In short: Malaysians can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per visit under the mutual visa exemption in force since July 2025. Kunming and Chongqing, our home cities, have large public hospitals with dedicated checkup centres. Your coordinator speaks English and Mandarin, Kunming has a long-established Hui Muslim community with halal food, and a checkup with a few days of travel fits into about five to seven days.
Why Malaysians choose a checkup in China
- Large public hospitals: China's major public hospitals run checkup centres that see very high numbers of clients, with CT, MRI, ultrasound and endoscopy in the same building. Most of the hospitals in our guide hold Grade III, Class A, the highest rating in China's hospital system.
- A route to specialist care: if the checkup finds something, the same trip can continue with a specialist at a leading public hospital.
- Language: your coordinator speaks English and Mandarin, and interprets at every appointment.
- A few days of travel: Kunming's mild climate and Yunnan's landscapes, or Chongqing's rivers and night views.
Visa and entry
Since 17 July 2025, Malaysian passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per entry, up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A checkup with a few days of travel fits easily within this. If treatment is likely to take longer, apply for a visa before you travel. More in our visa-free entry guide.
Flights
Kunming has direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, and both Kunming and Chongqing connect with Malaysia through regional hubs. Schedules change; we check current flights for your dates, and your coordinator meets you at arrivals.
Halal food and prayer
Kunming has a long-established Hui Muslim community, with mosques and many halal restaurants; restaurants show the characters 清真 (halal) on their sign. We arrange halal meals and leave room for prayer times when we schedule appointments. See Before you arrive.
What is included
- A comprehensive checkup at the checkup centre of a large public hospital, in one of three programmes; see the programmes.
- Your report translated into English, or another language on request, and DICOM copies of the images your programme includes, where the centre provides them.
- A doctor explains the results, in person or by video. If something needs treatment, we arrange it at a leading public hospital in the same city or at the right specialist centre elsewhere in China.
- Airport pickup, private car, guide and hotel or a standard private residence through our licensed partner travel agency; a chef, a housekeeper and a driver can be arranged for the whole stay.
- A written, itemised quote before you travel, with hospital fees and our coordination fee listed separately.
A typical trip
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival, airport pickup, hotel; a briefing on fasting and what to bring |
| Day 2 | Checkup day, coordinator at your side |
| Day 3 onwards | Explore the city while your report is prepared |
| Before you fly | A doctor explains your results; specialist referral if needed |
Hospitals: see hospitals in Kunming and hospitals in Chongqing.
Frequently asked questions
Can my family come with me?
Can I pay in ringgit?
Can I add a TCM consultation?
Sources: China Briefing, visa-free travel guide; Fragomen, China visa exemption update. Always confirm entry rules with the Chinese embassy before you travel.