China’s life expectancy hits 79 years in 2024 as the nation builds the world’s largest disease prevention system.
China has made remarkable achievements in expanding the coverage of national health during the past five years. Chinese people’s average life expectancy expanded from about 35 years in 1949 to 79 years in 2024, thanks to these achievements.
The average life expectancy is a comprehensive parameter of the social development, health system of a country. During the past five years, the regional disparity in China’s average life expectancy has narrowed. Eight provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and Hainan, have a life expectancy at birth exceeding 80 years.
Hong Kong has ranked as the world’s longest-lived region for ten consecutive years. As of August 2025, the average life expectancy is 82.5 years for men and 88 years for women.
Towards Wellness for All
China has built the world’s largest medical service system, and access to healthcare has become easier and faster nationwide. By the end of 2024, there were 1.09 million medical and health institutions in China, with 15.78 million health workers. And over 90% of residents have access to the nearest medical service within 15 minutes.
China also built the world’s largest disease prevention and control system. The healthcare system is shifting from “treating illness” to “promoting wellness”. Residents’ health literacy level has increased from 23.2% in 2020 to 31.9% in 2024. Incidence rates of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and AIDS, continue to decline.
Now in China, about 1.3 billion citizens — more than 95% of the population have access to some form of basic medical insurance. This is the world’s largest basic medical security network, which has provided a “protection umbrella” for the people.
As of 2024, there are over 4.8 million sports venues in China, with an area of 4.23 billion square meters. The proportion of people who regularly participate in sports and exercise exceeds 38.5%. From the national fitness campaign to the “Weight Management Year” initiative, the concept of a healthy lifestyle has been embraced in the nation.
Written by Sha Liu, posters designed by Di Wang, additional reporting by Xinhua and Ecns.cn.
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