FAQ · Living & People 39

The life expectancy in China has shown a consistent upward trend since the mid-1990s. In 1994, the life expectancy was recorded at 69.8355. This figure grew steadily over the following decades to reach 78.2021 in 2022. However, the most recent data for 2023 shows a slight decrease to 77.9529. These numbers reflect the historical changes in longevity within the country.

Healthcare services in China are primarily provided by state-owned hospitals, which serve approximately 90% of patients. These state-owned facilities are generally larger than private hospitals and offer better physicians and medical equipment. The system maintains both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine as two parallel medical systems. Regarding insurance, the government launched the New Rural Co-operative Medical Care System in 2005 to help make care more affordable for the rural poor. By 2011, more than 95% of the total population had basic health insurance, though costs and quality can still vary significantly.

National and local governments are now working to improve the living conditions and healthcare access for migrant workers in cities. However, the mobility of migrants and their concentration in hazardous industries make it difficult to reduce health risks and ensure affordable care. Because health insurance schemes are expected to remain limited for the foreseeable future, scholars suggest focusing on affordable care for the urban poor and uninsured migrants. Current research highlights concerns regarding infectious diseases, maternal health, and occupational injuries. Additionally, experts advise that more attention should be paid to mental health and how migrants perceive various health risks.

China has faced a shortage of doctors and nurses, with many trained professionals preferring to work in cities rather than the countryside. To address the imbalance where most medical services are concentrated in urban areas, a five-year plan was launched in 2005 to rebuild the rural medical service system. This plan aimed to improve village clinics and township-level hospitals to support rural populations. By 2018, the country had reached a total of 309,000 general practitioners. Despite these efforts, timely medical care remains unavailable to more than 100 million people in rural areas.

Most doctors and nurses in China speak little or no English, even in larger cities. However, medical staff are in plentiful supply and hospital wait times are generally short. You will find virtually no wait time at emergency rooms. For those seeking English-speaking staff, private Western-style clinics and hospitals are available in most major cities. These facilities provide a higher standard of care with doctors who often have Western qualifications.

Common therapeutic drugs like penicillin or insulin are generally available from a pharmacist with a prescription and are considerably cheaper than in western countries. You can usually ask to see the instructions that came with the box. In larger cities, there are strong controls over medicine, and even standard cold medicines may require a prescription. Opiates always require a prescription, although Viagra never does. In smaller cities and rural areas, many medicines, including most antibiotics, are often available without a prescription.

Industry experts believe that high-priced medications are sometimes used by hospitals to generate additional income. This revenue helps support medical professionals with higher pay and allows doctors to study abroad to further their expertise. Hospitals may also invest in pharmacies or instruct patients to purchase certain medicines at their own expense. Additionally, the discretion given to hospital administrators and doctors can influence prescribing patterns. These factors contribute to the complex pricing structures seen in the medical system.

Patients in China generally receive outpatient care, including vaccination, at hospitals. Most healthcare services are provided by state-owned hospitals, which serve approximately 90% of patients. These state-owned hospitals are typically larger than private hospitals and offer better physicians and medical equipment. Public hospitals and clinics are also available in cities to provide these services. The quality of care at these facilities can vary depending on the specific location.

China implemented various pandemic control policies during the COVID-19 period. These approaches included a zero-COVID policy and a strategy to live with COVID. Researchers have compared these methods to those used in other regions like the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The persistence of the zero-COVID policy was influenced by factors such as decision urgency and political opportunity structures. These different policy styles played a significant role in how the country managed the crisis.

China addresses the mental well-being of children and adolescents through three interconnected policy frameworks. These include inclusion in national policies, integration into maternal and child health initiatives, and dedicated policies for this demographic. Mental health promotion programs within schools are recognized as effective initiatives for this purpose. Recent efforts like the Double Reduction Policy aim to reduce academic stress by decreasing excessive homework and off-campus training. Furthermore, the revised Mental Health Law emphasizes the availability of psychologists and counselors in schools at all levels.

In the 2020s, China introduced several pro-natalist policies to encourage people to have more children. These measures include lengthening paid maternity leave and providing cash payments to mothers in certain regions for second and third children. The government also offers increased child allowances, reduced taxes, and subsidized fertility and pregnancy treatments. Additionally, new childcare facilities and government-provided clothing and toys have been made available. In July 2025, an annual childcare subsidy of 3,600 yuan was announced for families with children up to age three.

Lead poisoning has been described as one of the most common pediatric health problems in China. A 2006 review of existing data suggested that one-third of Chinese children suffer from elevated serum lead levels. Most cases are caused by pollution from metal smelters and a fast-growing battery industry. The central government has taken measures such as suspending battery factory production to address this issue. Academic studies show that lead levels declined when comparing the 1995–2003 period to the 2004–2007 period.

Allegations have been made that Falun Gong practitioners were killed to supply China's organ transplant industry. An investigation by David Kilgour and David Matas questioned the source of many transplants and inferred that prisoners of conscience may have been put to death. Investigative journalist Ethan Gutmann also reported that organ harvesting from political prisoners likely began in Xinjiang and spread nationwide. These reports often cite extremely short wait times for organs as evidence that they are procured on demand. Chinese officials have denied these allegations and insist they abide by World Health Organization principles.

Under the law, people with disabilities are supposed to be exempt from certain taxation and fees. This was demonstrated through legal petitions where individuals fought to ensure these exemptions were applied correctly. For example, a successful court case involved an elderly blind couple whose family had been incorrectly paying regular taxes and fees. Such legal actions aim to ensure that families receive the government assistance and exemptions they are entitled to. These efforts help solidify the rights of individuals living with disabilities.

The growing elderly population has increased pressure on the Chinese government to allocate pensions and improve social welfare accessibility. Providing a holistic solution is difficult due to the extent of the aging population and a lack of conventional financial infrastructure. To address these issues, the elderly care service market is providing more opportunities for private capital and non-governmental organizations. New initiatives like the Fudan Institute on Aging aim to develop specific Chinese solutions for an aging society. Additionally, the national development roadmap may include improved care services to help cope with population aging.

Chinese cuisine is a vital part of the culture and is influenced by diverse regions and historical backgrounds. Local ingredients are heavily affected by geographic features like mountains and rivers, as well as climates ranging from tropical to subarctic. Traditional food is described through its color, smell, taste, meaning, appearance, and nutrition. The most praised styles are the Four Major Cuisines, which represent the West, North, South, and East of China. Modern classifications also recognize the Eight Cuisines, including Cantonese, Sichuan, and Shandong. Cooking is typically appraised based on the ingredients, cuttings, cooking time, and seasoning used.

The quality of drinking water remains a major problem in China due to man-made pollution and natural contamination. Rapid economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization have led to widespread pollution, often exacerbated by inadequate investment in water treatment infrastructure. Major contributors to this decline include manufacturing emissions, poorly treated sewage, industrial spills, and the use of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. Consequently, many rivers suffer from pollution levels that make them unsafe for drinking water sources. To address these issues, China is building up its desalination technological abilities and implementing water conservation programs.

The water supply and sanitation in Hong Kong rely on water imports, reservoirs, and treatment infrastructure. Because the region has few natural lakes and rivers, nearly 80 percent of water demand is met by importing water from mainland China. Hong Kong also utilizes reservoirs and water treatment plants to maintain its source of clean water. To curtail freshwater demand, a separate distribution system is used to flush toilets with seawater. These measures help manage the challenges posed by high population density and seasonal rainfall variations.

Public healthcare was highly effective in curbing infectious diseases in rural China. This was achieved through the expansion of rural cooperative healthcare and medical tours sent by clinics and hospitals. Barefoot doctors played a key role by promoting basic hygiene and preventive healthcare. They also treated common illnesses and provided immunizations free of charge. These efforts were supported by a medical cooperative system established in 1968.

The Chinese medicinal plant Artemisia annua is one of the most well known plants to come from China. It is also known as sweet wormwood and has been used since ancient times to treat fevers. This plant was identified as a possible treatment for malaria in the 1970s. Many Chinese plants have been exported all around the world to be studied or used in medicinal systems. This species is a significant example of how plants have played a large role in China's history.

Extreme weather events have had significant impacts on the people of China. In 2006, storms, floods, heat, and drought resulted in the deaths of more than 2,700 people. These effects varied across different regions of the country. For instance, the southwest experienced its worst drought since records began in the late nineteenth century. Meanwhile, central and southeastern China faced issues with floods and typhoons.

The climate of China is extremely diverse due to differences in latitude, longitude, and altitude. In the higher elevations of the Tibetan Plateau, the climate is characterized as alpine. This region differs significantly from the tropical or subtropical areas found in the far south. You may also encounter subarctic conditions in the far north of the country. Each specific region within China has its own dominant weather events.

To avoid stomach issues, you should only drink boiled or bottled water. It is generally best to avoid asking for ice in restaurants. The ice provided may be made from unfiltered tap water and could be unsafe for travelers. While many drinks are served at room temperature, you can find cold beverages in coolers at small grocery stores and restaurants. Most people in China drink tea, which is often provided for free.

China faces an urgent dilemma due to a rapidly aging population and a slowdown in national fiscal revenue growth. While about 95% of the population has at least basic health insurance coverage, the system is under pressure. Medical insurance is divided into employee insurance for the urban employed and resident insurance for others. A significant issue is that the economic cost of dementia treatment is almost ten times higher than cancer. In many regions, these dementia treatment costs are not covered by medical insurances.

During the excavation of the tomb of Xin Zhui near Changsha, researchers discovered a remarkably well-preserved corpse. The body was found within four rectangular pine constructs buried beneath layers of charcoal and white clay. Archaeologists noted that all of her organs and blood vessels remained intact. Specifically, small amounts of Type A blood were found in her veins. This discovery was made following a large excavation that began in January 1972.

China has implemented several provincial programs to manage e-waste in urgent regions like Guangdong, Beijing, and Sichuan. Waste collection systems and storage points have been established in villages with larger disposal sites. In certain regions, local recycling parks have been built where manual recyclers work under pollution management. Additionally, the Home Appliance Old for New Rebate Program allows accredited retailers to collect old appliances from consumers. This initiative helps increase collection by formal entities through large-scale delivery and centralized information systems.

China was previously a popular location for bitcoin mining due to cheap electricity prices. However, the increased use of coal power for mining conflicted with the nation's climate-related goals. This situation may have also led to increases in the illegal extraction of coal. As a result, many miners have since shuttered or moved their operations. Chinese authorities continue to search for illegal operators who work disguised as other businesses.

The Chinese government announced measures to shift the primary energy source from coal to natural gas and renewables. Pricing mechanisms will be used to favor these cleaner alternatives over coal. Financial incentives will also be offered to encourage green energy companies. Additionally, the government will place tougher controls over emissions and provide better support for developing clean technologies. A 10 billion renminbi fund will be set up to help companies meet new environmental standards.

During the passage of the storm, approximately 880,000 households across Taiwan experienced power outages. These blackouts can lead to serious consequences, such as the failure of medical ventilators. In Cigu District, power outages continued even six days after the typhoon made landfall. Prolonged blackouts also pose fire risks, as seen when a woman accidentally set her house on fire while using candles. These outages are part of the broader damage caused by heavy precipitation and strong winds.

A power and water outage occurred following a series of tornadoes in Hubei Province. These tornadoes included deadly EF3 storms that struck populated areas such as Xianning, Daye, Ezhou, and Huanggang. The severe weather caused significant damage to residential buildings, public facilities, and university campuses. This outbreak included at least ten tornadoes across several provinces. The resulting destruction impacted various infrastructures in the affected regions.

The Guangzhou Library offers various Internet services to its visitors. The library features four thousand Internet nodes for public use. Additionally, the wifi service is available in the whole building. This provides 100% wireless coverage throughout the facility. Visitors can also access 500 computers for their digital needs.

Lin'an District is a suburban district located in northwest Zhejiang. It serves as a separate urban area of Hangzhou and borders Anhui province. The postal code for this specific district is 311300. Additionally, the phone area code for the area is 0571. This district is known for its rich natural resources and heavy forest cover.

The number 8 is viewed as an auspicious number in Chinese culture. This is because the number sounds like the word for to prosper. Being assigned a telephone number with several eights is considered very lucky. For example, the phone number +86 28 8888 8888 was sold to Sichuan Airlines for CN¥2.33 million in 2003. This demonstrates the high value placed on such sequences.

West China Second University Hospital is also known as West China Women's and Children's. This facility is part of the West China Medical Center of Sichuan University. The West China Hospital of Sichuan University is the largest hospital in China and is consistently ranked in the top three hospitals in the country. The medical center includes four affiliated hospitals to support its extensive clinical services. It is a major institution with many clinical departments and a large number of permanent staff.

The phrase refers to understanding the underlying mechanics and motivations of the country. Writer Tim Clissold has explored this concept in his books, particularly for foreigners who sense these forces but cannot figure them out. His work aims to explain the complexities of how China operates. This topic is central to his observations on the nation's development and business environment.

The water supply for Beijing includes water from the Miyun Reservoir and sometimes groundwater when surface water is scarce. Treating groundwater can lead to issues because it has a higher salinity than surface water. Additionally, the hardness of surface water contributes to problems during the treatment process. These factors combined cause the formation of limescale and the clogging of pipes. This process occurs within the water treatment system used to supply the city.

Laundry services may be expensive or hard to find depending on your location. In most areas outside of big city downtowns, you can find small shops that do laundry for roughly ¥2-5 per item. Look for the sign 洗衣 (xǐyī) on the front door or spot clothes hanging from the ceiling. Dry cleaning outlets known as 干洗 (gānxǐ) are also common even in small cities. In upper-end hotels, the cost is typically ¥10-30 per article of clothing. Some cheap hotels may not offer these services at all.

The West China Medical Center at Sichuan University serves as the academic medical center and healthcare system in Chengdu, Sichuan. Its teaching wing includes several professional schools, such as the West China School of Pharmacy. The center also features the West China School of Clinical Medicine and Nursing. These institutions are part of a large healthcare system that includes four principal teaching hospitals. This medical center has a long history dating back to its founding in 1914.

One account of the one-child policy says China's total fertility rate kept falling from 280 births per 100 women in 1979, already a sharp drop from more than five births per woman in the early 1970s, to 150 births per 100 women by the mid-1990s. A separate account says the rate was 639 births per 100 women in 1965, fourteen years before the policy, then fell to 275 after 1979, below a replacement goal of 210, and states that it now stands at 109. The 2000 census recorded a total fertility rate of 122 births per 100 women, with 86 in cities, 108 in towns, and 143 in villages and outposts. Some scholars argue that similar declines happened in places without one-child rules, so fertility might have fallen anyway, while others say economic development was the larger long-term force. A later study estimated that, even after allowing for rapid economic development, China's fertility restrictions likely averted over 500 million births between 1970 and 2015, of which one-child restrictions may account for 400 million.