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Grade 3A Public HospitalGeneral hospitalGuangzhou

The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University

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About the hospital

Founded in 1971, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU Third Affiliated Hospital) is a Class A tertiary comprehensive hospital directly administered by China's National Health Commission. It operates four campuses under the 'one body, two wings, three cities, four hospitals' model, with approximately 2000 beds at the main Tianhe campus. The hospital boasts 5 national key disciplines and 15 national key clinical specialty construction projects, with strong focus on liver diseases, brain diseases, and immune disorders. It leads in stem cell clinical research (top nationally in registered projects), living donor and split liver transplantation, neuroimmunology, spinal cord injury regeneration combining stem cells and robotics, and AI-powered diagnostics. Renowned for treating complex liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, autism, and rare immune conditions, it serves as a high-level hospital in Guangdong and exporter for national regional medical centers. It has earned titles including National Civilized Unit and National Advanced Collective in Fighting COVID-19.

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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

  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Allergy

Specialty rankings

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

Also nominated in: Neurology, Anesthesiology, Nuclear Medicine, Rheumatology, Ultrasound Medicine

Departments

  • Rehabilitation & pain
  • Infectious disease

Key specialties

  • General SurgeryNational-level key discipline
  • EndocrinologyNational-level key discipline; national key clinical specialty construction project
  • NeurologyNational-level key discipline; national key clinical specialty construction project; brain disease center
  • Nephrology (Internal Medicine)National-level key discipline
  • OtolaryngologyNational-level key discipline; national key clinical specialty construction project
  • Infectious DiseasesNational key clinical specialty construction project; leading in liver disease and infection
  • Organ TransplantationNational key clinical specialty construction project; nationally leading in liver transplantation
  • OrthopedicsNational key clinical specialty construction project; scoliosis and spinal cord injury repair

Technologies and techniques

iPSC-derived subtype neural precursor cell therapy2025

World's first Class I new-drug clinical trial of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cells targeting spinal cord injury

Zhongshan Third Hospital AI doctor2026

Explainable AI-assisted full-chain diagnosis and treatment decision system integrating a million real clinical records and expert experience

AI pathological diagnosis system for chronic sinusitis

Whole-slide scanning diagnosis with 98% accuracy; issued the world's first AI chronic sinusitis pathology report

BM-MSC migrasome thymus-targeted delivery2025

New cell-free immunotherapy that crosses the blood–thymus barrier to repair post-stroke thymic atrophy

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.

  • International patient department
  • Escort and patient navigation
  • International academic exchange and training
  • Hong Kong–Macao drug and device access scheme
  • Cross-border patient service coordination
Service languages
Chinese, English

Strong treatment areas

  • Severe hepatitis
  • Liver failure
  • Liver cancer (HCC)
  • Liver transplant complications
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Acute ischemic stroke
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
  • Autoimmune encephalitis
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Depression
  • Chronic sinusitis

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