Health & Wellness

Xijing Hospital: A Pillar of Medical Excellence and Innovation in China

Located in the historic city of Xi'an, Xijing Hospital is the first affiliated hospital of the Air Force Medical University (AFMU). As a premier "Grade A" tertiary hospital, it integrates world-class clinical care with cutting-edge military medical research and high-level education. Renowned for its breakthroughs in complex surgeries and organ transplantation, Xijing Hospital stands as a vital hub for international medical exchange and a cornerstone of China's healthcare infrastructure.

Updated February 10, 2026

Xijing Hospital

1. A Legacy of Excellence

Founded on a bedrock of academic rigor and military discipline, Xijing Hospital has evolved from its mid-20th-century roots into one of China’s most prestigious medical institutions. As the primary teaching hospital for the Air Force Medical University, it bridges the gap between traditional clinical practice and advanced aerospace medicine.

2. World-Class Clinical Specialties

Xijing Hospital is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in China, particularly noted for its "heavyweight" departments. Its reputation is built on solving "incurable" cases through multidisciplinary collaboration.

  • Digestive Diseases: Home to a national clinical research center, the hospital is a global leader in treating complex gastrointestinal cancers and liver diseases.
  • Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery: A pioneer in heart transplants and minimally invasive valve repairs.
  • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: Historically famous for performing China's first successful "face transplant," this department remains a leader in trauma recovery and aesthetic innovation.
  • Burn Medicine: One of the world's most advanced centers for treating severe thermal injuries and skin regeneration.

3. Innovation and Research

The hospital is not just a place for healing but a laboratory for the future. Xijing is at the forefront of Robotic Surgery and Precision Medicine. By leveraging AI-driven diagnostics and state-of-the-art imaging technology, the institution ensures that patients receive personalized care that meets global standards.

Furthermore, its affiliation with the Air Force gives it a unique edge in Aerospace Medicine, researching how extreme environments affect human physiology—knowledge that often translates into improved treatments for terrestrial patients.

4. International Collaboration and Education

Xijing Hospital maintains an open-door policy for global talent and knowledge exchange. It frequently hosts international medical forums and maintains partnerships with top-tier institutions in the US, Europe, and Asia. For international medical students and visiting scholars, it offers a rigorous environment to observe high-volume, high-complexity clinical cases that are rare elsewhere in the world.

5. Patient-Centered Care

Despite its massive scale, the hospital emphasizes "Humanistic Care." In recent years, it has undergone significant digital transformations, implementing smart-hospital systems that allow for seamless registration, digital records, and international patient services to accommodate the growing expatriate community in Xi'an.


Conclusion Xijing Hospital represents the pinnacle of Chinese medical achievement, blending the discipline of the Air Force with the compassion of modern healthcare. Whether for its groundbreaking research or its life-saving clinical interventions, it remains a beacon of hope and a leader on the global medical stage.