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Grade 3A Public HospitalSpecialty hospitalShanghai

Shanghai Mental Health Center

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About the hospital

Founded in 1935 as Shanghai Mercy Hospital, Shanghai Mental Health Center (SMHC) is China's largest and most comprehensive tertiary Class A psychiatric specialty hospital. As the main institution of the National Center for Mental Disorders and an affiliate of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, it undertakes medical care, teaching, research, prevention, rehabilitation, psychological services, and international exchange. With 2,141 beds across Xuhui and Minhang campuses and over one million annual outpatient visits, SMHC features four national key clinical specialties. It leads in neuromodulation, including the first DBS procedures for refractory psychiatric disorders in a Chinese psychiatric hospital, and pioneered a brain-computer interface integrated neuromodulation clinic. As a WHO Collaborating Center since 1982, SMHC provides full-lifecycle, precise, humanistic mental health services and advances brain health research from treatment to prevention.

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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

  • Psychiatry

Specialty rankings

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

Departments

  • Mental health

Key specialties

  • PsychiatryNational key clinical specialty
  • Severe Mental DisordersNational key clinical specialty
  • Psychiatric RehabilitationNational key clinical specialty
  • Integrated TCM and Western MedicineNational key clinical specialty; national integrated Chinese–Western medicine flagship department
  • Psychosomatic MedicineShanghai key specialty
  • Geriatric PsychiatryShanghai key discipline; national core advanced cognitive disorders diagnosis and treatment center

Technologies and techniques

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)2023

First in a Chinese psychiatric specialty hospital for refractory schizophrenia, OCD and more, with a response rate above 70%

BCI and neuromodulation specialty clinic2025

China's first, integrating brain signal decoding for precise non-drug targeted regulation of refractory psychiatric disorders

Magnetic seizure therapy (MST)

International pioneer reporting antipsychotic and antimanic efficacy comparable to ECT with milder cognitive side effects

International patient services

  • International patient department
  • VIP and international wards
  • VIP wards and special-needs care
  • Privacy protection
  • Admission of foreign patients
Department
Clinical Department 6 (VIP Medical Care)
Service languages
English
Contact
021-32100600
Official page
smhc.org.cn

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.

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