Quick Cost Comparison — Xi'an vs US
What's in This Guide
Why International Patients Choose Xi'an
Xi'an is one of China's most historically significant cities — and increasingly, one of its most important medical destinations. The city is home to some of China's most prestigious military hospitals, institutions built to serve large populations across Shaanxi province and the broader Northwest China region.
Xijing Hospital (西京医院) is the flagship: a 4,000-bed military general hospital affiliated with Fourth Military Medical University that consistently ranks among China's top 10 hospitals. It is particularly renowned for gastroenterology and hepatobiliary surgery, cardiovascular disease treatment, and organ transplantation.
For international patients, Xi'an offers major advantages: some of China's lowest surgery costs alongside top-tier medical quality, significantly shorter wait times than major coastal cities, hospitals with established international patient experience, and a direct international airport connecting to major hubs across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Xijing Hospital — The Regional Powerhouse
Xijing Hospital (西京医院 / Air Force Medical University Affiliated Hospital)
Xijing Hospital is one of China's largest and most respected military general hospitals. With 4,000+ beds and departments spanning virtually every medical and surgical specialty, it handles an enormous volume of complex cases from across Northwest China and beyond. It is particularly known for:
- Gastroenterology & Hepatobiliary Surgery: One of the highest-volume GI surgery centers in Asia. Particularly known for esophageal cancer surgery (which has higher rates in Northwest China due to dietary factors) and complex liver and pancreatic surgery.
- Cardiovascular Surgery: High-volume cardiac bypass, valve replacement, and congenital heart defect repair center. Heart surgery outcomes are well-documented through the hospital's research publications.
- Organ Transplantation: One of the most active kidney and liver transplant centers in China, performing hundreds of transplants annually.
- Orthopedics & Joint Replacement: Large joint replacement and spine surgery departments with extensive experience.
International services: Xijing operates an international ward (typically on floors 5-6 of the main building) with English-speaking coordinators who handle foreign patient registration, interpreter services, and case management. The hospital has experience treating patients from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Most major international insurance plans are accepted — confirm direct billing with your insurer before admission.
Address: No. 169 Changlexi Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an (西安市新城区长乐西路169号). Metro Line 1 (Xinsi Road stop, Exit A).
Other Top Hospitals in Xi'an
Tangdu Hospital (空军军医大学唐都医院)
Also affiliated with Fourth Military Medical University, Tangdu is Xi'an's second-largest military hospital and ranks in China's top 20. It is particularly known for oncology (cancer surgery and chemotherapy), interventional cardiology, and trauma care. Its international ward provides English services for foreign patients at competitive prices — often slightly lower than Xijing for equivalent procedures.
Address: No. 569 Xinhua Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an.
First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (西安交通大学第一附属医院)
Xi'an Jiaotong University's flagship teaching hospital — a 2,500-bed general hospital covering all major specialties. Less focused on international patients than the military hospitals, but has a growing international service desk and accepts most foreign patients on a walk-in basis. Good option for straightforward cases where wait times at Xijing are long.
Address: No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an.
Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital (陕西省人民医院)
The main provincial-level general hospital in Shaanxi, handling a broad range of conditions. Less specialized than Xijing or Tangdu for complex cases, but has the lowest barrier to access for foreign patients — no appointment needed for outpatient services, English signage in major departments, and competitive self-pay pricing.
Address: No. 256 Youyi East Road, Xi'an.
Xi'an Daxing Children and Women Hospital (西安大兴医院 — 妇女儿童分院)
For expat families and international patients seeking obstetrics, gynecology, or pediatric care in Xi'an, this hospital offers a dedicated women's and children's center with relatively accessible pricing. Good for routine prenatal care, delivery, and pediatric conditions — though high-risk cases are often referred to Xijing.
Xi'an Hospital Specialties
| Specialty | Top Hospital in Xi'an | Xi'an Cost (USD) | US Equivalent Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastrectomy (Stomach Cancer) | Xijing Hospital | $10,000–$18,000 | $80,000–$150,000 |
| Esophagectomy (Esophageal Cancer) | Xijing Hospital | $12,000–$20,000 | $100,000–$200,000 |
| Cardiac Bypass (CABG) | Xijing Hospital, Tangdu Hospital | $10,000–$15,000 | $80,000–$120,000 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | Xijing Hospital | $12,000–$18,000 | $100,000–$180,000 |
| Knee / Hip Replacement | Xijing Hospital | $6,000–$10,000 | $35,000–$55,000 |
| Kidney Transplant | Xijing Hospital | $20,000–$30,000 | $400,000–$500,000 |
| Liver Transplant | Xijing Hospital | $40,000–$60,000 | $400,000–$600,000 |
| Spine Surgery | Xijing Hospital, Tangdu | $6,000–$14,000 | $60,000–$100,000 |
| Cancer Chemotherapy | Tangdu Hospital, Xijing | $2,000–$6,000 per cycle | $10,000–$30,000 per cycle |
| Emergency / Trauma | Xijing Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial | $150–$1,200 per visit | $1,500–$10,000 per visit |
What a Real Patient Journey Looks Like
Mohammed, 58, from Oman — gastrectomy at Xijing Hospital:
"I was diagnosed with stomach cancer in Muscat and told the surgery would cost Omani Rial 15,000 (approximately $39,000 USD) with a six-month wait on the public system. My nephew, who works in Chengdu, told me about Xijing Hospital's international ward.
I contacted them by email with my medical reports and endoscopy images. Within three days, they responded with a treatment plan, estimated costs ($13,500 for the gastrectomy), and a proposed admission date. I flew to Xi'an, was met at the airport by a coordinator who spoke Arabic, and went straight to the hospital for pre-op testing.
Surgery was six days after arrival. The surgeon had performed over 3,000 gastrectomies. I spent two weeks in hospital and was discharged with a follow-up plan. Total cost including surgery, hospital stay, medication, and the airport pickup was $15,800 USD. In Oman I would have waited half a year and paid four times as much."
How to Book as a Foreigner
Option 1: Through the Hospital's International Office (Recommended)
Xijing Hospital and Tangdu Hospital both have dedicated international offices that handle foreign patient inquiries. Submit your medical records (English or translated), describe your diagnosis and treatment needs, and they will provide a cost estimate and proposed timeline within 2-5 business days.
Xijing Hospital International Office: Available through the hospital's WeChat official account (西京医院) or via medical coordinators. Email coordination available through our case review service.
Option 2: Through Our Free Case Review Service
We work directly with international coordinators at Xijing Hospital and other top Xi'an hospitals. Send us your diagnosis and medical reports — we'll get you written cost estimates from the most appropriate specialists within 24-48 hours, and help you plan the logistics of travel, visa, and accommodation.
Option 3: In Person
For patients already in Xi'an, visit the international ward on the 5th or 6th floor of Xijing Hospital's main building with your passport and any existing medical records. Coordinators are available Monday through Friday. Bring CT/MRI scans on disc if available.
We connect international patients with the right specialists at Xijing Hospital and other top Xi'an facilities — for free.
Get a Free Hospital Assessment →
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Xijing Hospital accept foreign patients?
Yes. Xijing Hospital actively serves international patients through its international ward, which handles registration, interpreter services, and case coordination for foreign nationals. The hospital accepts international insurance (confirm direct billing with your provider in advance) and has experience with patients from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
What is Xijing Hospital most known for?
Xijing is nationally renowned for gastroenterology and hepatobiliary surgery (particularly esophageal, stomach, and liver surgery), cardiovascular disease treatment and surgery, organ transplantation (kidney and liver), and orthopedics. It is one of the highest-volume surgical centers in Asia for gastrointestinal cancers.
How do Xi'an hospital costs compare to the US?
Surgery at Xijing Hospital typically costs 65-85% less than equivalent treatment in the US. A gastrectomy (stomach cancer surgery) costs approximately $10,000–$18,000 USD total versus $80,000–$150,000 in the US. Heart bypass surgery at Xijing runs $10,000–$15,000 versus $80,000–$120,000 in the US. Kidney transplant costs $20,000–$30,000 at Xijing versus $400,000–$500,000 in the US.
Is there English-speaking staff at Xijing Hospital?
Yes. Xijing Hospital's international ward has dedicated English-speaking coordinators and medical staff. For patients from the Middle East, the hospital also has Arabic-speaking coordinators. For highly complex cases, a medical interpreter can be arranged for consultations. The coordinators also assist with discharge paperwork and medical record translation.
Do I need a visa for medical treatment in Xi'an?
Most nationalities need a visa for entry to mainland China. The hospital's international office can provide a medical invitation letter to support M visa (medical stay) application at the Chinese embassy. For short stays, the 240-hour transit visa-free policy at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is available for select nationalities — check current eligibility before booking.
How do I get from Xi'an airport to Xijing Hospital?
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is about 35km from central Xi'an. The most convenient options: pre-arranged hospital transfer (coordinators can arrange this), taxi (approximately ¥120–180, 40-60 minutes), or airport metro Line 14 to Xi'an North Station, then Metro Line 2 to Xinsi Road Station (approximately 70 minutes, ¥25).