Whether you are seeking cough syrup or prescription medication, here's how to ensure you obtain genuine, safe, and legal products.

1. Hospitals

If you're feeling seriously unwell, skip the guesswork and see a doctor first.

Why?

• Doctors diagnose accurately.
• Many medicines, such as antibiotics, need a prescription.
• Hospitals often have their own pharmacies, so you can get your medicine right after your visit. You may also take the doctor’s prescription to a licensed pharmacy to buy the prescribed drugs if you wish.

2. Pharmacies

No prescription? No problem — licensed pharmacies sell over-the-counter medicines such as allergy pills and cold remedies.

Tips:

• Go to a qualified pharmacy staffed by licensed pharmacists. Before purchasing, confirm whether the drugstore displays its business license and whether the pharmacist wears their credentials.
• Describe your symptoms clearly to the on-duty pharmacist. Prescription medications can be sold only with a valid doctor's prescription reviewed by a pharmacist.
• In China, some large pharmacies operate 24 hours a day, allowing you to purchase medicine whenever you need it.
• Drug prices may vary by pharmacy. In addition, keep the invoice as proof of purchase.

3. Online pharmacies

Getting basic medicine in China has become much easier: no more long hospital lines or searching pharmacy shelves. Follow this simple guide to have medications delivered directly to your home.

Consider Meituan, a well-known e-commerce platform, as an example. Like with other online orders, you can buy medications via the app. Just download Meituan, then click the medicine icon on the home page to access the online pharmacy and begin shopping.

OTC drugs

For over-the-counter drugs, you can enter the medicine name and select the product from a local pharmacy. Then click "buy it now" to complete the purchase.

Enter your address, and an estimated delivery time will appear. Submit the order.

Prescription drugs

Online medical consultations for prescription drugs are available only for follow-up visits for illnesses previously diagnosed at physical hospitals; initial diagnosis via online platforms is prohibited.

After you submit your health information, a licensed physician will conduct an online consultation (only follow-up consultations for confirmed chronic or common illnesses are permitted online) and issue a legally valid digital prescription with a verified electronic signature.

Prior to payment, an on-duty licensed pharmacist must manually review the prescription to confirm dosage, compatibility, and safety. According to the 2026 national regulatory rules, artificial intelligence cannot substitute pharmacists for this review process. Payment can only be finalized once the pharmacist has approved the prescription.

Now your order is complete. Wait at home for your medication to be delivered.

Updated Aug 10, 2026

Source: China Daily Website