Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province and a former imperial capital, has a strong and historic healthcare system. Its two flagship Grade 3A hospitals — Drum Tower Hospital and Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital — are among the best in eastern China. A Nanjing health checkup for foreigners is high quality and more affordable than in nearby Shanghai, with reasonable English support.
Best Hospitals for a Checkup
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital — a top-ranked Grade 3A hospital with a strong international patient program.
- Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital — one of the largest hospitals in the province, with a dedicated health management center.
- Zhongda Hospital — affiliated with Southeast University; well-regarded for general care.
English Support and International Services
Drum Tower Hospital operates an international medical center with English-speaking staff and a patient-friendly booking process. Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital also serves international patients and runs a large health management center for executive checkups, though front-line English varies. For expats, booking through the international department or a bilingual coordinator is the smoothest path.
Checkup Prices in Nanjing
| Package type | Public Grade 3A (RMB) | VIP/international (RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic screening | ¥350–800 | ¥1,000–2,300 |
| Comprehensive | ¥1,000–2,800 | ¥2,800–5,800 |
| Executive | ¥2,800–6,500 | ¥6,000–13,000+ |
Getting There and Where to Stay
Drum Tower Hospital sits in the central Gulou district, right by the metro of the same name. Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital is also centrally located. Expats and business travelers typically stay near Xinjiekou (the commercial heart of the city) or around the historic Confucius Temple area. Nanjing is a major high-speed rail hub, with Shanghai just over an hour away and Beijing reachable in about 3–4 hours.
Booking Tips
- Book through an international department or coordinator 1–2 weeks ahead.
- Bring your passport for registration.
- Fast 8–12 hours before blood tests and abdominal scans.
- Request an English-language report if your insurer or home doctor requires it.
Nanjing pairs top-tier medical care with lower prices and a rich historical setting — an excellent, underrated choice for a health checkup.
What to Expect During Your Checkup
Plan for 2-4 hours. After registration you’ll move through blood draw, imaging, and functional tests, finishing with a physician consultation. Nanjing’s hospitals are well organized, and morning appointments usually complete before lunch. Results for routine blood work typically arrive the same day.
Insurance and Payment
Drum Tower’s international center and Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital’s health management center can bill several international insurers directly. Otherwise, pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a major credit card and claim later with the itemized bill and English report. Ask your insurer for pre-authorization before booking preventive screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is English spoken at checkup counters? Rarely — book through an international department or bring a coordinator.
- Do I need to fast? Yes, 8-12 hours before blood tests and abdominal ultrasound.
- Can I request a female physician? Yes, at most hospitals; mention it when booking.
- Are pediatric packages available? Yes, most Grade 3A hospitals offer children’s health screening.
Nanjing is also a great base for combining a checkup with a short trip — the Confucius Temple area and Ming-era sites are minutes from the central hospitals.