Nigeria Times

By Li Xinping, Shi Yu, People’s Daily

Sun Wufei, a visually impaired massage therapist from Ningde in southeast China’s Fujian province, has built a thriving business by tapping into opportunities brought by the railway network. Starting with just three massage beds in his home, he now runs four massage outlets and has created jobs for more than 30 people with visual impairments.

Nestled between mountains and the sea, Ningde long lagged behind economically due to rugged terrain and poor transport links. After graduating from a program in traditional Chinese medicine wellness at a vocational school for the visually impaired, Sun found few opportunities at home and was force to seek work elsewhere.

That changed dramatically in 2009 with the opening of the Wenzhou-Fuzhou Railway. “Once the trains started running, people began to move,” Sun recalled. “And where there are people, there is business.” He soon returned home to start his own venture.

In Fuding, Ningde, Sun converted a 20-square-meter space in his house into a massage studio with three beds. As a person with disabilities, he benefited from supportive policies when applying for business permits and was exempt from personal income tax.

His reputation steadily grew, attracting in loyal customers.This success allowed him to expand, opening additional branches in Fuding and downtown Ningde in 2013 and 2018.

The Wenzhou-Fuzhou line was just the beginning. Subsequent routes — including the Hangzhou-Shenzhen Railway (Fuzhou-Xiamen section), the Hefei-Fuzhou High-Speed Railway, and the Quzhou-Ningde Railway — further integrated Ningde into China’s national rail network.

Improved connectivity transformed Ningde’s economy, attracting significant investment and establishing it as a global hub for lithium battery and stainless steel production. 

“As the economy grows and incomes rise, people pay more attention to their health,” Sun noted. “My business has only gotten better.”

Motivated by his success, Sun began giving back. By inviting experienced practitioners to provide guidance and traveling across regions to train staff, Sun has mentored more than 20 apprentices.

At 7:30 a.m. on Wanting Road in Fuding, Sun stepped out of his home. “I’m heading to my store in downtown Ningde,” he said.

Tapping his white cane against the pavement, he made his way to a bus stop. “The sound of the wind, footsteps, even the aroma from street-side food stalls — these are all part of my navigation,” he explained.

At the stop, he used his smartphone with voice prompts and a transit app to find the bus to Fuding Railway Station. “Public transport is free for people with disabilities and seniors,” he noted.

En route, Sun called Ye Yaojun, a duty passenger service attendant at Fuding Railway Station, to let him know he would arrive in 10 minutes. 

Their connection began a decade ago. One winter day, amid pouring rain, Ye encountered Sun on a railway platform. “The rain drowned out his sense of direction. He looked lost,” Ye recalled. Stepping forward to help, Ye made a promise: “Whenever you come, call me. I’ll guide you.”

Ten years on, that promise still stands.

“Wufei, over here!” As the bus pulled in, Sun heard Ye’s voice. Resting a hand on Ye’s shoulder, he followed him with practiced ease.

When the train arrived, Ye handed Sun over to Ren Hualian, conductor of train D6329. She helped Sun board and settle into his seat, then sent Ye a message with a photo: “All set.”

The 55-minute journey passed quickly. At Ningde Railway Station, another attendant was already waiting.

This seamless coordination is made possible by a volunteer service group initiated by Ye along the Wenzhou-Fuzhou Railway. The group consists of over 20 station attendants along the route. Whenever a passenger with limited mobility needs assistance, details such as the train number, carriage, and specific needs are shared in a group chat, ensuring smooth handovers at every stop.

So far, the network has assisted more than 30 visually impaired passengers. 

“They can book priority services through the official railway platform,” Ye said. “If it’s urgent, they can also contact us directly — we’ll make sure they’re taken care of.”

Outside work, Sun loves traveling and exploring local cuisine. He once spent over 30 hours traveling to Lanzhou in northwest China’s Gansu province for authentic beef noodles. For classic northeastern dishes, he transferred across multiple trains to reach Harbin in Heilongjiang province.

In 2025, he attended a music festival in Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang province. “Tens of thousands of people jumping and dancing together — it felt amazing,” he said.

Sun now takes more than 50 train trips a year, having traveled across 29 provincial-level regions. As China’s high-speed rail network continues to expand, travel have become increasingly convenient. 

“More importantly, there’s warmth everywhere I go,” he said. “I’ve lost count of how many times train staff have offered help, or how often volunteers at scenic spots have stepped in as soon as they noticed me.”

“It’s a world full of kindness,” Sun told People’s Daily. “I can set off whenever I want.”

By Meng Fanzhe, People’s Daily

Recent developments signal that space mining, once confined to science fiction, is edging closer to reality..The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation announced plans to conduct feasibility studies during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) for a major project known as “Tiangong Kaiwu.” 

The project aims to build an integrated experimental system for space resource development, supported by ground infrastructure. Its core focus will be on achieving technological breakthroughs in areas such as small celestial body exploration, intelligent autonomous mining, low-cost transportation, and in-orbit resource processing. 

At its most fundamental level, space mining refers to extracting resources from celestial bodies beyond Earth’s atmosphere. However, the broader concept of space resources encompasses not just minerals but also materials, energy sources, environmental conditions, and information that can be utilized in space. 

The “Tiangong Kaiwu” project is centered on developing a comprehensive system for deep-space resource utilization. This system would cover the entire chain — from exploration and extraction through transportation and in-orbit processing — moving this capability from laboratory research towards practical engineering implementation.

The vision of utilizing extraterrestrial resources is not new. Outer space has long been viewed as a vast, untapped resource reservoir. Scientific evidence suggests that certain asteroids harbor high concentrations of precious metals like platinum and palladium. Lunar regolith contains helium-3, a clean, safe, and efficient fuel for nuclear fusion, while KREEP-rich regions on the Moon hold thorium and rare earth elements. 

Among all space resources, water ice is considered particularly valuable. Through electrolysis, water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen, creating high-performance rocket propellant. If water can be extracted in space, spacecraft could one day refuel at orbital or lunar “fuel stations.”

The challenge, however, lies in cost. With current technology, transporting materials from space back to Earth often costs far more than the resources are worth.

For this reason, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) has become a key approach to reduce reliance on Earth-based supplies, by sourcing and processing materials directly on the Moon, asteroids, or other celestial bodies. 

The primary goal of space mining, therefore, is not to ship valuable materials back to Earth, but to lower the cost of deep-space activities–transforming space exploration from a high-cost, low-frequency endeavor into a more sustainable and routine system.

China’s confidence in this field stems from steady technological progress. The Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions have successfully returned lunar samples to Earth. The asteroid sample-return mission Tianwen-2 was launched in 2025 and is currently en route to its target asteroid. Chang’e-7 is set to explore water ice at the Moon’s south pole this year, while Chang’e-8, planned for launch around 2028, will conduct crucial ISRU technology experiments on the Moon. 

Complementing these missions, the newly established School of Space Exploration at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences is training talent in aerospace science and planetary research. From exploration and sampling, to laboratory research and engineering applications, and from technology validation to talent development, a comprehensive capability network for deep-space exploration is rapidly taking shape.

Significant challenges remain. The Moon’s surface experiences temperature swings of up to 300 degrees Celsius, while asteroids have near-zero gravity and long communication delays with Earth. These extreme environments pose formidable obstacles for space mining. 

At the same time, efforts to overcom them are expected to drive breakthroughs in fields ranging from aerospace engineering and materials science to artificial intelligence.

From quantum technology and biomanufacturing to embodied intelligence and nuclear fusion, China’s long-term development strategies increasingly emphasizes future-oriented industries. 

As a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation accelerates, China is seeking to position itself with foresight and steady action to gain momentum across emerging frontiers.

By Zeng Yichen, People’s Daily

At 3 p.m., inside a 24-hour unmanned parcel station in Wudun village, Mogao township, Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu province, villager Zhang Jianpeng saw a moving dot on the screen of his phone — tracking a driverless delivery vehicle heading his way from a logistics hub 15 kilometers away.

Thirty-five minutes later, alerted by a notification, Zhang stepped outside. “It’s almost here,” he said.

The “it” was an orange, box-shaped autonomous vehicle turning onto the asphalt road. Equipped with rooftop lidar sensors, it navigated obstacles and followed its programmed route. Despite having no driver, it strictly observed traffic rules — slowing for turns and yielding to pedestrians — before stopping precisely at the station entrance.

Zhang scanned a QR code on the vehicle. A side compartment door slid open, revealing neatly stack parcels. In less than 10 minutes, he sorted and unloaded the packages bound for the station. The vehicle then closed its door and moved on to its next stop.

“When the vehicle arrives, I take out the parcels, scan them, and place them into the lockers,” Zhang explained.

The parcel station has been converted from an unused village building. It is equipped with smart lockers and a self-service pickup area. “The facilities are designed based on villagers’ daily needs,” Zhang said. “They also come with surveillance, smart scanning systems, and voice-visual instructions, making them accessible, especially for elderly users.”

Dunhuang, a major tourist destination with a population under 200,000, faces logistical challenges due to widely dispersed settlements and seasonal labor shortages. Courier companies have long struggled with rural delivery.

“Trips to remote townships like Yangguan sometimes involve just one delivery — not even covering the fuel cost,” said Zhang Chutong, head of a local courier company. “This demotivates couriers. Waiting to accumulate more orders causes delays, turning ‘express delivery’ into ‘slow delivery,’ which frustrates villagers.”

Dunhuang’s open roads and lighter traffic in suburban and rural areas make it an ideal testing ground for scaling autonomous delivery. The adoption of driverless vehicles has helped ease last-mile logistics challenges in remote villages.

“These vehicles operate reliably even in extreme weather,” Zhang Chutong noted. “They maintain a stable daily range of about 130 kilometers, even at temperatures as low as minus 28 degrees Celsius. That reduces the workload for couriers and lowers operating costs.”

By his estimates, a single autonomous vehicle can handle around 1,000 parcels per day, improving delivery efficiency by 30 percent and cutting costs by 40 percent.

Working in tandem with unmanned stations, courier companies now deliver packages in bulk to designated pickup points, further reducing per-delivery costs. This model has improved both sustainability and experience of rural logistics.

In Wudun village, resident Yang Shuhua said the new system has made daily life much easier. “We just enter a pickup code at the station and collect our parcels anytime,” she said.

She recalled that many villagers used to work outside during the day and only returned after the stations had closed. “We worried that fresh items would spoil, so we often avoided ordering them,”she said. “Now that concern is gone.”

The station also allows villagers to send out agricultural products. “When our apricots are in season, we can ship them directly from here,” Yang added. “It’s very convenient.”

As Dunhuang continues to upgrade its rural logistics network, the city has been advancing a three-tier delivery system covering the city, townships, and villages. So far, parcel delivery services have reached all eight rural townships and 56 administrative villages.

“Going forward, we will continue exploring new models for rural delivery,” said Yang Xuewu, head of the Dunhuang postal administration. “Our goal is to better serve remote, low-volume villages–ensuring smoother outbound channels for agricultural products and efficient inbound delivery of consumer goods.”

By Gu Zhongyang, Chen Juan, People’s Daily

How many trees grow across China? 

The latest data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration show that the country’s total forest area now spans 240 million hectares. 

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China completed afforestation covering 12.3 million hectares, recording the world’s fastest and largest expansion of greening.

A 2025 research outcome released by a team led by Guo Qinghua at Peking University estimated that, as of 2020, China had approximately 142.6 billion trees — equivalent to about 100 trees per person. Using drones, LiDAR technology, and algorithmic models, the team surveyed more than 76,000 sample plots, completing the country’s first nationwide tree-count assessment.

The figure of “100 trees per person” makes China’s green assets more concrete and its ecological progress easier to grasp. These gains stem from both strengthened protection and sustained afforestation.

Over the past five years, China has carried out standardized protection for approximately 5.08 million ancient and notable trees, while effectively conserving 172 million hectares of natural forest resources. Since 2012, cumulative afforestaton has exceeded 73 million hectares, accounting for roughly 1/4 of the world’s newly added green area.

Following an integrated approach to conserving mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, lakes, grasslands, and deserts, China has implemented a series of major ecological programs. Among them, the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program has achieved a cumulative afforested and preserved area of 32 million hectares — about half the size of the Loess Plateau.

These achievements highlight the governance capacity underpinning China’s ecological transition. 

In Nagqu, southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region, at an average altitude of 4,500 meters and once known as “the only city in China without trees,” cold-, wind-, and UV-resistant species such as spruce have been introduced during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. With patented technologies overcoming high-altitude planting challenges, trees and forests are now taking roots across the city.

China’s approach to greening prioritizes expanding tree cover, improving forest quality, and strengthening long-term management. National land greening efforts are being advanced in a coordinated manner — increasing green coverage, fostering green development, and safeguarding green resources. Guided by the principle of aligning afforestation with local water availability and ecological conditions, China has pursued a scientific, ecological, and cost-effective path to greening.

The idea that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” has gained broad social acceptance. In 2025, the total output value of China’s forestry and grassland industries approached 11 trillion yuan ($1.6 trillion), supporting employment and income growth for more than 60 million people. More than 1.7 million forest rangers now safeguard these ecosystems.

According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, China recorded an average annual net increase of 1.69 million hectares of forest area between 2015 and 2025 — the highest in the world.

Looking ahead, China’s recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) call for well-planned, large-scale greening programs. The country aims to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and increase total forest stock volume to over 24 billion cubic meters by 2035. Anchored in the goal of building a beautiful China, it pledges to remain a steadfast participant and a major contributor to global green development.

By Wang Zheng, People’s Daily

Stepping into a plant operated by Chinese automaker BYD in Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone, Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, visitors are greeted by a striking sight: a “steel forest” of nearly 1,000 industrial robots moving in precise synchronization.

Powered by a self-developed digital infrastructure and an AI-enabled visual system, the facility achieves stamping precision of 1.8 microns and 100 percent automation in welding.

The outcome is impressive: a new vehicle rolls off the line every 51 seconds.

This facility exemplifies the speed and technological sophistication underpinning China’s automotive sector. A potent combination of efficient smart manufacturing, a robust domestic supply chain, rapid technological advancements, and the steady introduction of competitive new models — supported by favorable policies — has consistently driven domestic demand and sustained sales growth.

The statistics confirm this momentum: China’s automobile production and sales each exceeded 30 million units for the third consecutive year, securing the country’s position as the global leader for an unprecedented 17th straight year. 

This robust performance highlights the resilience of the Chinese economy and its ongoing shift towards higher-quality, innovation-driven growth, even amidst significant external pressures and domestic challenges.

The push for innovation extends to extreme conditions. On the morning of Dec. 23, 2025, as temperatures dropped to minus 28 degrees Celsius in Mohe, northeast China’s Heilongjiang province. Zhang Luchao, a system control engineer at a research institute of Chinese automaker Geely, set out on a 10-kilometer city driving test.

Starting a Geely Galaxy Starship 7 left overnight, he evaluated its AI-powered energy management system. According to Zhang, the system learns from user behavior and determines whether to warm up the battery pack based on factors such as departure time, indoor and outdoor temperatures, weather conditions, and remaining charge–cutting thermal management energy use by up to 30 percent.

In 2025, the average driving range of pure electric passenger vehicles in China approached 500 kilometers. Meanwhile, key technologies — including 800-volt high-voltage silicon carbide platforms and fast-charging systems capable of delivering an 80 percent charge in 15 minutes — have entered large-scale application.

Solid-state batteries have moved into small-batch trial production, targeting mass production by 2027. Innovation across multiple energy pathways — electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels — advanced concurrently. China’s “super hybrid” technology, integrating various power modes, gained widespread domestic adoption and began exporting to international automakers.

As electrification advances, concerns over charging and range are steadily easing, a trend that keeps advancing the replacement of traditional fuel vehicles with new energy vehicles(NEVs). In 2025, China produced 16.626 million and sold 16.49 million NEVs, up 29 percent and 28.2 percent year on year, respectively. NEVs accounted for 47.9 percent of total new car sales.

Exports are also gaining momentum. China exported 2.615 million NEVs in 2025, doubling from the previous year. Passenger vehicle exports doubled from a year ago to 2.532 million units, while commercial vehicle exports reached 83,000 units, up 86.8 percent year on year.

At the same time, autonomous driving is moving rapidly from testing to large-scale deployment, emerging as one of the earliest commercial applications of embodied intelligence. More than 60 percent of new passenger vehicles sold in China now come equipped with Level-2 advanced driver assistance systems. 

On Dec. 15, 2025, two models developed by Chinese automakers Changan and BAIC received China’s first permits for Level-3 autonomous driving, making the two companies the first in the country authorized to test Level-3conditionally autonomous vehicles on public roads.

Regulatory measures have also helped stabilize the market. Since last year, authorities have moved to curb excessive price competition, tighten product consistency inspections, and step up enforcement against unfair practices. 

These efforts are gradually addressing issues such as disorderly price wars and declining profitability. From January to November 2025, profits in the auto sector rose by 7.5 percent year on year, 3.1 percentage points higher than the January-October figure.

As the industry shifts away from resource-intensive, low-price competition toward innovation and value upgrading, mainstream automakers are ramping up efforts to deliver high-quality offerings.

In 2025, a range of flagship models embodying the core technological strengths of major brands gained strong market traction. Among them, the Maextro S800 under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance captured around 50 percent of sales in the million-yuan ($145,262) luxury car segment. Meanwhile, the Aito M9, M8, and M7 topped the sales charts in the 500,000-yuan, 400,000-yuan, and 300,000-yuan SUV segments, respectively. The Voyah Dream continued to lead monthly sales in the high-end MPV category, with its average selling price exceeding 400,000 yuan.

Across these segments, domestic premium new energy vehicle brands–exemplified by Aito, Li Auto, Zeekr, Voyah, and Xiaomi — recorded combined sales growth of over 40 percent year on year in 2025.

According to Chen Shihua, deputy secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, the sector is expected to maintain steady performance in 2026, supported by the smooth continuation of policies promoting large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins, as China’s accelerates its shift toward high-quality development.

By People’s Daily reporters

“Bring an extra suitcase to China.” 

“Must-buy lists for ‘Shopping in China.'”

“A practical guide to tax refunds.” 

Posts tagged “Shopping in China” are going viral on overseas social media, highlighting a surge in shopping enthusiasm among inbound travelers.

Data from China’s State Taxation Administration shows that in 2025, the number of overseas visitors claiming tax refunds surged 305 percent year on year, while sales of eligible goods jumped 95.9 percent and total refunds rose 95.8 percent.

The shift from “China Travel” to “Shopping in China” signifies more than just changing visitor habits. These practical shopping guides, widely shared online, point to deeper transformations in China’s tourism market, as increasingly diverse consumption scenarios are reshaping foreign visitors’ itineraries.

At a digital products store on Beijing’s bustling Wangfujing pedestrian street, an Italian tourist named Luca was browsing smart bands from a Chinese brand, asking about differences between models and phone compatibility. 

After testing various features with help from a sales assistant, he purchased four units — one for his wife, an avid morning runner; two for his parents, who could use the health-monitoring functions; and one for his child, who would stand out at school with the stylish gadget.

Ahead of his trip to China, Luca said friends back home had already asked him to bring back items such as Bluetooth earphones and portable chargers.

As Chinese tech products sweep the globe, foreign tourists’ shopping lists are expanding beyond traditional souvenirs to include high-tech products. Foldable smartphones, AI goggles, and drones are increasingly finding their way into their shopping carts.

Huaqiangbei electronics market in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province, often dubbed China’s top electronics hub, has become a must-visit destination. 

At major markets such as Huaqiang Electronics World and SEG E-Market, foreign visitors carrying large bags or even rolling suitcases stand out in the crowd. 

“People used to think of Chinese specialties as tea or panda-themed souvenirs, but now these tech-driven smart products are the new ‘must-buys,'” said an Egyptian tourist, his shopping bags filled after a busy morning.

Yiwu in east China’s Zhejiang province, known as the “world’s supermarket,” offers a one-stop shopping experience, from nail clippers and phone cases to smart home appliances and drones, making it another key stop for foreign visitors. 

A Russian tourist named Anna purchased a portable smart translator capable of real-time translation in over 100 languages for her son. “Yiwu defies expectations. It’s not just a wholesale market for cheap goods; it feels more like a ‘laboratory for future living,'” she said.

Beyond the appeal of quality and innovation in Chinese manufacturing, many foreign visitors are also captivated by Chinese aesthetics.

The Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum has launched a refrigerator magnet inspired by the caisson in the Heavenly Palace of Longfu Temple. Chengdu’s Kuanzhai Alley, a premier historical and cultural district, incorporates panda elements into its souvenirs. “Rong Momo,” a stuffed toy modeled on roujiamo, a well-known street food from Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi province, is popular among tourists.

Culturally distinctive keepsakes have grown increasingly popular among foreign tourists in recent years. These locally designed products offer an accessible glimpse into Chinese aesthetics and cultural sensibilities.

As policies facilitating inbound tourism continue to improve, services across visa processing, border clearance, international transport, and payment have become more convenient. At the same time, immersive consumption experiences are emerging as a new highlight of “Shopping in China.”

On Guozijian Street in Beijing’s Dongcheng district, a Canadian tourist named Lillian donned traditional Chinese attire for her first travel photoshoot. “These are some of the best photos of my life,” she shared. From choosing costumes and makeup to learning traditional poses and etiquette, this experience sparked in her a strong fascination with traditional Chinese culture.

At a tax refund counter on Shanghai’s Madang Road No. 159, foreign visitors queued to complete refund procedures. Asked about their “Shopping in China” experience, many responded with a thumbs-up, describing it as “affordable, convenient, and a great overall experience.”

As the potential of “Shopping in China” continues to unfold, cities and regions across the country are moving quickly to seize the momnet. By rolling out tailored policies and incentives, they aim to build a more internationalized consumption environment where foreign visitors can travel with ease and shop with greater value.

By the end of November 2025, China had 12,252 departure tax refund stores nationwide, including 9,151 newly added that year. More than 7,000 stores now offer instant refund services, with coverage continuing to expand to better meet the needs of overseas travelers.

By Bai Jianfeng, People’s Daily

China’s expanding visa-free policies, including a 240-hour transit visa exemption, are attracting more international visitors. Among them, a growing number are travelling specifically for medical treatment, sharing their positive experiences globally on social media.

This marks a significant shift. Years ago, Chinese patients often sought advanced care in Europe and North America. Today, a “reverse medical tourism” trend is bringing international patients to China, driven primarily by the exceptional value proposition: high-quality healthcare at accessible prices. 

This trend reflects the growing strength of China’s medical system. International patients consistently report that obtaining care in China is “neither difficult nor expensive,” highlighting efficiency, affordability, and quality as key advantages.

Efficiency: Many foreign patients express astonishment at the speed of care. Where wait times for specialists, diagnostics, or surgery can stretch to months in their home countries, China’s system often enables registration, testing, and even surgery within days. This efficiency is born from serving a vast population. Doctors in major hospitals routinely see high volumes of patients — sometimes 60-70 daily — often sacrificing personal breaks to minimize delays. In 2024 alone, Chinese healthcare institutions managed 10.15 billion patient visits, with an average hospital stay of 8.6 days, underscoring the system’s capacity and the dedication of its medical professionals.

Affordability: International patients consistently find that costs in Chinese public hospitals, even when paid entirely out-of-pocket, are significantly lower than comparable care abroad. This affordability stems from government-regulated pricing for many services and substantial public investment in medical equipment, often resulting in fees below operational cost. Health authorities also strictly control per-visit expenses to prevent overtreatment; in 2024, the average hospital stay cost was 9,870 yuan ($1,428), while an average outpatient visit was 361 yuan. Furthermore, national bulk-buying programs for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, alongside negotiations for drug inclusion in insurance schemes, have dramatically reduced prices, maximizing patient savings.

Quality: China’s overall medical technology and care standards are now comparable to those in developed Western nations. The integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western medicine provides unique strengths, particularly in managing chronic conditions. Chinese physicians are globally recognized leaders in treating complex and critical illnesses, achieving world-leading results in certain fields. International assessments, such as The Lancet’s rankings on healthcare quality and access, consistently place China highly. The rapid advancement of “AI + healthcare” applications is further elevating the standard of care nationwide.

Healthcare is a key indicator of a country’s overall strength. Over the years, China has steadily increased its investment in the sector. In 2024, total health expenditure accounted for 6.7 percent of China’s GDP, with government and social spending making up 72.5 percent and out-of-pocket spending accounting for 27.5 percent. This commitment underpins the system’s growing appeal to international patients seeking effective, efficient, and affordable care.

China has pursued a health-first development strategy, upheld the public welfare nature of basic healthcare services, and built the world’s largest systems for medical services, traditional medicine, disease prevention and control, and medical insurance. 

In 2024, life expectancy in China reached 79 years, with major health indicators ranking among the leading levels for middle- and high-income countries.

With its strong reputation and growing credibility, China’s healthcare system is becoming a trusted and increasingly sought-after choice for patients around the world.

Looking ahead, experts suggest that China should further enhance its international medical service system — centered on the international departments of public hospitals and high-quality private health care providers while promoting globally aligned hospital accreditation standards with Chinese characteristics. 

Efforts should also include establishing a more rational and competitive pricing framework for international patients and accelerating integration with global commercial health insurance systems. These steps would help make China a more accessible and attractive destination for medical travelers worldwide.

China is well positioned to become a global destination for health care, enabling people around the world to experience not only the efficiency but also the human warmth of its medical services.