As more people around the world begin to "seek medical care in China," inbound medical tourism is opening a new window in Zhejiang. Backed by Yiwu's commercial strengths and China's visa-free transit policy, an increasing number of overseas buyers are adding health check-ups, minimally invasive surgery, and traditional Chinese medicine experiences to their business trips.

On October 8, eight Bolivian buyers visited the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZJU4H) during a trade trip to Yiwu for a one-stop health check-up. One of them also underwent same-day minimally invasive eye surgery, experiencing the hospital's international services firsthand.

"Today we've come to China to experience a health check-up! Here you can not only enjoy shopping, but also efficient and convenient medical services," said YHOEL RODRIGO, a post-00s blogger with 25,000 followers, who documented the trip in a vlog to share his China medical experience with overseas viewers.

The group completed a full set of check-ups—including blood tests, ultrasound, CT scans, body composition analysis, and breath tests—in just over an hour. They were impressed by the hospital's latest-generation PET/CT, da Vinci surgical robot, and femtosecond laser equipment. The professional and patient-centered care also won high praise.

YHOEL RODRIGO noted that in Bolivia, public hospital check-ups are cheap but limited and slow, while comprehensive check-ups are only available at private hospitals and cost about a month and a half of an average worker's salary. At ZJU4H, a tailored check-up package costs just over 100 US dollars. The modern environment, fast testing process, and accurate reports issued within one or two days make it highly appealing.

Foreign Buyer Undergoes Same-Day Eye Surgery at ZJU4H

Fellow traveler MERY had long suffered from eye problems. After learning about Yiwu's medical resources, she made a point of visiting ZJU4H's ophthalmology department.

After examination by Associate Chief Physician Hu Yishan, she was diagnosed with cataracts. Because a pterygium would affect the outcome of cataract surgery, the pterygium needed to be removed first, followed by cataract surgery in a second stage. Both could be done as same-day surgery.

"Admission, surgery, and discharge within 24 hours? That's amazing!" MERY was pleasantly surprised and decided to stay at ZJU4H for the surgery. "The environment is first-class, the equipment is advanced, and the technology is reliable. I feel very reassured," she said.

Since Bolivia is a Spanish-speaking country, ZJU4H's International Cooperation Office arranged Spanish-speaking staff to accompany her and assist with communication throughout, easing her pre-operative anxiety.

The pterygium excision combined with corneal flap transplantation took only 30 minutes. After surgery, she felt only slight discomfort, which would resolve within about a week. The gauze was removed the next day, fitting perfectly with her tight business schedule in Yiwu.

According to Hu Yishan, more than 10 foreign buyers visiting Yiwu this year have undergone same-day minimally invasive eye surgery during their business trips.

Building a Yiwu Model for International Medical Tourism

ZJU4H Vice President Zhou Wei said cross-border medical tourism and health consumption in China are becoming a new trend. More foreign buyers are coming to Yiwu not only for business, but also for check-ups and treatment at ZJU4H, with many choosing minimally invasive surgery.

To meet the health needs of foreign business travelers, ZJU4H launched an international travel health check-up package a year ago, along with English reports, online appointments, and multilingual volunteer accompaniment.

The hospital has 2 full-time foreign physicians, an International Outpatient Center, and an International Medical Care Center. It works with 22 international commercial insurance institutions for direct billing, offers a "visa-free transit + express health check-up" service, and provides same-day surgery with one-stop diagnosis, treatment, and discharge within 24 to 48 hours.

As one of Zhejiang Province's first pilot units for international medical services, ZJU4H is working to build a regional international health hub, embedding medical services into global buyers' business travel and helping "China Medical Travel" take root in central Zhejiang.