Go to a major hospital via a referral from a local clinic or the hospital’s referral center — don’t turn to scalpers.

3. Go to a major hospital via a referral from a local clinic or the hospital’s referral center — don’t turn to scalpers.

Cost: No direct cost, but an extra referral step is required.

In plain terms: Major hospitals must set aside a portion of appointments and beds specifically for patients referred from local clinics. They must also establish a referral center or designate a dedicated department to handle referrals — this requirement will be fully implemented by 2027. Not being able to book a slot online does not mean there is no way in. Scalpers charge exorbitant fees and may even route you to the wrong department.

Benefit: Lead hospitals in tightly integrated medical networks must reserve a specific share of appointments and beds for patients referred from local clinics, and promptly admit them. Such networks consist of multiple hospitals and community health centers working together. In other words, there is a separate pool of appointments and beds reserved for referred patients, separate from the general booking pool. All hospitals must set up referral centers or assign a dedicated department by 2027.

Evidence grade: A

Sources: General Office of State Council of China (2026). Several measures to accelerate the construction of a hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system. <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202604/content_7065031.htm>: "The leading hospital must reserve a certain proportion of numbers and beds for grassroots medical and health institutions, and promptly receive patients referred from the grassroots level." "Medical institutions must strengthen the unified management of referral services, set up referral centers or designate fixed departments to undertake patient referral services, and achieve full coverage by 2027."

Notes: The reserved appointments and beds are specifically meant for referred patients. Failing to book online does not mean there is no way in. Using scalpers is not only costly but may also lead to being assigned to the wrong department. If you cannot locate the referral center, call the hospital’s service line for help.