A Chinese dentist treats a Russian patient at a general clinic in Heihe, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, on Dec 24. QIU QILONG/FOR CHINA DAILY

　　When Amie, a British online content creator, faced a wait of at least two weeks to see a local general practitioner for persistent stomach pain, she made an unexpected choice: booking a flight to Beijing for medical care.

　　Within five days of her arrival in the Chinese capital — where she once lived — Amie was able to consult a gastroenterologist at a major public hospital and complete a series of diagnostic tests, including a sedated endoscopy. About a week later, she received all her test results and a clear diagnosis of chronic gastritis, along with prescribed medication.

　　The total medical cost was 2,822 yuan ($405), which is equivalent to around 300 British pounds. Amie said she would have had to pay at least 3,000 pounds if she pursued treatment through Britain's state-run National Health Service.

　　Including around 1,500 pounds in travel expenses, the overall cost remained favorable, the content creator said in her posts shared last month on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, or RedNote.

　　"It feels like a well-oiled machine here. The efficiency and quality of care are outstanding," she wrote. "Even with travel expenses, the peace of mind and efficiency were absolutely worth it. I had a really excellent experience and got my medical treatment sorted swiftly."

　　Amie's story, widely circulated online, reflects a growing trend of foreigners — often expatriates or former long-term residents of China — seeking timely and reliable medical care in the country's hospitals.