Everything You Need to Know About Pharmacies, Prescriptions, and Medications in China
Last updated: June 2026
PHARMACY SURVIVAL KIT: "I need..." = 我需要 (Wǒ xūyào). Ibuprofen = 布洛芬 (bùluòfēn). Paracetamol = 对乙酰氨基酚. Anti-diarrhea = 止泻药 (zhǐxiè yào). Cold medicine = 感冒药 (gǎnmào yào). Allergy medicine = 过敏药 (guòmǐn yào).
Chinese pharmacies come in several types — knowing the difference saves time and money.
Located inside hospitals. Fill prescriptions from that hospital's doctors. Most reliable source for prescription medication. Usually only dispense medicine prescribed by doctors in the same hospital. Open during hospital hours only.
Major chains: Guoda (国大药房), Laobaixing (老百姓大药房), Yifeng (益丰大药房). Found on most commercial streets. Sell OTC medicine, TCM products, supplements, basic medical supplies. Some have licensed pharmacists on duty. Many accept international credit cards.
Specialize in Chinese herbal medicine. Dispense raw herbs, pre-made formulas, granules, and patent medicines. Often have a TCM doctor on site for consultation. Notable chain: Tongrentang (同仁堂), established 1669 — the gold standard.
OTC medicines are identified by an "OTC" label on the packaging. Red OTC = Class A (restricted, pharmacist supervision). Green OTC = Class B (less restricted, available in supermarkets). Common OTC: ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamines, antacids, cold medicine.
Must be prescribed by a licensed Chinese doctor. Prescription typically valid for 3 days. Antibiotics almost always require a prescription in China. You cannot use a foreign doctor's prescription directly — must see a Chinese doctor for re-issuance. Tip: bring your foreign prescription + medical records.
Most Chinese medications have Chinese-only packaging. Imported Western drugs (Pfizer, Bayer, GSK) keep original packaging. Joint-venture products sometimes have English. At high-end hospital pharmacies in international departments, pharmacists often speak some English. Use Pleco or Baidu Translate to scan packaging.
Essential medications with their Chinese names for quick pharmacy visits.
| Category | Western Name | Chinese Name | Pinyin | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain/Fever | Ibuprofen | 布洛芬 | Bùluòfēn | OTC |
| Pain/Fever | Paracetamol | 对乙酰氨基酚 | Duìyǐxiān ānjī fēn | OTC |
| Pain/Fever | Aspirin | 阿司匹林 | Āsīpǐlín | OTC |
| Allergy | Loratadine (Claritin) | 氯雷他定 | Lǜléitādìng | OTC |
| Allergy | Cetirizine (Zyrtec) | 西替利嗪 | Xītìlìqín | OTC |
| Digestive | Loperamide (Imodium) | 洛哌丁胺 | Luòpàidīng'àn | OTC |
| Digestive | Omeprazole | 奥美拉唑 | Àoměilāzuò | OTC |
| Digestive | ORS (rehydration) | 口服补液盐 | Kǒufú bǔyè yán | OTC |
| First Aid | Band-aids | 创可贴 | Chuàngkětiē | OTC |
| First Aid | Antiseptic (iodophor) | 碘伏 | Diǎnfú | OTC |
Step-by-step: (1) See a doctor at a Chinese hospital or clinic. International departments are easiest. (2) Get the prescription in Chinese, typically printed or digital. (3) Go to the hospital pharmacy or any retail pharmacy. (4) Pay — hospital pharmacies often require payment at a separate counter first. WeChat/Alipay accepted. (5) Verify the medicine name, dosage, and quantity. Always ask for the drug information leaflet to translate later.
Personal use quantities (1-3 months' supply) are generally allowed. Carry medication in original packaging with labels. Bring a copy of the prescription or doctor's letter. Narcotics and psychotropic drugs require advance NMPA approval. Stimulants like Adderall/Ritalin are heavily restricted — bring extensive documentation. Split medication between carry-on and checked luggage.
China has world-class medicine delivery. Ele.me/Meituan "买药" feature: search medicines, upload prescription photos, 30-60 min delivery in cities, 24/7. JD Health (京东健康): largest online pharmacy, website + app, prescription upload, pharmacist consultation, 1-3 day delivery nationwide. AliHealth (阿里健康): Alibaba's platform, integrated with Taobao/Tmall, international cards via Alipay. Dingdang Kuaiyao (叮当快药): 28-minute delivery in Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou/Shenzhen.
Beijing: Tongrentang Dashilan branch, Guoda multiple 24h locations. Peking Union Medical College Hospital ER pharmacy. Shanghai: Huashi Pharmacy multiple 24h locations, Shanghai First Pharmacy Nanjing East Road, Lei Yun Shang Jing'an District. Guangzhou: Dashenlin chain multiple 24h, Guangzhou First People's Hospital ER. Shenzhen: Haiwang Xingchen multiple 24h. Chengdu: Tai Chi Pharmacy, West China Hospital ER.
Wooden drawers of dried herbs, roots, barks, flowers, minerals. Glass jars of pre-made pills. The distinctive smell of ginseng and licorice. How it works: (1) See a TCM doctor who writes a formula (8-15 herbs). (2) Pharmacist weighs each ingredient on a small brass scale. (3) Receive a bundle with cooking instructions. Some pharmacies offer decoction service — they cook it and seal in vacuum bags. Cost: ¥30-150 ($4-20) per day. Granules (颗粒): modern alternative, dissolve in hot water, more expensive but convenient for travelers.
Emergency contraception (紧急避孕药): available OTC, common brand 毓婷 (Yùtíng) — levonorgestrel 1.5mg, ¥20-40 ($3-6), most effective within 72 hours. Pregnancy tests (验孕棒): widely available, ¥10-30 ($1.50-4). Mental health: antidepressants technically prescription-only, anti-anxiety strictly controlled. For ongoing treatment, bring 3-month supply + doctor's letter. Condoms available at every pharmacy and convenience store. STI testing at public hospitals or international clinics.
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Get a Free Consultation →This guide is informational only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before taking any medication. Emergency: Ambulance 120, Police 110, Foreigner Service 12308.
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