International Visitors To Shanghai Incorporate Health Management Into Travel Plans, Boosting Medical Tourism Growth With 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Published on February 15, 2026

The recent implementation of a 144-hour visa-free transit policy in various cities across China, including Shanghai, has significantly impacted medical tourism in the country. The new policy allows international visitors to include health management or medical access in their itineraries, thus creating a new trend in medical tourism, where people seek to include their medical needs in their tour plans. As Shanghai becomes a new hub in China’s medical tourism sector, more and more international patients are seeking medical services in the country’s top-rated medical facilities, such as Parkway MediCentre Xintiandi and Parkway Shanghai Hospital, which offer high-quality medical services to patients.

The new policy allows international visitors to gain more convenience while traveling to Shanghai and other cities across China, and this policy will play a crucial role in the medical tourism sector in Shanghai and China at large. As Shanghai becomes a new entrant in China’s medical tourism sector, medical providers in the country will be able to offer medical services and health management to more and more patients in the future.

Parkway’s Role in Shaping Shanghai’s Medical Tourism Landscape

Parkway, a trusted international healthcare provider, has been an integral part of Shanghai’s growing medical tourism sector for over two decades. With its established presence and reputation for internationally aligned healthcare services, Parkway has attracted patients from across the globe, treating nearly 500,000 individuals from 77 countries. The facility’s global trust and comprehensive care have made it a key player in connecting global health needs with Shanghai’s premium healthcare resources, further accelerating the region’s medical tourism growth.

As Shanghai’s popularity as a medical tourism destination increases, Parkway continues to expand its service offerings, ensuring that both tourists and residents have access to world-class care. Parkway’s strategic focus on meeting the needs of international patients contributes significantly to the region’s tourism growth, combining leisure travel with health management.

Expanding Healthcare Services for International Patients

Parkway’s facilities, such as Parkway MediCentre Xintiandi and Parkway Shanghai Hospital, offer specialized services that cater to the needs of medical tourists, including fast-track health screenings, minor surgeries, and multidisciplinary outpatient services. Located in prime areas of Shanghai, these healthcare centers are easily accessible for both leisure and business travelers looking to balance medical needs with their travel schedules.

At Parkway MediCentre Xintiandi, for instance, the center provides overnight health screening packages and the ability to complete minor surgeries within 24 hours, ensuring convenient, time-efficient healthcare for visitors on tight schedules. These services are particularly beneficial for business travelers and tourists who seek medical care during their stay without significant disruption to their plans. By offering comprehensive, quality care in a flexible environment, Parkway enhances the appeal of Shanghai as a leading medical tourism destination.

Growth of Medical Tourism in Shanghai: Enhancing Citywide Accessibility

Shanghai’s growing role as a medical tourism hub is further strengthened by the city’s hospitality growth, with facilities like Parkway ensuring that visitors have access to not only world-class medical services but also luxury accommodations and experiential tourism opportunities. This blend of healthcare and tourism is increasingly attractive to international patients who are seeking an integrated travel experience—where they can benefit from high-quality health management services while enjoying Shanghai’s rich cultural and historical offerings.

Parkway’s ability to provide seamless medical care while also facilitating leisure travel experiences is contributing to the rapid growth of medical tourism in Shanghai. As more international travelers seek destinations that combine healthcare needs with cultural experiences, the region stands to benefit from increased tourism-driven revenue, as well as growth in the local healthcare sector.

Medical Tourism’s Economic Impact on Shanghai

As medical tourism grows, it is having a tangible economic impact on Shanghai’s local economy. Beyond the immediate benefits of healthcare services, medical tourists often extend their stays, contributing to the hospitality industry, local businesses, and tourism services. The influx of international patients seeking medical treatments or health management services leads to increased spending in areas like accommodation, transportation, and retail.

With the 144-hour visa-free transit facilitating easier access to medical services, the potential for long-term economic benefits through medical tourism is significant. For Shanghai, becoming a global leader in medical tourism means not only attracting more international patients but also enhancing the city’s profile as a premium travel destination.

Shanghai’s Medical Tourism Growth Fuels Hospitality and Economic Development

The implementation of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy in Shanghai is fueling the development of medical tourism in the region, making Shanghai an emerging destination for travelers seeking a luxury travel experience. Parkway MediCentre Xintiandi and Parkway Shanghai Hospital are significantly contributing to the development of the medical tourism sector in Shanghai, providing travelers with easy access to health care while fueling the tourism sector in the region.

The development of the medical tourism sector in Shanghai means that the region is poised to become a world leader in wellness tourism. The seamless access to luxury health care services in the region, combined with the availability of tourist attractions, makes Shanghai a unique destination for travelers seeking a luxury travel experience. The development of this sector in the region will not only fuel the hospitality sector in Shanghai but also contribute to the economic development of the region.