The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University

The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University

star 4.80 · 30 Reviews location_on Guangzhou
verifiedClass A Tertiary Hospital Est. 1898
Ranking Top 10 Nationally in Psychiatry
description Get quote
1898
Established
1,920+
Beds
1M+
Annual outpatients
3.5K+
Annual surgeries
Chinese, English
Language support

About the hospital

The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital) was founded in 1898 by American physician Dr. John Kerr, making it the first psychiatric hospital in China and Asia. As a comprehensive institution integrating clinical care, education, research, prevention, and rehabilitation, it is the largest Class A tertiary brain hospital in South China. The hospital hosts two National Key Clinical Specialties: Psychiatry and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Mental Disorders. It maintains a leading national position in fields such as neurosurgery (including DBS treatment for Parkinson's disease and treatment-resistant depression), sleep disorders, and early intervention. The hospital operates three campuses—Fangcun, Jiangcun, and Liwan—and houses an independent Mental Health Research Institute.

Why choose this hospital

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First in Asia

Founded in 1898, it is the first Western psychiatric hospital in China.

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Specialty Leadership

Ranked 6th nationally in the STEM Psychiatry rankings and 7th in the Fudan Hospital Specialist Reputation Rankings.

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Advanced Technology

Specializes in high-precision techniques including Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and neuronavigation-guided TMS.

Top specialties

11 departments

Department of Emergency Medicine

Leading Unit of the South China Psychiatric Emergency Specialty Alliance

Established in 2013, this department is among the earliest psychiatric emergency services in China. It is the largest and longest-standing treatment center for acute and severe psychiatric disorders in South China. Providing 24/7 care, the department specializes in managing critical conditions, including acute mental disorders, suicidal and self-harming behaviors, violent behaviors, and psychotropic drug toxicity. It has also led the development of multiple triage standards for psychiatric emergencies in China.

Mood Disorders Department

Top 10 in the Fudan University National Psychiatric Specialty Rankings

Established in 2003, it is one of the earliest key specialties at the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and serves as the core department of the South China Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Severe and Complex Psychiatric and Psychological Disorders. The department consists of three inpatient wards, focusing on the early identification and standardized treatment of bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. It is among the leading centers in China for the full-course management of treatment-resistant affective disorders.

Geriatric Psychiatry

National Key Clinical Specialty; Key Specialty of the Guangdong Provincial 'Five Ones' Medical Development Project

Established in the early 1990s, the department is a recognized clinical specialty and a training base for geriatric nurses in Guangdong Province. It focuses on the systematic diagnosis and treatment of dementia, affective disorders, and psychiatric disorders with somatic comorbidities in patients aged 60 and older. The department holds a leading position in China in the early intervention, epidemiological research, and comprehensive management of geriatric psychiatric disorders, and has received multiple provincial and ministerial-level scientific and technological achievement awards.

Clinical Psychology

Top 10 nationally (ranked 6th) in the psychiatry specialty on the Fudan University Hospital Specialist Reputation Ranking, and No. 1 in specialist reputation in South China.

Established in the early 1980s, the Department of Clinical Psychology at the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University is one of the earlier psychiatric hospital subspecialties in China to offer psychological counseling, psychotherapy, and mental health education. Integrating clinical practice, teaching, and research, the department is staffed by specialists with dual qualifications as psychiatrists and psychotherapists. It holds a leading position in China in the fields of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and adolescent psychological interventions.

Substance Dependence Department

Ranked 6th nationally in psychiatry in the Fudan University Hospital Rankings

Established in 1992, the department is one of the earliest institutions for drug abuse prevention, treatment, and research in China. It is a designated voluntary drug rehabilitation center by the Ministry of Health. Integrating clinical care, education, and research, the department is a leading center in China for the diagnosis and treatment of substance addictions (including alcohol, opioids, and novel psychoactive substances) and behavioral addictions.

Department of Sleep Disorders

National Key Clinical Specialty | Top 7 Nationally in Psychiatry (Fudan Ranking)

Supported by its status as a National Key Clinical Specialty, the department includes a Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Medicine Center. Equipped with advanced technology such as polysomnography, it focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions including insomnia, hypersomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and parasomnias. The medical team consists of leading specialists in China and holds a strong academic reputation in the field of sleep medicine.

Leading experts

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Ning Yuping

President, Professor, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor

Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, dementia, depression, sleep disorders, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

34 years experience

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Xingbing Huang

Chief Physician, Professor, Master's Supervisor

Specializes in pharmacological and psychological treatments for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and acute and severe mental disorders.

25 years experience

JL

Jie Li

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor

Specializes in the emergency intervention and treatment of schizophrenia, mood disorders, and psychological crises.

20 years experience

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Zheng Yingjun

Department Director, Professor, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor

Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and early-stage mental and psychological disorders.

28 years experience

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Zhong Huaqing

Associate Chief Physician

Diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychological issues in children and adolescents.

25 years experience

LK

Lin Kangguang

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor

Bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, adolescent emotional disorders, and early intervention.

20 years experience

Getting there

Typical flight duration to Guangzhou

flight Hong Kong ~1.5h flight Macau ~1.5h flight Taipei ~2h flight Hanoi ~2h flight Manila ~2.5h flight Ho Chi Minh City ~2.5h flight Phnom Penh ~2.5h flight Vientiane ~2.5h
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Nearest airport and arrival

The exact airport depends on the hospital campus. We confirm the arrival airport, pickup point, and transfer time before your trip, and arrange airport meet-and-greet when you book.

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Hotels near the hospital

We provide a shortlist of vetted hotels and serviced apartments within walking distance or a short ride of the international department, with nightly rates and booking links tailored to your length of stay.

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International medical department

Most partner hospitals have a dedicated international department with English-speaking coordinators. We confirm whether this hospital has one and connect you directly to that office.

info Distances, exact addresses, and booking links depend on the campus and your treatment dates. Ask our concierge for a tailored logistics plan.

International patient services

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Convenient Access

Located in downtown Guangzhou with easy access to the metro system.

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Accommodation Guidance

Surrounded by mature amenities with detailed local lodging and lifestyle guides available.

check_circle Psychiatry
check_circle Neurosurgery
check_circle Neurology
check_circle Psychology
check_circle Sleep Disorders
check_circle Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
check_circle Substance Dependence
check_circle Forensic Psychiatry

Patient reviews

4.80 star · 30 Reviews
person

h***6

star star star star star 2026-03-05

I sought consultation at The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in early 2026 due to long-term struggles with severe depression. The attending physician was highly skilled; through detailed psychometric assessments and interviews, the medication regimen was precisely adjusted. The physician was gentle and patient, providing substantial psychological support. After two months of systematic treatment, my mood has improved significantly, sleep quality has markedly improved, and my life is gradually returning to normal.

person

h***7

star star star star star 2026-03-05

Suffering from severe depression for an extended period, I sought medical attention at the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in early 2026. The attending physician demonstrated excellent clinical skills and precisely adjusted the medication regimen. Their attitude was patient and gentle, providing significant psychological support. After two months of systematic treatment, my mood has improved significantly, and my sleep quality has notably enhanced. My life is gradually returning to normal. I am very grateful for the physician's professional guidance.

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Anonymous User

star star star star star 2026-03-02

Brought an elderly family member for a follow-up consultation regarding Alzheimer's disease. The physician demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy regarding geriatric psychiatric conditions and provided detailed explanations to address our family's inquiries. The medical staff were courteous and displayed a high level of professionalism. Under the latest pharmacological intervention and rehabilitation guidance, the rate of memory decline has been effectively controlled, and hallucination symptoms have largely subsided. The patient's current physiological indicators are stable. We are very grateful to the hospital's professional team.

person

Anonymous User

star star star star star 2026-02-28

Brought an elderly family member for consultation regarding Alzheimer's disease. The doctor demonstrated great expertise in the field of geriatric psychiatry, explaining the progression of the disease in detail and providing specific recommendations for cognitive rehabilitation. The medical staff were attentive and considerate, showing genuine care for the elderly patient. Recent follow-up examinations indicate that the rate of cognitive decline has been effectively controlled, and hallucination symptoms have largely disappeared. The family is very satisfied with the diagnosis and treatment process in 2026.

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