In most Western countries, there is one dominant, mainstream medical system. Any other practice is typically labeled “alternative” or “complementary.” In China, the situation is fundamentally different. There are two mainstream, state-sanctioned systems that operate in parallel: 西医 (xīyī) and 中医 (zhōngyī). This creates a “dual-track” healthcare culture.
Many Chinese people utilize both systems. It's not unusual to see a 西医 for a high fever and then consult a 中医 for follow-up care to rebalance the body. Major hospitals often have both 西医 and 中医 departments, and the concept of 中西医结合 (zhōng xī yī jiéhé), or “integrating Chinese and Western medicine,” is a unique and important aspect of modern Chinese healthcare. This pragmatic approach values the strengths of both traditions, a stark contrast to the often adversarial relationship between conventional and alternative medicine in the West.
In daily life, 西医 is the default for most urgent medical needs.