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Grade 3A Public HospitalGeneral hospitalGuangzhou

The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University

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About the hospital

The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (FAH-SYSU), founded in 1910, is one of the oldest and largest tertiary hospitals in South China. It comprises Yuexiu headquarters, Huangpu and Nansha campuses, and co-builds regional medical centers in Guangxi and Guizhou. As a candidate for National Medical Center and pilot for high-quality public hospital development, it boasts 5 National Key Disciplines and 36 National Key Clinical Specialties, achieving A++ in national performance assessments for six consecutive years. Renowned for organ transplantation, it pioneered ischemia-free organ transplantation in 2017 with the world's first ischemia-free liver transplant, leading the field into the 'warm transplantation' era and having its technology incorporated into global guidelines. The hospital excels in treating complex and critical diseases, has performed numerous national and international first surgeries, and maintains extensive international collaborations.

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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

  • Critical Care
  • Otolaryngology (ENT)
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Neurology

Specialty rankings

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

Also nominated in: Hematology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Neurosurgery, Burn Surgery, Urology, Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacy, Rehabilitation Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Radiology, Allergy, General Practice, Rare Diseases

Departments

  • Neurology & neurosurgery
  • Digestive
  • Urology
  • Endocrine
  • Fertility & women’s health
  • ENT & hearing
  • Organ failure & transplant

Key specialties

  • Organ TransplantationNational key clinical specialty; world-first ischemia-free organ transplantation technique; leading in transplant scale and outcomes
  • General SurgeryNational key discipline; national key clinical specialty; leading in robotic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery
  • NephrologyNational key discipline
  • NeurosurgeryNational key clinical specialty; strength in clinical translation of brain–computer interfaces
  • OtolaryngologyNational key discipline; world's first registration certificate for AI-assisted nasopharyngolaryngoscopy

Technologies and techniques

Ischemia-free organ transplantation2017

World-first technique achieving ischemia-free organ procurement, preservation and implantation; first applied to liver transplantation in 2017, later extended to kidney, heart and more

SABER vaccine adjuvant2025

World's first antigen ER-targeted vaccine adjuvant, markedly boosting tumor and infectious disease vaccines; published in Nature 2025

AI electronic nasopharyngolaryngoscope

World's first Class II AI electronic nasopharyngolaryngoscope certificate, for intelligent early screening of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

International patient services

  • International patient department
  • Multidisciplinary consultation (MDT)
  • Remote pre-consultation
  • Insurance and billing support
  • Medical interpreters
  • Priority appointments
  • International multidisciplinary MDT consultation
  • Telemedicine partnerships
  • Direct billing for international commercial insurance
  • Professional interpretation
  • Fast-track one-stop service
Department
International Medical Center (Jianhua International Medical Center)
Service languages
English, Multilingual
Contact
020-87676366

Strong treatment areas

  • Liver failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver cancer (HCC)
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Pituitary tumor
  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
  • Glioma
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Epilepsy
  • COPD
  • Multi-organ transplant-related diseases
  • Complex hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors

Conditions treated

Things to do near this hospital in Guangzhou

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

Shamian IslandLeisureEasy on recovery

Shamian Island

A historic pedestrian island featuring elegant European colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, cafes, and Pearl River views. Popular with foreign tourists seeking a peaceful contrast to bustling Guangzhou. Ideal for relaxed exploration at one's own pace with many photo opportunities and rest spots.

  • Allow about 2 h
  • Free
  • Open 24 hours daily

Recovery fit: Completely flat terrain with comprehensive barrier-free paths, accessible toilets throughout, numerous benches, cafes for resting. Wheelchair and stroller friendly with very low physical demand.

Haizhu National Wetland ParkNatureEasy on recovery

Haizhu National Wetland Park

Urban wetland oasis in central Guangzhou featuring lakes, boardwalks, birdwatching, and lush greenery. Offers ecological education and serene nature experiences. Foreign visitors appreciate its biodiversity and peaceful environment away from crowds.

  • Allow about 2 h
  • CNY 20
  • Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00, closed Mondays (holidays adjusted)
  • Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Flat no-barrier boardwalks and paths, electric sightseeing carts available, multiple rest pavilions and benches. Wheelchair accessible with low slopes and rest points throughout.

Chen Clan Ancestral HallHistoryModerate effort

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Magnificent 19th-century ancestral hall and Guangdong Folk Arts Museum showcasing exquisite Lingnan carvings, sculptures, and folk art. A UNESCO-listed site offering insights into traditional Chinese clan culture and craftsmanship for international visitors.

  • Allow about 1.5 h
  • CNY 10
  • 9:00-18:00 (seasonal, last entry 17:30/17:00), closed Tuesdays (except holidays)
  • Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Mostly flat with some ramps and accessible areas, but historic structures may have thresholds or narrow passages limiting full wheelchair access in parts. Rest areas available.

Canton TowerLandmarkModerate effort

Canton Tower

Iconic 604m modern landmark offering panoramic city views from multiple observation decks. Features thrilling attractions like the Bubble Tram and glass floor. A must-see for foreign tourists to appreciate Guangzhou's skyline and modernity.

  • Allow about 2 h
  • From CNY 150
  • 9:30-22:30 (last ticket 22:00, varies by attraction)
  • Advance booking required

Recovery fit: High-speed elevators and some wheelchair fixtures on decks; accessible routes available but involves vertical movement and potential crowds. Contact ahead for specific needs. Rest areas on site.

Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue KingMuseumEasy on recovery

Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Archaeological museum preserving a 2,000-year-old royal tomb from the Western Han Dynasty. Exhibits priceless jade, gold, and artifacts offering deep insights into ancient Lingnan history. Highly educational for foreign visitors.

  • Allow about 2 h
  • CNY 10
  • Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:30 (last entry 17:00), closed Mondays
  • Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Indoor exhibits mostly flat with ramps, wheelchair rental available, accessible services by appointment, Braille and voice guides. Low physical demand with seating and rest points.

Guangdong MuseumMuseumEasy on recovery

Guangdong Museum

Modern comprehensive museum displaying Guangdong's history, art, and natural heritage across multiple floors. Features interactive exhibits and temporary shows. Excellent for foreign tourists interested in regional Chinese culture.

  • Allow about 2.5 h
  • Free
  • Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00 (16:00 last entry), closed Mondays
  • Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Fully accessible modern facility with elevators, flat floors, wide aisles, seating, and assistive devices. Low physical effort as visitors can pace themselves indoors.

Explore Guangzhou