Things go wrong. They just do. And when that happens, you may need immediate medical help. Shanghai has one of the best — the best? — health care systems in the country and that includes its extensive network of emergency care. We've picked out eight hospitals and private clinics that are either best-in-class, have English-speaking staff in the ER or both.

Remember, "emergency room" in Chinese is jizhen (急诊)—a crucial term to get you to the right place.

Browse SmartShanghai's full directory of Emergency Rooms here (map view)

How do I get there?

If the emergency doesn't involve a lot of bodily fluids — a broken bone or a small cut, say — then a taxi or a Didi will be faster. Just don't go ruining some poor driver's backseat. Otherwise, call an ambulance (救护车, jiu hu che) by dialing 120. They speak enough English to ask if you need an ambulance.

All ambulances are run by the government's Emergency Medical Response Center and cost 30rmb within 3km and then 7rmb for each kilometer after that. Anything above just driving you to a hospital (for example if you need oxygen) will cost you extra. Payment has to be made when you're dropped off (they accept cash, WeChat or Alipay). They require that someone — anyone, a roommate, a friend, the janitor — travel with you, so if you lose consciousness or can't pay in the moment, that person can spot you. You'll have to arrange repayment yourself.

If you don't specify a hospital (like one of these on this list), you'll be taken to the closest ER.

The English-Speaking Private Hospitals

This is where you go if your insurance will cover it and have the time for a thirty-minute cab ride. The private hospitals usually look way nicer, have English-speaking staff and foreign doctors, and provide fawning levels of attention compared to the public hospitals. Their only downside is that most are located a little further from downtown.

Jiahui International Hospital

Jiahui International Hospital

689 Guiping Lu, near Qinjiang Lu...

24-hour Emergency Hotline:

Jiahui International Hospital's Emergency Department provides 24/7 world-class care with internationally trained physicians and advanced diagnostic tools. It features 17 private treatment rooms, 2 resuscitation rooms, and a 24-hour Rabies Prevention Clinic, specializing in acute medical, surgical, pediatric, and OB/GYN emergencies. The hospital's "green channel" ensures swift transfers, specialist coordination, and efficient admissions. With a patient-centered approach, Jiahui offers a secure, private environment and follow-up care, making it a top choice for Shanghai's English-speaking community.

Emergency Services:

Trauma Care: Available

Surgical Capability:

• Minor Surgeries(e.g., stitches, small procedures):Yes
• 24/7 Major Surgeries(e.g., trauma, emergency C-sections):Yes

Imaging Services (Available 24/7)

• X-ray: Yes
• Ultrasound: Yes
• CT Scan: Yes
• MRI: Yes

Laboratory Services

• Basic Blood Tests: Yes
• Specialized Tests (e.g., toxicology, infection markers): Yes

Blood Bank: On-Site

Specialized Emergency Units:

• Pediatric Emergency: Yes
• Cardiac Emergency (e.g., heart attacks): Yes
• Neurology (e.g., stroke care): Yes
• OB/GYN (e.g., pregnancy-related emergencies): Yes
• Psychiatric Emergency: Yes
• Rabies Prevention Clinic:Yes

Facilities & Supporting Services（24-hour):

• Imaging Center (Ultrasound, CT, MRI)
• Emergency Room
• Surgery Center
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Inpatient Ward
• Green channel to Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals

SinoUnited Hospital (Jiangxi Road)

SinoUnited Hospital (Jiangxi Road)

350 Jiangxi Zong Lu, near Nanjing...

24-hour Emergency Hotline: 4001862116

Emergency Services:

Trauma Care: Available

Surgical Capability:

• Minor Surgeries(e.g., stitches, small procedures):Yes
• 24/7 Major Surgeries(e.g., trauma, emergency C-sections):Yes

Imaging Services (Available 24/7)

• X-ray: Yes
• Ultrasound: Yes
• CT Scan: Yes
• MRI: Yes

Laboratory Services:

• Basic Blood Tests: Yes
• Specialized Tests (e.g., toxicology, infection markers): Yes

Blood Bank: On-Site

Specialized Emergency Units:

• Pediatric Emergency: Yes
• Cardiac Emergency (e.g., heart attacks): Yes
• Neurology (e.g., stroke care): Yes
• OB/GYN (e.g., pregnancy-related emergencies): Yes but no obstetric unit available.
• Psychiatric Emergency: No

Facilities & Supporting Services（24-hour):

• BSL-2 Laboratory
• Imaging Center (Ultrasound, CT, MRI)
• Emergency Room
• Surgery Center
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Inpatient Ward
• Green channel to Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals

Shanghai DeltaHealth Hospital

Shanghai DeltaHealth Hospital

109 Xule Lu, near Xuyao Lu Qingpu...

24-hourEmergency Hotline: 021-6700-7783

Emergency Services:

Trauma Care: Limited- depends on the type of trauma. The hospital's emergency department does not have an orthopedics department, and the hospital does not have an orthopedic ward.

Surgical Capability:

• Minor Surgeries(e.g., stitches, small procedures): Yes
• 24/7 Major Surgeries(e.g., trauma, emergency C-sections): No

Imaging Services:

• X-ray: Yes
• Ultrasound: limited - only vailable during the day; must be called in for emergencies, with the ultrasound doctor coming from home at night.
• CT Scan: Yes
• MRI: No, appointment required

Laboratory Services:

• Basic Blood Tests: Yes
• Specialized Tests (e.g., toxicology, infection markers): Toxicology requires outsourcing.

Blood Bank: On-Site

Specialized Emergency Units:

• Cardiac Emergency (e.g., heart attacks): Yes
• Pediatric Emergency: No
• Neurology (e.g., stroke care): No
• OB/GYN (e.g., pregnancy-related emergencies): No
• Psychiatric Emergency: No

Facilities & Supporting Services（24-hour):

• Emergency Room
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Rabies Prevention Clinic
• Imaging Center (X-ray, CT)

Raffles Hospital Shanghai

Raffles Hospital

200 Yuan Zhao Lu, near Huaxia Xi Lu...

24-hour Emergency Hotline: 021 - 6129 3000

Emergency Services:

Trauma Care: Available

Surgical Capability:

• Minor Surgeries(e.g., stitches, small procedures): Yes
• 24/7 Major Surgeries(e.g., trauma, emergency C-sections):No

Imaging Services：((Available 24/7)

• X-ray: Yes
• Ultrasound: Yes
• CT Scan: Yes
• MRI: Yes

Laboratory Services

• Basic Blood Tests: Yes
• Specialized Tests (e.g., toxicology, infection markers): Yes

Blood Bank: Nearby Referral

Specialized Emergency Units:

• Pediatric Emergency: Yes
• Cardiac Emergency (e.g., chest pain): Yes
• Overdose and intoxication management: Yes
• Neurology (e.g., stroke care): No
• OB/GYN (e.g., pregnancy-related emergencies): No
• Psychiatric Emergency: No

Facilities & Supporting Services（24-hour):

• Imaging Center (Ultrasound, CT, MRI)
• Emergency Room
• Surgery Center
• Inpatient Ward

Shanghai United Family Hospital

Shanghai United Family Hospital

7 locations in Shanghai

24-hourEmergency Hotline:
Changning: 021-22163999
Pudong: 021-38862999
Jing'an: 021-32113088

United Family Healthcare offers comprehensive 24/7 emergency services at its Pudong and Changning locations, while the Jing'an hospital focuses exclusively on pediatric and obstetrics/gynecology emergencies. The hospital provides immediate care for a wide range of urgent medical situations, including foreign body ingestion, trauma, animal bites, urinary stone removal, and more, with a multidisciplinary team available around the clock. Specialized services include rabies prevention, HIV exposure prophylaxis, and advanced diagnostic tools such as imaging and lab testing. With expert care in a comfortable, private environment, United Family ensures that your family receives timely, high-quality treatment when it matters most.

Emergency Services:

Trauma Care: Available at both Changning and Pudong Location

Surgical Capability:

• Minor Surgeries(e.g., stitches, small procedures): yes at all 3 hospitals
• 24/7 Major Surgeries(e.g., trauma, emergency C-sections): yes at all 3 hospitals

Imaging Services：(Available 24/7 at all 3 hospitals)

• X-ray: Yes
• Ultrasound: Yes
• CT Scan: Yes
• MRI: Yes

Laboratory Services (Available at all 3 hospitals)

• Basic Blood Tests: Yes
• Specialized Tests (e.g., toxicology, infection markers): Yes

Blood Bank:

• Changning : On-site
• Pudong: Nearyby Referral
• Jing'an: Nearby Referral

Specialized Emergency Units:

• Pediatric Emergency: Changning, Pudong, Jing'an
• Cardiac Emergency: Changning, Pudong
• Neurology (Stroke Care): Changning, Pudong
• OB/GYN (Pregnancy Emergencies): Changning, Pudong, Jing'an
• Psychiatric Emergency: Changning, Pudong
• Trauma Suturing: Changning, Pudong
• Animal Bite Treatment: Changning, Pudong
• Urinary Stone Removal: Changning, Pudong
• Foreign Body Removal: Changning, Pudong
• HIV Pre/Post Exposure Prophylaxis: Changning

Facilities & Supporting Services（24-hour):

• Imaging and Lab Testing
• NICU (Jing'an)
• ICU (Changning and Pudong)
• Emergency Room
• Surgery Center
• Inpatient Ward
• Rabies Prevention Clinic

Specialized Pediatric Emergency

All the private hospitals mentioned above are available for pediatric emergency care. The following four hospitals are specialty hospitals focused on children's care from our editorial team hightlight. For English-speaking pediatric emergency care in Shanghai, Shanghai United Family Hospital (Jing'an) and Shanghai Pubin Children's Hospital are available. The other three hospitals—Children's Hospital of Shanghai (Putuo), Children's Hospital of Fudan University—provide services in Chinese only, but they are among the best pediatric hospitals in Shanghai.

Shanghai United Family Hospital (Jing'an)

Shanghai United Family Hospital (Jing'an)

Beijing Xi Lu 1314, near Xikang Lu...

24-hour Emergency Hotline: Jing'an: 021-32113099

Shanghai United Family Hospital Jing'an provides 24/7 pediatric emergency services, ensuring comprehensive care for young patients. The hospital offers specialized support with dedicated green channels for emergencies, round-the-clock imaging, pharmacy, and laboratory services for accurate diagnoses and treatment. Pediatric conditions managed include febrile seizures, asthma attacks, diabetic ketoacidosis, acute allergies, and other urgent medical needs, supported by an on-site operating room and anesthesiology team for emergency surgeries.

Availability & Accessibility

Emergency Service: 24/7 Pediatric emergency

Specialized Units:Pediatric ICU, Neonatal ICU, and specialized trauma care

Rapid Triage System: Yes

Green channel to Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals: Yes

First-Time Emergency Visit Process:Patients should register upon arrival. The hospital offers 24-hour appointment services via their hotline at 400-639-3900 or through their website.

Medical Service & Psychological Support

Emergency Doctor Qualifications: The hospital employs internationally trained medical staff proficient in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Bengali, Japanese, Nepali, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, and Punjabi.

Pediatric Trauma & Critical Care: The emergency department is equipped to handle pediatric trauma and critical care cases with with international training

Mental Health Crisis Intervention: On-call child psychologists and counselors

Pain & Anxiety Management: Child-focused pain relief and sedation options

On-Call Pediatric Surgeons: Available 24/7 for emergency surgeries

Emergency Foriegn Doctors: The hospital has English-speaking medical staff available for emergency cases.

Facilities & Equipment

Child-Friendly Environment: The Children's Health Center offers a child-friendly environment with specialized pediatric care.

Isolation & Infection Control Units: The hospital is equipped with isolation and infection control units to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Emergency Transfer Service: yes, including a green channel for urgent cases requiring tertiary hospital care.

Imaging Services: Imaging services, including MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays, are available 24/7.

Laboratory Services: The laboratory operates around the clock to support emergency and inpatient services

Shanghai Pubin Children's Hospital

Shanghai Pubin Children's Hospital

No. 1616 Binjiang Avenue, near...

24-hour Emergency Hotline: 400-892-0288

Shanghai Pubin Children's Hospital is a pediatric healthcare facility in Shanghai that provides a range of medical services to children. The hospital offers specialized care in various pediatric fields and is equipped with a dedicated emergency department. This department is designed to handle urgent cases, providing timely medical treatment for children experiencing critical illnesses or injuries.

Availability & Accessibility

Pediatric emergency opening hours: 24/7 Pediatric emergency

Specialized Units: Pediatric ICU, Neonatal ICU, and specialized trauma care

Rapid Triage System: Yes

Green Channel to Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals: Yes

First-Time Emergency Visit Process: Registration at the emergency desk → Rapid triage → Immediate consultation with a pediatric emergency doctor.

Medical Service & Psychological Support

Emergency Doctor Qualifications: Board-certified pediatric emergency specialists

Pediatric Trauma & Critical Care: Advanced trauma life support (ATLS) certified team

Mental Health Crisis Intervention: Available with child psychologists on-call

Pain & Anxiety Management: Child-friendly pain relief protocols and sedation options

On-Call Pediatric Surgeons: Available 24/7 for emergency surgeries

Emergency Foreign Doctors: Multilingual doctors available for international patients

Facilities & Equipment

Child-Friendly Environment: Colorful, calming decor with play areas

Isolation & Infection Control Units: Equipped with negative pressure rooms

Emergency Transfer Service: Seamless transfer to higher-level facilities if needed

Imaging Services: X-ray, CT, and ultrasound available 24/7

Laboratory Services: Rapid blood tests, microbiology, and biochemistry labs on-site

Children's Hospital of Shanghai (Putuo)

Children's Hospital of Shanghai (Putuo)

355 Luding Lu, near Tongpu Lu Putuo...

24-hour Emergency Hotline: 5297 6133

Children's Hospital of Shanghai (Putuo) is a leading pediatric healthcare facility offering comprehensive medical services for children. Its 24/7 emergency room provides critical care and is supported by advanced specialties, including neonatology, nephrology, hematology, gastroenterology, cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedics, and urology. The hospital also features clinical departments such as dermatology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, stomatology, rehabilitation for adults and children, and traditional Chinese medicine, ensuring holistic care for young patients.

Availability & Accessibility

Emergency Service: 24/7 Pediatric emergency

Specialized Units: Pediatric ICU, Neonatal ICU, and specialized trauma care

Rapid Triage System:Yes

Green channel to Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals：Already a Grade A Tertiary Hospital

First-Time Emergency Visit Process: Patients should register upon arrival. For inquiries, contact the 24-hour emergency hotline at 021-5297-6020.

Medical Service & Psychological Support

Emergency Doctor Qualifications: Board-certified pediatric emergency specialists

Pediatric Trauma & Critical Care: Advanced trauma life support (ATLS) certified team

Mental Health Crisis Intervention: Available with child psychologists on-call

Pain & Anxiety Management: Child-friendly pain relief protocols and sedation options

On-Call Pediatric Surgeons: Available 24/7 for emergency surgeries

Emergency Foreign Doctors: Limited availability, primarily Mandarin-speaking staff

Facilities & Equipment

Child-Friendly Environment: Bright, engaging decor with play areas

Isolation & Infection Control Units: Equipped with negative pressure rooms

Emergency Transfer Service: Coordination for transfers to higher-level facilities if needed

Imaging Services: X-ray, CT, and ultrasound available 24/7

Laboratory Services: Rapid blood tests, microbiology, and biochemistry labs on-site

Children's Hospital of Fudan University

National Children's Medical Center Children's Hospital of Fudan University

399 Wanyuan Lu, near Gudai Lu...

24-hour Emergency Hotline: 6493 1029

Children's Hospital of Fudan University, is a pediatric medical institution affiliated with Fudan University. It offers a range of healthcare services for children, including specialized care across various pediatric fields. The hospital's emergency department is designed to provide care for critically ill or injured children, with facilities aimed at delivering prompt medical attention in urgent situations.

Availability & Accessibility

• Emergency Service: 24/7 Pediatric emergency
• Specialized Units: Pediatric ICU, Neonatal ICU, and advanced trauma care units
• Rapid Triage System:Yes
• Rapid Triage System:Yes, ensuring quick assessment and prioritization
• Green Channel to Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals:Yes, for seamless referrals
• First-Time Emergency Visit Process: Register at the emergency desk → Undergo rapid triage → Immediate evaluation by a pediatric emergency specialist.

Medical Service & Psychological Support

• Emergency Doctor Qualifications: Highly trained, board-certified pediatric emergency physicians
• Pediatric Trauma & Critical Care: Expert care for severe injuries and critical conditions
• Mental Health Crisis Intervention: Support from on-call child psychologists
• Pain & Anxiety Management: Tailored protocols to ensure comfort for young patients
• On-Call Pediatric Surgeons: Available around the clock for urgent surgical needs
• Emergency Foriegn Doctors: Limited availability; services primarily provided in Mandarin

Facilities & Equipment

• Child-Friendly Environment:Designed with colorful, calming spaces to reduce stress
• Isolation & Infection Control Units:State-of-the-art isolation rooms for infectious cases
• Emergency Transfer Service:Efficient coordination for transfers to specialized facilities
• Imaging Services:Full range of imaging, including X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound, available 24/7
• Laboratory Services:Advanced on-site labs for rapid diagnostics and testing

And Here are more options for private Hospitals in Shanghai and most of them have English Medical staff.

Shanghai Children's Emergency Clinics — Private Hospitals

The Big Four Chinese Public Hospitals

There are three reasons you'd pick a public hospital. First is price: unless you have insurance, private hospitals cost a pretty penny. Second, the big Chinese public hospitals are clustered downtown, while the international clinics are mostly (though not all) further afield. Third is specialization. Ruijin Hospital, for example, has an excellent burn unit.

The doctors at Chinese public hospitals have a wealth of experience but due to the high volume of patients, probably won't give you as much personal care and attention as private hospitals. Still, if you don't have insurance, or if you need to get somewhere real quick, these are excellent options.

Huashan Hospital

Huashan Hospital (Jing'an)

Bldg 15, 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, near...

Huashan Hospital (华山医院, huashan yiyuan) is one of China's most well-known hospitals and is mobbed during the day for its outpatient services and specialist doctors. It has an English-speaking international division on the 8th floor but that's only open from 8am-5pm. However, the local emergency room is open 24/7 and specializes in neurological conditions. That said, it handles all kinds of cases, and is smack in the middle of downtown on the corner of Wulumuqi Lu and Huashan Lu, two blocks up from the Anfu Lu strip. The entrance to the ER is on Huashan Lu a little bit west of Wulumuqi. No pediatric or OB/GYN services.

Ruijin Hospital

Ruijin Hospital

197 Ruijin Er Lu, near Shaoxing Lu...

A few blocks away from Sinan Mansions, Ruijin Hospital (瑞金医院, ruijin yiyuan) is open 24/7 and has a full ER and ICU. In addition to standard inpatient and outpatient care, they specialize in trauma, cardiac emergencies, burns and acute intoxication. The emergency room has English-speaking staff.

Huadong Hospital

Huadong Hospital

221 Yan'an Xi Lu, near Wulumuqi Bei...

Huadong Hospital (华东医院, huadong yiyuan) is right around the corner from Huashan Hospital and is nearly as well-known. It's still one of the biggest hospitals in Shanghai, with 44 specialized departments, a 24/7 emergency room and full ICU. No English in the ER though. Enter from Yan'an Xi Lu.

Zhongshan Hospital

Zhongshan Hospital

180 Fenglin Lu, near Xietu Lu Xuhui...

Zhongshan Hospital (中山医院, zhongshan yiyuan) has a 24/7 ER for acute trauma and other urgent medical needs, but they don't promise any English. The 96-bed facility has an ICU broken into four rooms: two comprehensive intensive care units and two with specializations, dealing with liver trauma and cardiac surgery.

And A Note On Mental Health Emergencies

Mental health resources in Shanghai are shit and stress is high. People break. When they do, these are your options.

If it's 10pm and someone is having a mental health crisis or is suicidal, you can take them to the Shanghai Mental Health Hospital (精神卫生中心, jingshen weisheng zhongxin). It's mostly for Chinese, so it's coin toss on if there will be English-speaking staff on hand, but they will be able to stabilize patients and keep them from harm while some sort of exterior treatment or counseling can be arranged.

You can also try Shanghai United Family if you don't have someone who can translate for you. They're the best equipped of the international hospitals for mental health emergencies, though they do not have a dedicated psychiatric bed.

You can try calling Lifeline for more advice (daily, 10am-10pm), or Community Center Shanghai (Mon-Fri between 9am-5pm).