Staying healthy and accessing medical care in Shenzhen
Shenzhen has excellent medical facilities, including top-tier hospitals with international patient services. Pharmacies are everywhere for minor ailments. Tap water is not safe to drink — always use bottled or filtered water. Mosquito repellent is recommended year-round.
Health preparations before arriving in Shenzhen
No mandatory vaccines for China. Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus (booster), and routine updates. Consider Japanese Encephalitis if visiting rural areas.
Bring prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note (English + Chinese translation if possible). Carry a copy of your prescriptions. Some medications may be restricted in China.
Strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and treatment in China. Keep insurance documents and emergency numbers accessible. MedTourNanshan can assist with insurance claims.
Bring copies of relevant medical records, allergies list, and blood type. If coming for treatment, bring all diagnostic reports and imaging files. MedTourNanshan provides medical record translation services.
Widely available — look for the green cross sign
Major chains include China Resources Vanguard (华润万家), Da Shen Lin (大参林), and Guo Da (国大). Look for the green cross (绿十字) sign. Most are open 8:00–22:00.
Cold medicine, painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), stomach medicine, bandages, antiseptic, vitamins, and basic first-aid supplies. Many international brands available (Johnson & Johnson, GSK, etc.).
Some medications require a Chinese prescription. Antibiotics and certain drugs are strictly controlled. If you need specific medication, contact MedTourNanshan concierge for assistance locating it.
Some over-the-counter medications from your home country may contain ingredients restricted in China. This includes certain cold medicines with pseudoephedrine and some ADHD medications. Check with the Chinese embassy before traveling. Always carry medications in original packaging with a doctor's note.
Stay healthy with these essential precautions
Tap water is NOT safe to drink — always use bottled water (瓶装水). Hotels provide free bottled water daily. Major brands: Nongfu Spring (农夫山泉), Wahaha (娃哈哈), C'est Bon (怡宝). Boiling tap water makes it safe for tea/coffee.
Restaurant food in Shenzhen is generally safe. Look for busy restaurants (high turnover = fresh food). Street food is popular and usually safe. Avoid raw or undercooked meat. Wash fruits and vegetables or peel them. Most hotels have filtered water dispensers.
Shenzhen is subtropical — mosquitoes are present year-round, more active in summer. Use repellent (DEET-based). Hotels usually provide mosquito-free rooms. No malaria risk in Shenzhen city.
Where to go when you need medical attention
Shenzhen's top hospital. International patient services with English-speaking staff. Full range of departments, 24/7 emergency. View full hospital profile →
Some private international clinics in Shenzhen offer English-speaking doctors. They are more expensive but have shorter wait times. Contact MedTourNanshan concierge for recommendations.
Call 120 for ambulance. Major hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments. For life-threatening emergencies, call MedTourNanshan concierge: +86 177-4202-6990.
Be prepared for these common ailments
MedTourNanshan provides end-to-end medical concierge services — from hospital appointments and interpreter arrangement to medical record translation and insurance coordination.
Contact Our Concierge View Hospitals