Look for two independent signals. The Fudan Hospital Rankings are published annually by Fudan University‘s Hospital Management Institute — they are China’s most authoritative public ranking. JCI accreditation is an international standard; you can verify a hospital’s status on the JCI website directly. If a hospital claims a specific national rank number (like “3rd in China”), be skeptical. The Fudan general hospital list uses tier bands (A++++ to A), not sequential numbers. Only the 45 specialty lists have numbered top-10 rankings. Our top hospitals directory only includes Fudan-ranked and JCI-accredited institutions.

Your S2 visa typically allows a stay of up to 180 days. Extensions can be applied for at the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration office with supporting documentation from the hospital. Your hospital’s international department can help with the paperwork. Budget for an extended stay — complications are rare but possible, and a rushed discharge to catch a flight is dangerous. Good travel insurance with medical extension coverage is worth the premium.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Imported orthopedic implants (Zimmer, Stryker, DePuy Synthes) are available at top hospitals and are the same products used in the US and Europe. The same goes for many cancer drugs — China’s National Medical Products Administration has accelerated approvals for oncology drugs in recent years. But not every drug approved in the US is available in China, and vice versa. Domestic Chinese implants and generic drugs are also commonly used and cost significantly less. Ask your surgeon explicitly which implants and medications will be used and whether imported options are available. The price difference can be substantial.