Zhejiang University First Affiliated Hospital: Hangzhou's Rising Star in Medical Tourism

The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (浙江大学医学院附属第一医院), or FAHZU, represents the new generation of Chinese hospitals — purpose-built for the international patient era. With a dedicated 20,000 sqm International Healthcare Center building, a 45.6% year-on-year growth in international patients in 2024, and patients from 60+ countries, FAHZU is rapidly emerging as a major destination for medical tourism.

FAHZU at a Glance

Location: 1367 Wenyi West Road, Yuhang District, Hangzhou
International Healthcare Center: Independent 20,000 sqm building with dedicated outpatient, inpatient, and diagnostic services
International patient growth: 45.6% increase in 2024; patients from 60+ countries
Only hospital in Zhejiang approved for international medical service pricing reform pilot
Affiliated with Zhejiang University School of Medicine — one of China's top medical schools

Key Strengths

Complex Disease Management

FAHZU excels at diagnosing and treating complex multi-system diseases. A Bangladeshi patient who had visited multiple countries without a definitive diagnosis received full treatment at FAHZU — consultation on Day 1, admission on Day 3, surgery on Day 4, discharge on Day 7. This speed of care, combined with diagnostic accuracy, is a major draw for international patients. (Source: People's Daily Health, June 2025)

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Care

The hospital has a strong MDT culture, bringing together specialists from multiple departments for complex cases. This is particularly relevant for cancer patients and those with multi-system involvement.

Advanced Diagnostics

FAHZU is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment — the latest Siemens and GE MRI, CT, and PET-CT systems. English-language imaging reports are available for international patients.

Organ Transplantation

FAHZU is one of China's leading centers for liver and kidney transplantation, with a well-established program and outcomes meeting international standards.

International Healthcare Center

The dedicated International Healthcare Center at FAHZU is one of the most comprehensive in China:

Full English service: English-speaking physicians, English imaging reports, and on-call translators throughout
Fast-track scheduling: Priority appointments and procedures for international patients
International insurance billing: Accepted through the center's direct billing relationships
Comprehensive health assessment: Executive checkup packages combining Western diagnostics with TCM wellness evaluation
Pricing reform pilot: As Zhejiang's only approved pilot for international medical service pricing, FAHZU offers transparent, competitive pricing tailored to the international market

Cost Advantage: A Real Example

An American architect named Robert shared his experience on social media in January 2025: he underwent 3 procedures (lumbar spine surgery + 2 cataract surgeries) at FAHZU for "a few hundred dollars" — compared to approximately $8,000 he was quoted in the US. While individual results vary, this case illustrates the magnitude of savings available. (Source: patient social media post, reported January 2025)

Hangzhou: More Than a Hospital City

FAHZU is located in Hangzhou, one of China's most beautiful cities — home to West Lake, the Grand Canal, and the famous Longjing tea fields. Being in Hangzhou offers a significant quality-of-life advantage for patients who need extended recovery periods. The city is also a major transportation hub: 45 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed rail, and served by Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport with direct flights to major Asian, European, and North American cities.

The Bottom Line

FAHZU represents the new standard in Chinese medical tourism: a purpose-built international center, rapid growth in international patient volume, and a location in one of China's most attractive cities. Its strength in complex disease management, MDT care, and advanced diagnostics — combined with English-language services and insurance billing — make it an increasingly popular choice for patients from 60+ countries who want high-quality care in a beautiful, accessible setting.