🇨🇳 Stay Healthy in China: Your Doctor-Backed Travel Health Guide
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Travel smart to China with vaccine recommendations, essential screenings, and travel health tips from the GP doctors at Regis Medical Singapore.
Why Singaporeans Love Visiting China
From the majestic Great Wall and the bustling alleys of Shanghai to the serene landscapes of Yunnan and Sichuan’s spicy food trails — China is an incredible blend of heritage, nature, and modern marvels.
According to Singapore’s tourism data, hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans travel to China yearly — for business, leisure, family reunions, and culinary adventures. With direct flights to multiple cities, no visa required for short trips to some provinces, and rich cultural ties, China remains a top pick.
Best time to go: March–May (spring), September–November (autumn)
- Popular cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an
- Popular for: Food tours, historical exploration, nature hikes, family holidays, business trips
China is rapidly modernising but also vast and diverse — meaning medical facilities, hygiene standards, and health risks can vary widely depending on where you go. It doesn't hurt to be prepared and keep your health in mind.
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to China
Recommended Vaccines for China:
- Influenza – Especially if travelling during winter months or using public transport in major cities
- Hepatitis A – For food safety, especially when trying street food or visiting rural areas
- Hepatitis B – Recommended for all travellers who may seek medical care abroad or engage in high-risk activities
- Typhoid – Advised for longer trips or off-the-beaten-path food exploration
- Japanese Encephalitis – Recommended for rural travel or long stays during mosquito season, especially in southern China
- Pneumococcal (Prevenar 20) – For travellers age 65 and above or with chronic medical conditions
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
- Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure monitoring (especially for older travellers)
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
For China’s diverse climates and environments:
- Flu medicine or lozenges
- Plasters and antiseptic cream
- Eye drops and moisturiser lotion (dry air)
- Anti-diarrhoea meds (street food may cause GI upset)
- Motion sickness tablets (for mountain trains or long bus rides)
- UTI medication (especially for women on long train rides)
- Antihistamines (pollen season can trigger allergies)
- Fever meds and lozenges (China’s colder regions can be harsh)
- Mosquito repellent (especially if visiting southern or rural China)
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Tap water is not safe to drink in most cities — boil or drink bottled
Avoid uncooked or lukewarm food in rural eateries
Carry toilet paper and hand sanitiser — not all public restrooms are stocked
Beware of altitude sickness in places like Lhasa or Yunnan — ascend gradually
Air pollution can be high in major cities — check AQI and consider masks or staying indoors on bad days
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Be alert for:
- Fever, fatigue, or stomach upset within 7–10 days of return
- If symptoms occur, consult a GP — particularly if you had street food often or you visited rural areas.
At Regis Medical, we offer rapid tests for flu, and gastrointestinal infections at our clinic.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Vaccines completed
✅ Meds packed
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Emergency contact card in bag
✅ Nearest hospital of your destination bookmarked
Planning a trip to China?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
