Xuanwu Hospital Beijing Neurology & Stroke Guide for International Patients (2026)
Xuanwu Hospital (首都医科大学宣武医院) is one of Beijing's — and China's — premier neurology and neurosurgery hospitals. While Tiantan Hospital is better known internationally for brain tumour surgery, Xuanwu has particular strengths in cerebrovascular disease (stroke), dementia, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord disorders, and minimally invasive neurosurgery. For expats or international patients in Beijing with neurological conditions — especially stroke, TIA, cognitive decline, or movement disorders — Xuanwu is a strong alternative or complement to Tiantan and PUMCH neurology.
In this guide
1Essential Information
Full name: Xuanwu Hospital / 首都医科大学宣武医院
Location: 45 Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Getting there: Subway Line 2, Changchun Street Station, Exit A, ~5-min walk. Very accessible from central and southwest Beijing.
Outpatient hours: Monday–Friday 08:00–12:00. Some specialist clinics have afternoon sessions.
Emergency stroke care: Xuanwu has a nationally recognised stroke centre — if you or a family member has signs of acute stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), go directly to Xuanwu's emergency department or call 120 for ambulance. Time matters enormously in stroke treatment.
2Key Specialties
Neurology (神经内科) — Particular Strengths:
*Cerebrovascular Disease & Stroke:* Xuanwu is one of China's foremost stroke centres. Both ischaemic stroke (thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy) and haemorrhagic stroke management. Stroke rehabilitation. Secondary prevention clinics. Carotid artery disease and TIA evaluation.
*Dementia & Memory Disorders:* Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia. Xuanwu has a Memory Clinic (记忆门诊) which is one of Beijing's most established. Relevant for expats seeking formal dementia assessment for themselves or elderly family members.
*Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders:* Xuanwu's movement disorder clinic is well-regarded. Covers Parkinson's disease management (medication titration, DBS evaluation), atypical parkinsonism (PSP, MSA, CBD), essential tremor, dystonia.
Neurosurgery (神经外科) — Particular Strengths:
*Minimally Invasive & Endoscopic Neurosurgery:* Xuanwu has been a pioneer in endoscopic and minimally invasive approaches to brain and spinal surgery in China.
*Cerebrovascular Surgery:* Cerebral aneurysm clipping, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for severe carotid stenosis, AVM surgery, moyamoya disease. Xuanwu's cerebrovascular surgery programme is one of China's most experienced.
*Spinal Surgery:* Cervical and lumbar spine — disc herniation, spinal stenosis, myelopathy. Minimally invasive approaches.
3Stroke: What to Do in an Emergency
Recognise the signs of stroke (FAST): - Face drooping (uneven smile, facial numbness) - Arm weakness (one arm drifting down) - Speech difficulty (slurred, confused, or absent speech) - Time to call 120 (China's emergency number) immediately
If you or someone near you may be having a stroke in Beijing: 1. Call 120 immediately 2. Note the time symptoms started — this is critical for treatment decisions 3. Do NOT drive yourself — call an ambulance 4. Xuanwu Hospital's emergency department is a designated stroke centre with 24-hour thrombectomy capability
For non-emergency stroke follow-up: If you have had a stroke or TIA and are seeking specialist evaluation and secondary prevention advice, book an outpatient appointment with the cerebrovascular disease clinic (脑血管病门诊) at Xuanwu.
4Memory Clinic: Dementia Assessment
Xuanwu's Memory Clinic (记忆门诊) is one of Beijing's most established for cognitive decline and dementia assessment. For expats or overseas Chinese seeking formal assessment:
What the assessment covers: - Structured cognitive testing (MMSE, MoCA in Chinese — bring a Chinese-speaking family member or interpreter) - Brain MRI to assess for atrophy patterns and vascular changes - Blood tests to exclude reversible causes (thyroid, B12, folate, syphilis) - CSF biomarkers (Alzheimer's: amyloid, tau) if appropriate - PET scan (if diagnostic uncertainty after above)
What to bring: - Description of cognitive changes from a close family member or caregiver (when started, what domains affected) - Current medications - Previous cognitive test results if any - Brain imaging if previously done
Language note: Cognitive testing at Xuanwu is done in Mandarin. If your family member does not speak Mandarin, results may not be fully interpretable with standard scales — discuss this with the specialist and your patient escort before the appointment.
5How to Book and What to Prepare
Booking: Xuanwu is on 京医通. Book 7 days in advance at 07:00 for outpatient appointments. Cerebrovascular disease and movement disorder clinics are popular but generally less competitive than Tiantan or PUMCH.
What to bring for neurology appointments: - Brain MRI (bring original DICOM disc — not just printed films) - CT head if previously done - Vascular imaging (MRA, CTA, carotid ultrasound) if available - EEG if done for epilepsy or encephalopathy - Current medications list - Symptom diary if applicable (seizure frequency, falls log, medication response)
Cost reference (approximate self-pay, CNY): - Outpatient consultation: CNY ¥200–500 - Brain MRI (1.5T/3T): CNY ¥600–1,500 - Carotid ultrasound: CNY ¥200–400 - Cognitive testing (formal neuropsychological battery): CNY ¥500–1,500
*Note: Hospital fees are paid directly to Xuanwu Hospital in CNY. Our escort service fee is quoted separately in USD.*
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