QR Health Code in China — What It Is, When It’s Used & What To Do

In China, QR-based systems are widely used for check-ins, appointments, and payments. During public health emergencies, many cities used a QR “health code” in apps to control entry. Day-to-day checks are uncommon now, but you may still encounter QR forms or venue codes at places like hospitals, campuses, or large events. Here’s how to handle them smoothly.

Where You Might See QR Health/Check-In Codes

• Hospitals & clinics: Registration, department check-in, or visitor logs before entering.
• Universities & dorms: Visitor registration or temporary access passes.
• Events & venues: Ticket verification plus a brief contact form.
• Residential compounds: Occasional visitor record at the gatehouse.

These are often local venue QRs (registration/contact forms), not a city-wide health status code. Treat them like sign-ins.

What You Need (Before You Go)

• A phone with WeChat or Alipay (both can scan QRs via Discover → Scan or the camera).
• Mobile data or Wi-Fi access (codes usually refresh online).
• Your passport info handy; some forms ask for your full name and passport number.
• A local mobile number is helpful for SMS verifications and hospital apps.

How to Scan & Fill Venue/Health Forms (Step by Step)

Chinese-only pages? Long-press text in WeChat to use Translate, or switch your phone’s camera to live translate.

Hospitals & Health Services (What’s Different)

• Department registration: Many hospitals require a quick department/doctor registration QR at kiosks or entrances.
• Payment & results: Bills, e-prescriptions, and test results often live inside the hospital’s WeChat/Alipay mini-program.
• IDs: If the system asks for a local ID, select passport as the ID type and enter the number exactly.
• Receipts: Save e-receipts or request printouts for insurance reimbursement.

Privacy & Good Habits

• Check the issuer: Scan only official QR codes at the venue gate or front desk.
• Limit permissions: If a mini-program asks for extras (contacts, location), grant only what’s necessary.
• Use two hands for documents: Present passport politely; avoid leaving it with unattended desks.
• Keep records: Store confirmation screenshots in a “Health/Visits” album for 30–60 days.

Troubleshooting (Quick Fixes)

What If Requirements Change?

Local rules can update around big events or seasonal health advisories. If a venue suddenly requests a QR check-in or health questionnaire, follow on-site instructions and use the staff’s official QR. Your school/host family will usually share any citywide changes in their WeChat groups.

Useful Vocabulary

• 健康码 (jiànkāng mǎ) — health code / health QR
• 扫码登记 — scan to register
• 预约 (yùyuē) — appointment / reservation
• 就诊卡 — hospital patient card (sometimes virtual)
• 挂号 — hospital registration (to see a doctor)
• 护照 — passport
• 通过 / 失败 — passed / failed

FAQ — QR Health Code

Do I need a health code every day?
Generally no. You might see QR registrations at hospitals, campuses, or large events—treat them like sign-ins.

Can I use screenshots?
For simple check-ins, staff may accept a confirmation screen. For dynamic codes (time-sensitive), you must refresh live.

What if I don’t have a Chinese phone number?
You can usually register with a passport; some hospital apps work better with a local number. Ask the desk for a manual registration if needed.

Is my data safe?
Use only official venue QRs; avoid unknown codes. You can delete mini-program permissions after the visit.