China – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in China, and how do I recognise one?

The terms you are most likely to encounter on pharmacy signage across China are 药店 (Yàodiàn), which translates directly as “medicine shop”, and 大药房 (Dà Yàofáng), meaning “large pharmacy” — a designation used primarily by chain outlets. The green cross functions as the universal pharmacy symbol in China, just as it does across much of Europe, making it easy to identify a pharmacy even before you have developed any reading ability in Chinese characters.

In practice, the green cross is almost always displayed as a brightly lit LED sign above the entrance, conspicuous both during the day and at night. Urban areas are particularly well served — you are unlikely to be more than a short walk from a pharmacy at any point in a Chinese city.

Among the prominent nationwide chains are 老百姓大药房 (Laobaixing), one of the country’s largest operators; 大参林 (Dashenlin), which has a strong presence across southern China; 海王星辰 (Neptunus), a chain with outlets throughout the country; and 一心堂 (Yixintang), which is especially well established in the western regions. These chains are subject to regulatory oversight, maintain consistent stock levels, and occasionally employ staff with basic English ability.

Smaller independent pharmacies are widespread and perfectly adequate for straightforward purchases, though their product range can be limited. For less common medications, hospital pharmacies (医院药房) often carry a broader selection, though accessing them requires navigating the hospital registration process. For newcomers to China, major chain pharmacies are the most dependable starting point, offering standardised quality and reliable stock.

It is worth noting that while many Chinese medications include the generic drug name in English on the outer packaging, all instructions, warnings, and dosage information will be printed in Chinese. Photographing the packaging after a successful purchase is a simple and practical way to make repeat visits more straightforward.

What are pharmacy opening hours in China?

Opening hours at Chinese pharmacies differ according to whether the outlet belongs to a large chain or operates as an independent shop, and also vary by location. In most urban areas, standard retail pharmacies tend to open between 8:00 and 9:00 am and close between 9:00 and 10:00 pm, operating seven days a week. Unlike some countries where pharmacy hours are reduced at weekends, Chinese pharmacies generally maintain consistent schedules throughout the week.

Round-the-clock pharmacy services are available in China’s major cities. Twenty-four-hour outlets are found most commonly in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, typically as part of the larger national chains. If you need medication at an unusual hour, the most reliable approach is to search the relevant chain’s official app or WeChat mini-programme to locate the nearest branch offering 24-hour service.

In smaller cities and rural communities, pharmacies generally keep shorter hours, and all-night options are far less common. If you are settling outside a major metropolitan area, it is sensible to identify your nearest late-night pharmacy shortly after arrival. Another option for urgent medication needs at night is the emergency department (急诊, Jízhěn) of a nearby hospital, which operates around the clock and has its own dispensary, enabling you to receive any necessary medicine directly following your consultation.

China does not operate a formalised rotating on-call pharmacy system comparable to the pharmacie de garde arrangements found in France or Belgium. However, the major pharmacy chains publish duty schedules on their apps, and your building’s management office (物业, Wùyè) may be able to point you towards the closest late-night option in your area.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in China, and which require a prescription?

China’s pharmaceutical classification framework distinguishes between two broad categories: prescription drugs (处方药, Chǔfāng Yào) and non-prescription drugs (非处方药, Fēi Chǔfāng Yào, commonly abbreviated as OTC). Within the OTC category, there are two further subdivisions: Class A products, identified by a red OTC label, which are sold exclusively through licensed pharmacies, and Class B products, identified by a green OTC label, which carry a slightly broader safety margin and may also be stocked in supermarkets and convenience stores.

A wide range of everyday medicines can be purchased without a prescription at licensed pharmacies. These include pain relievers, cold and flu preparations, antacids, antihistamines, topical treatments, vitamins, and basic digestive remedies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations — spanning herbal formulas and patent medicines — are also routinely available over the counter.

Regulatory tightening in recent years has brought about a meaningful shift from the previous environment in China, where medicines requiring a prescription in other countries were sometimes dispensed freely. Antibiotics in particular are now formally designated as prescription-only in China, meaning they cannot be purchased without a doctor’s authorisation. This represents a significant departure from older practices and is an important difference that expats should be aware of, especially if they are accustomed to more liberal access elsewhere.

Despite this, some pharmacies may still dispense prescription medicines without formal documentation if the customer signs a liability waiver. This practice is inconsistent across the sector and is becoming less common as enforcement has tightened — it should not be relied upon. Obtaining antibiotics without medical advice is discouraged both legally and from a public health standpoint; self-prescribing antibiotics for viral conditions such as colds or influenza is ineffective and contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

Online pharmacy platforms have grown substantially in recent years and are widely used for delivering OTC medicines quickly — sometimes within half an hour. Major platforms such as Meituan’s pharmaceutical section and the online stores operated by major chain pharmacies have made ordering straightforward. However, prescription medications may not be purchased through online pharmacies. When using online platforms, verify that the operator holds both the Certificate for Internet Drug Information Services and the Certificate for Internet Drug Transaction Services before making any purchase.

How does the prescription system work in China?

In China, prescriptions are issued by licensed physicians working in public hospitals, private clinics, or specialist outpatient departments. There is no mandatory GP referral structure of the kind found in countries such as the UK or Australia; patients generally attend a hospital or clinic directly, select the relevant department, and register for a consultation. Both general practitioners and specialists may prescribe within their respective areas of clinical practice.

The fundamental process of obtaining and filling a prescription in China follows the same basic pattern as elsewhere: a doctor issues a prescription document, which the patient then takes to a pharmacy to collect the relevant medication. Although paper prescriptions remain the predominant format, China has been progressively expanding its electronic prescription infrastructure (电子处方, Diànzǐ Chǔfāng) across larger hospitals and certain online platforms as part of broader digital health reforms.

Chinese prescriptions are generally issued with a short validity window — typically between three and seven days for standard medications — meaning they must be presented to a pharmacy reasonably promptly after issue. This is considerably shorter than, for example, the NHS repeat prescription framework in the UK, under which prescriptions are often valid for six months. For patients managing long-term or chronic conditions, doctors can issue prescriptions covering extended supplies through follow-up appointments, though a formalised automatic-refill mechanism comparable to repeat prescribing systems in other countries is not yet widely standardised across China.

As part of broader healthcare reform, Chinese hospitals have been prohibited from using pharmaceuticals as a revenue source, shifting the primary role of medication dispensing to retail pharmacies. This represents a significant structural change: rather than purchasing medicines directly from hospital dispensaries as was once common practice, patients now typically fill prescriptions at community or chain retail pharmacies. This reform has contributed to greater price transparency and wider drug availability outside hospital settings.

Hospital pharmacies (医院药房) continue to play an important role, particularly for inpatients and for medicines dispensed directly following an outpatient consultation. After seeing a doctor at a hospital, you may be given a prescription to fill either at the hospital’s own dispensary or at a nearby retail pharmacy — both routes are regularly used.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in China?

China does not operate a uniform flat-rate prescription charge system comparable to the fixed dispensing fee used in the UK or the co-payment structure under Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Drug prices can differ between pharmacies and outlets. In most cases, medications are purchased at market price, although meaningful cost reductions are available to those enrolled in public insurance programmes.

China’s national basic medical insurance framework (基本医疗保险, Jīběn Yīliáo Bǎoxiǎn) incorporates a National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). Medicines included on this list are subsidised for enrolled participants, who pay only a co-payment while the insurance fund covers the balance. Both the list of covered drugs and the applicable co-payment rates are reviewed and updated periodically by the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) — the NHSA official website is the authoritative source for current figures, which were most recently revised in 2024.

The actual cost of prescription medicines varies considerably depending on the type of drug, the treatment setting, and the dispensing outlet. Despite ongoing government efforts to drive down pharmaceutical prices, some expats find that certain medications cost noticeably more in China than at home. Imported branded medicines in particular tend to command a significant premium over locally manufactured generics or TCM alternatives.

Clinics catering to foreign patients and hospital pharmacies typically charge more than standard retail pharmacies, and international clinics often stock imported brands that patients may recognise from their home countries — though at considerably higher prices. For those conscious of medication costs, requesting the generic equivalent (仿制药, Fǎngzhì Yào) of a branded drug is a reasonable approach. Generic medications in China are subject to the same quality and regulatory standards as branded products under reforms enacted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and are generally substantially cheaper.

For up-to-date figures on co-payment rates, drug pricing, or the current NRDL, consult the National Healthcare Security Administration or the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) directly, as these details are subject to regular revision.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in China?

Prescriptions issued by doctors in other countries are not recognised by Chinese pharmacies. If you arrive in China holding a prescription from abroad, you will need to consult a Chinese-licensed doctor and obtain a new prescription issued under the Chinese system. China has not entered into any bilateral prescription recognition agreements with other countries, making this a universal requirement regardless of your nationality or country of origin.

The practical steps are relatively clear: if you are partway through a course of medication when you relocate to China, your priority on arrival should be to find a local doctor, bring your existing prescription alongside any relevant medical records, and request a Chinese prescription for the equivalent medication. International clinics in the major cities are accustomed to handling exactly this situation — physicians working in these environments are often familiar with medicines prescribed overseas and can assist in identifying the appropriate Chinese equivalent or, where necessary, exploring import options.

Having your documentation translated into Mandarin by a recognised translation service or qualified institution can be extremely useful when consulting a Chinese physician, particularly for complex, unusual, or specialist medications. While doctors at international hospitals frequently read English-language records, a Mandarin translation accelerates the consultation process and reduces the risk of misunderstanding.

Certain medications commonly prescribed in your home country may not be licensed for sale in China. It is therefore worth researching — before you move — whether your specific medication, identified by its generic International Non-proprietary Name (INN), is approved and marketed in China. The NMPA’s drug database is the definitive reference for this. If the drug is unavailable on the Chinese mainland, bringing an adequate supply from home is advisable; keep the original prescription with you in case customs officials request documentation.

In situations where a particular medication cannot be sourced on the mainland, Hong Kong may offer an alternative avenue. Hong Kong operates under its own separate regulatory framework, maintains its own drug approval lists, and has broader availability of certain internationally licensed imported medicines.

Can I bring my medications into China?

The general principle governing the importation of personal medications into China is that quantities considered reasonable for personal use are permitted, subject to inspection by customs authorities. The National Medical Products Administration confirms that individuals may carry a modest supply of medication when entering or departing the country, provided it is for personal use, within a reasonable quantity, and presented for customs inspection if required.

Although no precise universal ceiling is defined in law, customs officers typically assess the appropriateness of a given quantity by considering the traveller’s intended length of stay, the prescribed dosage, and the nature of the medical condition involved. A supply sufficient for approximately three months is generally regarded as acceptable for a chronic condition, whereas notably larger quantities may invite scrutiny on the grounds of suspected commercial importation.

Regardless of quantity, travellers entering China are expected to declare any medications in their possession. For prescription medicines — and especially those classified as controlled substances under Chinese law — a valid prescription or signed letter from the prescribing physician is essential. This documentation should clearly state the traveller’s name, the medication’s generic name, dosage instructions, and the prescriber’s contact details.

Where a medication contains narcotic or psychotropic components, it may be necessary to obtain advance permits from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country prior to travel. These permits must be presented to customs upon entry to avoid delays, confiscation, or legal complications. Medical professionals carrying small quantities of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances into China for clinical purposes are required to hold permits issued by provincial-level drug regulatory bodies, with customs clearance granted on the basis of those documents.

For OTC medications, keeping all products in their original, clearly labelled packaging — showing the active ingredients, manufacturer’s details, and expiry date — is strongly recommended. Decanting pills into unmarked containers or travel organisers, however convenient, can create unnecessary complications at the border. Always verify the current import requirements with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) and the NMPA before departing, as regulations may be updated.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in China?

China’s national public healthcare system covers approximately 90% of the population, but eligibility for expats is tied to participation in the social insurance system. In practice, foreign nationals who are formally employed by a Chinese entity and whose salary contributions include healthcare insurance payments may be enrolled in the local basic medical insurance scheme — which encompasses drug subsidies through the NRDL. Expats who are self-employed, working on short-term contracts, or not enrolled in the social insurance system are not eligible for public coverage and must depend entirely on private insurance arrangements.

Regardless of whether you qualify for public scheme participation, securing comprehensive private medical insurance and understanding exactly what it covers is strongly advisable. Both Chinese domestic insurers and international providers offer private medical plans, and coverage may be included as part of an employer-negotiated relocation package.

It is important to note that medical treatment in China is almost always paid for upfront at the point of care — whether in cash or by card — and reimbursed subsequently through your insurer. This differs fundamentally from systems such as the NHS in the UK, where prescription charges are either waived or fixed at the point of dispensing. In China, you pay first and recover costs later, so understanding your insurer’s reimbursement procedures and timelines before you need them is essential. Ensure your policy explicitly covers outpatient prescription medicines, as some plans provide benefits only for inpatient or hospital-based care.

It is also worth confirming whether your insurer has preferred pharmacy networks or direct billing arrangements with specific hospital pharmacies. Some international health insurers active in China have established these partnerships, which can eliminate the need to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.

International private medical insurance plans from providers such as Cigna, Aetna, Allianz Care, or Bupa Global generally offer more extensive pharmaceutical coverage than locally issued Chinese insurance products. When comparing plans, pay particular attention to outpatient prescription drug benefits and whether reimbursement applies to medications dispensed at retail pharmacies as well as hospital pharmacies, since the rules can differ depending on the dispensing setting.

How do I apply for medication in China as an expat? A step-by-step guide

1. Identify your medication’s generic name. Before visiting a pharmacy or doctor, find out the International Non-proprietary Name (INN) — or generic name — of your medication. Brand names often differ between countries, but the generic name is recognised internationally and will help Chinese doctors and pharmacists identify the right product.
2. Research local availability. Check whether your medication is approved and available in China via the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) database. If it is not on the market in China, you will need to bring an adequate supply from abroad or explore alternatives.
3. Visit a doctor for a Chinese prescription. If you need a prescription medication, visit a hospital outpatient department or a licensed private clinic. Present your existing prescription and any medical records (ideally translated into Mandarin). The doctor will issue a Chinese prescription valid for use at pharmacies.
4. Choose a reputable pharmacy. Go to a qualified pharmacy that is equipped with licensed pharmacists. Before purchasing, confirm whether the drugstore displays its business licence and whether the pharmacist wears their credentials. Major chain pharmacies are generally the safest choice.
5. Purchase and keep your receipt. Pay for your medication and keep the invoice as proof of purchase — this is essential for insurance reimbursement. Note down the Chinese name and packaging details for future reference.
6. Submit your insurance claim. If you have private health insurance, submit the receipt, prescription copy, and any required claim form to your insurer. Check your policy’s time limits for submitting claims — most insurers require claims within 90–180 days of purchase.
7. Register with a regular clinic for ongoing needs. For long-term or chronic medication, establish a relationship with a local doctor or international clinic early on. This makes repeat consultations smoother and ensures continuity of care.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in China?

The first step when you exhaust your medication supply is to attend a hospital outpatient department or a reputable private clinic. Bring your original prescription or the medication packaging and ask the doctor to prescribe an equivalent under the Chinese system. Pharmacists at major chain pharmacies may also be in a position to advise on Chinese equivalents for commonly used medicines. If you need urgent assistance outside of standard hours, proceed directly to a hospital emergency department (急诊, Jízhěn), which operates continuously around the clock.

Are brand-name drugs from my home country available in China?

While Chinese pharmacies stock a broad range of over-the-counter medicines, the specific brand you relied on at home is unlikely to be on their shelves. Many internationally recognised prescription brand names are simply not licensed for sale in China, though generic equivalents manufactured domestically are often available. International clinics and specialist hospital pharmacies in the larger cities may hold limited stocks of imported branded products, but these typically come at a considerably higher price than their local counterparts.

How do I find a pharmacist or doctor who speaks a language other than Mandarin?

International hospitals and private clinics in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen generally employ multilingual doctors and support staff. Institutions including United Family Hospital, Parkway Health, and Raffles Medical are well known for their English-speaking clinical teams. Beyond the major urban centres, encountering pharmacy staff who speak languages other than Mandarin becomes significantly less likely — preparing a written note with your medication’s name, dosage, and purpose in Chinese before visiting a local pharmacy is a practical precaution.

Can I order my prescription medication online and have it delivered in China?

Online pharmacy platforms have expanded rapidly in China and are widely used for home delivery of OTC medicines, with some services capable of delivering within an hour. However, prescription medications are prohibited from sale through online pharmacy channels and must be obtained in person from a licensed retail or hospital pharmacy. Platforms such as Meituan Medicine and JD Health rank among the most widely used services for OTC medication delivery within China.

What happens if my medication is a controlled substance?

Chinese customs authorities apply strict controls to prescription medications, particularly opioids, sedatives, and psychotropic substances. If you need to carry a controlled substance into China, advance authorisation is required — typically in the form of a permit obtained from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country of residence before you travel. Bringing controlled substances into China without the appropriate documentation constitutes a serious legal offence and may lead to confiscation, financial penalties, or criminal prosecution. Always consult the relevant Chinese embassy and the GACC well ahead of your travel date.

Does China have traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) alongside Western medicine at pharmacies?

China’s pharmaceutical sector encompasses two parallel streams of practice: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and conventional Western medicine, with both hospital and community pharmacies responsible for dispensing products from each system. The majority of retail pharmacies carry both Western pharmaceutical products and TCM preparations — including herbal remedies, patent medicines, and health supplements. Specialist TCM-only pharmacies also operate throughout the country and are generally identifiable by the characters 中药 (Zhōngyào, meaning “Chinese medicine”) displayed on their signage.

What is the emergency number for medical help in China?

The emergency medical services number in China is 120, which connects callers to ambulance dispatch. The police emergency line is 110, and the fire service is reached on 119. In the event of a medical emergency, major cities are equipped with public hospital emergency departments (急诊) that function 24 hours a day. International hospitals in larger urban centres are also capable of handling emergencies and are often preferred by expats for their multilingual staff and familiarity with overseas medical records.

Is traditional Chinese medicine covered by health insurance in China?

TCM treatments and medicines are included within China’s National Reimbursement Drug List, which means they receive partial subsidy under the public basic medical insurance system for those who are enrolled. For expats relying on private international health insurance, coverage for TCM varies considerably from plan to plan — some international insurers extend benefits to TCM consultations and herbal medicines, while others exclude them entirely. Reviewing your policy terms carefully and confirming TCM coverage before committing to a plan is advisable if TCM forms part of your healthcare routine.