Online Appointment Booking: The Three Channels
China books hospital visits digitally. As a foreign patient you have three realistic options — here's how they compare and which to choose.
The three channels compared
| Channel | Coverage | Language | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeChat Mini Program | Nationwide | Chinese (with translation help) | Most public hospitals |
| 114 platform | Beijing (15 hospitals) | Full English | Beijing public hospitals |
| Hospital website / APP / phone | Individual hospitals | English at international depts | PUMCH, private hospitals |
Channel 1: WeChat Mini Program
The mainstream method. Each hospital runs a Mini Program inside WeChat; you search the hospital name, register with your real name and passport number, pick a department and doctor, and pay the registration fee online. Foreign identity requires manual review — allow 1–3 days before your intended visit. Full walkthrough in our WeChat guide.
Channel 2: 114 platform (English)
Beijing's 114 platform supports end-to-end English appointment booking with passport registration at 15 hospitals, including Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking University Third Hospital, Xuanwu, Fuwai, Tiantan and Tsinghua Changgung. The most foreigner-friendly route in the country. See the 114 guide.
Channel 3: Hospital website / APP / phone
PUMCH's official app offers an English interface for its international department; private hospitals like United Family run 24-hour hotlines. If you already know the hospital, this is often the fastest and simplest route.
Golden rules for any channel
- Register early — foreign identity checks take time; set up your account 1–3 days before booking.
- Use your real passport name and number — it must match the passport you bring.
- Pay the registration fee online to confirm the slot.
- Check in at the kiosk on arrival — without kiosk check-in you may be marked absent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a public hospital appointment from my home country?
Yes — all three channels work from abroad. The main friction is identity verification time, which is why registering early matters.
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
For WeChat Mini Programs, a Chinese phone number is usually required for registration; the 114 platform and hospital international departments can work with your home number or email. Confirm with the specific service.
What if I can't pay online with my foreign card?
Some systems accept international cards via WeChat Pay/Alipay; otherwise, contact the international department to arrange booking and on-site payment.