)
Indonesian Medical Tourism Group. In December 2024, Lecheng welcomed its first fully-coordinated Indonesian medical tourism group. The group received comprehensive health check-ups and ophthalmic examinations, including disease screening and ocular ultrasound. The visit generated per capita spending exceeding 12,000 yuan (~$1,660), covering the full chain of services from health screening and specialist consultations to rehabilitation and aesthetic treatments. (Source: Xinhua, March 2025; People’s Daily, November 2025)
Growing International Patient Inflow. In 2025, Lecheng recorded 865,300 medical tourism visits, a 109.18% year-on-year increase. The zone received inbound medical tourists from 14 countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Russia, Canada, Spain, Laos, and the UAE. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, inbound medical tourist numbers reached 3,053 — an eightfold increase compared to the same period in 2025 — driven by the Hainan Free Trade Port’s full customs operations and expanded visa-free access for 86 countries. (Sources: Hainan Provincial Government, May 2026; Xinhua, January 2026)
Cost Comparison: Lecheng vs. Other Medical Tourism Destinations
| Procedure / Treatment | Boao Lecheng (Estimated) | Singapore | Thailand | South Korea | USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive health check-up | $500–1,500 | $1,500–3,000 | $800–1,500 | $600–1,200 | $3,000–8,000 |
| Oncology targeted therapy (monthly) | $3,000–8,000* | $8,000–15,000 | $5,000–10,000 | $4,000–9,000 | $15,000–40,000 |
| Cardiac bypass surgery | $18,000–30,000 | $30,000–50,000 | $12,000–20,000 | $20,000–35,000 | $80,000–150,000 |
| Knee replacement | $10,000–18,000 | $18,000–30,000 | $8,000–14,000 | $15,000–25,000 | $35,000–60,000 |
| Anti-aging / stem cell therapy | $5,000–20,000 | $10,000–30,000 | $6,000–15,000 | $5,000–12,000 | $20,000–50,000 |
| CAR-T cell therapy | $50,000–120,000 | $100,000–200,000 | $70,000–150,000 | $60,000–140,000 | $370,000–475,000 |
Prices for imported licensed drugs in Lecheng can be significantly reduced by the zone’s zero-tariff policy and RWE-driven cost efficiencies. Estimates may vary by case.*
Key cost advantages of Lecheng:
Zero-tariff advantage: With Hainan FTP’s independent customs operations, eligible imported drugs and devices are exempt from import duties (typically 5–10%) and VAT (normally 13%), directly lowering costs by 15–20%.No international travel premium: Unlike Singapore or the US, Lecheng leverages China’s comparatively lower hospital operational costs while still using the same imported products.Insurance integration: The zone is building a “global licensed drug insurance” model, with increasing partnerships with international insurers to facilitate cross-border claims.For reference, a real-world example: treatment for thyroid eye disease with a novel biologic costs approximately $250,000 in the US. In Lecheng, the imported version costs roughly 200,000 RMB (~$27,600). After the domestic version was approved and included in China’s medical insurance, out-of-pocket cost for insured patients dropped to just over 10,000 RMB (~$1,400). (Source: Southern Daily / China News, February 2026)
How to Access Boao Lecheng Through myMedVia
Navigating a new healthcare system in a foreign country can be overwhelming. myMedVia bridges this gap, offering a streamlined pathway for international patients to access Lecheng’s world-class medical resources.
| Challenge | How myMedVia Solves It |
|---|---|
| “I don’t know which hospital or doctor to choose” | Expert case assessment and hospital matching based on your specific condition |
| “The approval process seems complicated” | End-to-end application management for licensed drug/device approvals |
| “I can’t wait months for treatment” | Fast-track Access starting from $300 — appointment scheduling and approval in days, not months |
| “I need full support from start to finish” | Full Concierge starting from $1,000 — includes medical translation, travel coordination, accommodation booking, hospital accompaniment, and follow-up care |
| “What if my home country doesn’t have this treatment?” | Access to 560+ drugs and devices not available in your home market |
| “Will my insurance cover this?” | Guidance on international insurance coordination and direct billing options |
The myMedVia Process:
Initial Consultation — Submit your medical records. Our team reviews your case within 48 hours and identifies whether Lecheng has the treatment you need.Hospital & Specialist Matching — We match you with the most appropriate hospital and physician team in the zone based on your diagnosis.Approval Facilitation — We handle the licensed product application process with the zone authorities (typically 3–7 working days).Travel & Accommodation — Full Concierge clients receive airport pickup, hotel booking (partnered with nearby 5-star resorts), and 24/7 multilingual support.Treatment & Aftercare — A dedicated case manager accompanies you through every appointment. Post-treatment, we coordinate follow-up care and remote consultations if needed.Insurance & Billing — We work with your insurer for pre-authorization and direct billing wherever possible.Who Is This For? myMedVia is designed for patients facing waiting times of one month or longer in their home country, particularly those in Canada, the UK, France, the US, the Middle East, Russia, and Southeast Asia who need access to therapies that are either unavailable, unapproved, or subject to long waiting lists in their local healthcare systems.
Fast · Affordable · Certain — That’s our promise.
Conclusion: Why Lecheng Matters Now
Boao Lecheng is not just another medical tourism destination. It is a regulatory innovation engine that has already brought over 560 otherwise-unavailable therapies to patients, served more than 860,000 medical tourists in a single year, and pioneered a globally watched model for real-world evidence in drug approval.
For international patients stuck on waiting lists, facing prohibitive costs, or running out of options in their home countries, Lecheng — accessed through myMedVia — offers a credible, regulated, and increasingly affordable pathway to the treatments they need.
The zone’s ambition is clear: to become a world-class international medical tourism destination by 2030. With the Hainan Free Trade Port now fully operational, that future is arriving faster than most expect.
