Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University

About the hospital

The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (publicly known as Southwest Hospital) originated from the Central Hospital of the Nationalist Government established in Nanjing in 1929. It relocated to Chongqing in 1941, was named Southwest Hospital in 1950, became the First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University in 1975, and was renamed in 2017. It is a large modern Grade A tertiary comprehensive hospital integrating medical treatment, teaching, research, prevention, healthcare and rehabilitation, with 2,900 beds. It has formed leading clinical advantages in burn and trauma, infectious diseases, biliary surgery, sports injury and rehabilitation, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, digestive diseases, and precise clinical laboratory and pathology diagnosis. Its treatments for massive severe burns and complex hepatobiliary stones lead the world. It boasts 12 national key (cultivating) disciplines, 12 national clinical key specialties, and 18 military clinical key specialties, and has won 3 National Science and Technology Progress Awards First Prizes. The Burn Department has ranked No.1 in the Fudan hospital specialty reputation ranking for 10 consecutive years.

Last updated: 2026-11-10

Grade 3A public hospital

Key strengths

• Burn Surgery
• Pathology
• Laboratory Medicine
• Plastic Surgery

Specialty rankings

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

• #1Burn Surgery
• #4Pathology
• #7Laboratory Medicine
• #8Plastic Surgery
• #10Sports Medicine
• #10Rehabilitation Medicine
• #10Health Management

Also nominated in: Cardiovascular Medicine, Gastroenterology, Neurosurgery, General Surgery, Dermatology, Urology, Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacy, Geriatrics, Emergency Medicine, Nuclear Medicine, Rheumatology, Infectious Diseases, Ultrasound Medicine, Oncology

Departments

• Rehabilitation & pain
• Orthopedics & sports medicine
• Burns, plastic & reconstructive

Key specialties

• Burn SurgeryRanked first nationally for 10 consecutive years in the Fudan China hospital specialty reputation ranking; State Key Laboratory; awarded "Model Military Medicine Burn Department" by the Central Military Commission
• NeurosurgeryNational key discipline; national key clinical specialty; PLA Institute of Neurosurgery
• Pathology4th nationally in the Fudan ranking; PLA clinical pathology specialty center
• Clinical Laboratory4th nationally in the Fudan ranking
• Plastic Surgery8th nationally in the Fudan ranking
• Rehabilitation Medicine9th nationally in the Fudan ranking
• Sports MedicineNational key discipline; PLA Sports Medicine Center
• GastroenterologyNational key clinical specialty; PLA Institute of Digestive Diseases

Technologies and techniques

International patient services

International-service details come from public pages and have not been confirmed with the hospital yet. Please verify with us before travelling.

No dedicated international services have been confirmed yet. Contact us and we will check for you.

Strong treatment areas

• Severe burns
• Complex hepatolithiasis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Bone defects and nonunion
• Early digestive tract cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Glioma
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Facial nerve injury and facial paralysis
• Giant neurofibroma
• Pituitary adenoma
• Spinal tumors

Conditions treated

Things to do near this hospital in Chongqing

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

LandmarkEasy on recovery

Hongya Cave

Iconic 11-story stilt-house complex built into a cliff at the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. Famous for its glowing night lights resembling Spirited Away scenes, traditional Bayu architecture, shopping, dining, and river views. Symbol of Chongqing's unique mountain city charm and vibrant nightlife.

• Allow about 1.5 h
• Free
• 9:00-23:00 daily (facade lights typically from 19:30-23:00)

Recovery fit: Wheelchair and stroller friendly with multiple elevators connecting floors. Enter from top street level (11F) to descend easily. Flat riverside promenade and abundant seating available. Minimal exertion for short scenic visits.

LandmarkEasy on recovery

Yangtze River Cableway

Historic aerial cable car crossing the Yangtze River offering panoramic views of Chongqing's skyscrapers, bridges and riverside cliffs. Originally a commuter link opened in 1987, it now provides a quick, thrilling perspective of the 8D mountain city's dramatic urban landscape.

• Allow about 0.5 h
• CNY 30 one way / CNY 50 round trip
• Mar-Nov 08:00-22:00; Dec-Feb 08:00-21:00; holidays from 07:30 (maintenance days vary)
• Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Seated cabin ride lasts about 5-10 minutes with minimal walking. Stations equipped with elevators. Spectacular seated views require almost no physical effort. Highly suitable for post-surgery or limited mobility visitors.

MuseumEasy on recovery

Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum

Major museum presenting Chongqing and Three Gorges regional history, archaeology, wartime capital stories, and the massive dam project through extensive artifact collections and immersive exhibits. Located opposite the People's Great Hall, it provides air-conditioned, educational indoor exploration.

• Allow about 2 h
• Free
• 09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00), closed Mondays except public holidays

Recovery fit: Fully indoor with flat floors, ramps, elevators, abundant seating, restrooms and climate control throughout. Wheelchair accessible. Visitors can pace themselves and sit frequently with low physical demand.

HistoryModerate effort

Ciqikou Ancient Town

Over 1,000-year-old historic riverside town formerly a major porcelain trading port. Narrow ancient streets lined with teahouses, traditional snacks, crafts and Ming-Qing architecture offer authentic old Chongqing atmosphere amid the modern metropolis.

• Allow about 2.5 h
• Free
• All day; shops and attractions generally 9:00-22:00

Recovery fit: Stone-paved streets with gentle slopes and some steps. Focus on flatter main thoroughfares and teahouse seating. Manageable with moderate walking; assistance or electric carts recommended for limited mobility.

CultureModerate effort

Huguang Guild Hall

Well-preserved Qing Dynasty guild hall complex built by merchants from Hunan and Hubei provinces. Features exquisite traditional wooden architecture, courtyards, opera stage and cultural performances including Sichuan opera excerpts. A living example of historic immigrant merchant culture in Chongqing.

• Allow about 1.5 h
• CNY 32
• 9:00-18:00 (last ticket sales 17:00)

Recovery fit: Courtyards and main halls accessible with some steps and uneven historic floors. Seating available during performances. Moderate walking; suitable for those able to navigate occasional stairs with rest breaks.

LeisureModerate effort

Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Vibrant central pedestrian shopping and dining district surrounding the Liberation Monument. Packed with malls, international brands, street food, and people-watching opportunities. Heart of modern Chongqing commerce easily combined with nearby Hongya Cave and other sights.

• Allow about 1.5 h
• Free
• All day, with peak commercial activity in evenings

Recovery fit: Flat paved pedestrian streets with numerous malls offering seating, air conditioning and elevators. Can be crowded. Easy to limit walking distance and rest frequently in cafes or shops.

Sources

• xnyy.cn
• xnyy.cn
• en.wikipedia.org
• cq.chinanews.com.cn
• cq.chinanews.com.cn
• cq.chinanews.com.cn
• cqrb.cn
• zh.wikipedia.org