In 2025, China attaches increasing importance to the living experience of foreigners in China.
For example:
The new version of the Beijing International Edition portal is built around the function of Beijing as an international exchange center, integrating information release, public services, and consultation and exchange. It includes nine languages, including English, Korean, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Portuguese, and provides one-stop, full-cycle online services for foreigners and foreign-funded enterprises.
https://english.beijing.gov.cn/

China's Openness Index: 3 Clear Signals

1. Foreigner-First Design
The "用户体验官" (User Experience Ambassador) program specifically invited international residents to test systems - a first in China's public healthcare. This user-centered approach mirrors Shanghai's recent "Expat-Friendly Business District" initiatives.

Top 5 Conveniences for Foreign Visitors

  1. Language Barriers Removed

    • English-language hospital booking via 114 platform
    • Full English registration at 8 major hospitals (e.g. Peking Union Medical College Hospital)
    • Bilingual birth certificate services for newborns of expats

  2. Payment Flexibility
    167 medical institutions now accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard)

  3. Digital Efficiency

    • Online appointments cover 92%+ hospitals
    • 92 internet hospitals offer remote consultations
    • "Time-Fold" style service: Book same-day surgery on weekends at 245 hospitals

  4. Emergency Assurance

    • Ambulance response time: 12 minutes (faster than NYC's 15min avg)
    • 99% emergency call success rate

  5. Future-Proof Care
    2025 upgrades include:

    • 70%+ hospitals sharing medical records across provinces
    • 24/7 pediatric services at all major hospitals

2. Global Standard Alignment
Accepting foreign cards and adopting WHO-recognized ER response times shows China is bridging its systems with international norms. Notably, even the CDC headquarters relocation includes global epidemic monitoring labs.

3. Inclusive Innovation
Beijing's "internet health villages" (30 new clinics in rural areas) and expat services use the same tech backbone. This dual focus on urban internationals and rural locals demonstrates balanced development.

Traveler's Cheat Sheet

  • Do This Now: Book specialists via "京通" Health Module (English interface)
  • Pro Tip: Use weekend surgeries at Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital to minimize trip disruptions
  • Cultural Insight: The 114 hotline (used since 1976 for directory assistance) now serving English healthcare bookings symbolizes tradition embracing modernity

Why It Matters: These changes aren't just about convenience - they reflect China's strategic shift from "managing foreigners" to actively competing for global talent and tourism. With medical visa approvals up 40% YTD, Beijing's hospitals are becoming as internationally accessible as the Great Wall.