300,000 patients visited Boao Lecheng in 2023. 28,000 accessed drugs not yet approved for mainland China. Here's how the zone actually works — and what treatments are available.
The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, located in Hainan Province, is China's only government-designated special zone for medical tourism. Established under national policy, it operates under a different regulatory framework than the rest of mainland China — one specifically designed to attract international patients and enable access to globally approved treatments that have not yet completed China's NMPA approval process.
What Is Boao Lecheng?
The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, located in Hainan Province, is China's only government-designated special zone for medical tourism. Established under national policy, it operates under a different regulatory framework than the rest of mainland China — one specifically designed to attract international patients and enable access to globally approved treatments that have not yet completed China's NMPA approval process.
In 2023, approximately 300,000 medical tourists visited Boao Lecheng. Of these, 28,000 patients received specially licensed drugs or medical devices not yet available on the Chinese mainland — a figure that reflects the zone's unique regulatory status.
The Regulatory Fast-Track: How It Works
Normal NMPA approval for a new drug in China takes 3–5 years. For hospitals operating within the Boao Lecheng zone, approval for the same drug can take a few months — provided the drug is already approved in a recognized jurisdiction (US FDA, European EMA, Japan PMDA, etc.).
This means patients can access:
- Drugs approved in the US/EU that are still in the Chinese NMPA review pipeline
- Medical devices cleared internationally but not yet in mainland China
- Advanced diagnostics and therapeutic technologies available in this zone before national rollout
Recent Treatments Approved Through Lecheng (2023–2024)
Examples of treatments that received Lecheng-specific approval before mainland availability:
- Inclisiran (July 2023): siRNA-based cholesterol-lowering drug — a novel mechanism that silences the gene responsible for excess LDL cholesterol production. Approved in the US and EU; made available in Lecheng before mainland NMPA approval.
- Vamorolone (April 2024): The first new drug approved for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in the US and EU. Lecheng access granted shortly after international approval.
- Cefiderocol (January 2024): A next-generation antibiotic specifically designed for carbapenem-resistant infections — one of the most serious antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Approved through Lecheng for use in designated hospitals.
Over 400 specially licensed drugs and medical devices have been granted access for use in Lecheng's designated hospitals across specialties including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and aesthetics.
Which Hospitals Operate in the Zone?
The zone currently hosts both internationally recognized hospital brands and top Chinese institutions with dedicated Lecheng campuses. These include specialized cancer centers, cardiac centers, and regenerative medicine programs. All hospitals operating in the zone must meet strict quality standards set by the Hainan provincial government and the National Healthcare Security Administration.
Is Lecheng Right for International Patients?
Boao Lecheng is worth considering if:
- You are seeking access to a drug or device approved in your home country but not yet available in mainland China
- You are interested in advanced oncology, cardiac, or regenerative medicine treatments
- You want the regulatory fast-track benefit combined with high-quality Chinese hospital care
The zone is located in Hainan Island — a tropical destination — which some international patients find easier to travel to than major mainland cities, with visa-free entry for citizens of 59 countries.
Panda Touring Care can coordinate Lecheng-based treatment packages, including medical record review, hospital liaison, translation services, and accommodation arrangements.
Sources: HKTDC Research, Boao Lecheng analysis; Shionogi/cefiderocol Lecheng announcement, January 2024; Caixin Global, 2024–2026; China Daily, 2023–2024.