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Grade 3A Public HospitalGeneral hospitalShanghai

Shanghai General Hospital

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About the hospital

Founded in 1864 as Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai First People's Hospital is one of China's earliest and largest Western medicine hospitals. It was renamed Gongji Hospital in 1877, became Shanghai Red Cross Hospital in 1981, and one of the first Grade A Tertiary hospitals in 1992. Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine since 2002, it operates two campuses in Hongkou and Songjiang covering about 295,000 square meters with over 2,000 open beds. It hosts a National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, Ministry of Education key discipline in cardiovascular disease, and multiple national key clinical specialties. The hospital excels in ophthalmology, urology, organ transplantation, oncology, and robotic minimally invasive surgery, focusing on complex critical cases, innovation, and smart hospital development. It has received numerous national honors including Top 100 Hospitals and National Civilized Unit.

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Grade 3A public hospital

3A

Grade 3A (三级甲等, “tertiary Grade A”) is the highest of China’s hospital grades, awarded to large hospitals with advanced care, teaching and research. This hospital is also a state-run public hospital.

Key strengths

  • Ophthalmology

Specialty rankings

Positions in the Fudan specialty reputation ranking (2023). Each item links to the published source.

Also nominated in: Endocrinology, Urology, Clinical Pharmacy

Departments

  • Eye

Key specialties

  • OphthalmologyNational Clinical Research Center; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center for Eye Diseases
  • UrologyNational key clinical specialty; Shanghai top-priority key clinical discipline
  • Cardiovascular MedicineMinistry of Education key discipline
  • Otolaryngology (ENT)National key clinical specialty construction project
  • General SurgeryNational key clinical specialty construction project
  • Organ TransplantationShanghai Clinical Medical Center

Technologies and techniques

Thulium laser "orange-peeling" prostatectomy

World-first for precise enucleation in benign prostatic hyperplasia, with minimal thermal damage

MONARCH natural-orifice diagnostic and treatment robot2025

First in mainland China, for no-incision precise diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary lesions

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation2025

Shanghai's first; markedly reduces bleeding and improves precision and recovery speed

International patient services

  • International patient department
  • Remote pre-consultation
  • Insurance and billing support
  • 24-hour outpatient, emergency and inpatient services
  • Remote consultation
  • Medical tourism
  • Direct billing for international insurance
Department
International Medical & Healthcare Center (IMCC)
Service languages
English, Japanese, Russian
Contact
021-63243852 or imcc@shgh.cn

Strong treatment areas

  • Prostate cancer
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • Cataract
  • Vitreoretinopathy
  • Kidney transplant-related diseases
  • Lung cancer
  • Pulmonary nodules
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Gastric (stomach) cancer
  • Presacral tumors
  • Retroperitoneal tumors

Conditions treated

Things to do near this hospital in Shanghai

Popular attractions in Shanghai you can enjoy before or after your appointments.

The BundLandmarkEasy on recovery

The Bund

Iconic waterfront promenade with historic European buildings from the colonial era facing the futuristic Pudong skyline across Huangpu River. Perfect for leisurely strolls, night views, and photography. Wide flat paths suit all mobility levels with plenty of benches and photo spots.

  • Allow about 2 h
  • Free
  • Open 24 hours

Recovery fit: Fully flat, wide paved promenade with frequent benches, elevators at crossings, and low exertion options. Ideal for short or extended visits with many resting points and scenic views without stairs.

Shanghai MuseumMuseumEasy on recovery

Shanghai Museum

Premier museum with extensive collection of ancient Chinese bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings and more in a unique ding-shaped building. Air-conditioned galleries offer cultural immersion. Fully accessible indoor venue perfect for limited mobility visitors.

  • Allow about 2.5 h
  • Free
  • 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM), closed Mondays except holidays

Recovery fit: Modern fully accessible facility with ramps, elevators, free wheelchair rental, seating throughout galleries. Low physical demand as visitors control pace in climate-controlled environment.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian StreetLeisureEasy on recovery

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Vibrant pedestrian shopping street with historic and modern stores, street performers, and snacks. Blends old Shanghai charm with contemporary retail. Flat, car-free zone ideal for casual exploration and people watching.

  • Allow about 2 h
  • Free
  • Open 24 hours

Recovery fit: Completely flat pedestrian street with shops offering seating, frequent rest areas, and accessible entrances. Easy pacing with many cafes for breaks.

Yu GardenHistoryModerate effort

Yu Garden

Classical Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty with pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and intricate landscapes. Adjacent bazaar offers traditional Shanghai snacks and crafts. Showcases historical garden art and old city atmosphere.

  • Allow about 1.5 h
  • CNY 40 peak/CNY 30 off-peak
  • 9:00 AM-4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM), closed Mondays except holidays
  • Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Mix of flat paths and some steps/rockeries. Crowds can be challenging; limited wheelchair access in inner garden. Short visit possible with rests; periphery bazaar is flatter.

XintiandiCultureEasy on recovery

Xintiandi

Upscale district of restored Shikumen houses turned into trendy restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Includes the First CPC Congress Site museum. Combines historic architecture with modern lifestyle in a pedestrian-friendly setting.

  • Allow about 2 h
  • Free
  • Area open all day; shops and restaurants approx. 10:00 AM-10:00 PM

Recovery fit: Flat paved lanes with abundant restaurant seating, indoor options, and short walking distances between spots. Wheelchair friendly with many places to rest and dine.

Oriental Pearl TowerLandmarkModerate effort

Oriental Pearl Tower

Futuristic 468-meter tower with distinctive pink spheres, offering 360-degree city views from observation decks including a glass floor. Base houses Shanghai Urban History Museum. Symbol of modern Shanghai.

  • Allow about 2 h
  • CNY 199
  • 9:00 AM–9:00 PM (last entry 8:30 PM)
  • Advance booking required

Recovery fit: High-speed elevators minimize stairs but lines and elevated viewing can tire visitors. Main areas wheelchair accessible; select lower decks for shorter visits with seating available.

Explore Shanghai