A Complete Travel Guide to China for Senior Citizens (with Discount Strategy)

Dream of traveling to China now that you’re retired, with budget and time? Make sure you check out this complete guide for seniors travel to China first. Get to know where to visit & when to go, transportations, packing list, accommodation information, and the attractions discount for senior citizens. If you plan your trip accordingly, you’re going make your travel experience in China more enjoyable and comfortable.

Top 6 Places to Visit in China for Seniors

When choosing the destinations to visit in China, the elderly travelers are suggested to mainly consider three factors: safety, environment (climate & altitude), senior-friendly attractions & activities.See below our suggestions.

1. Beijing

The ancient and modern Chinese capital, Beijing is pretty much one of the best destination for senior citizens, with a few of world’s most outstanding UNESCO World Heritages. Be ready to be embraced by history and culture, and take fully advantage of the city’s convenient transportation, public facilities and easily accessible sights.

Senior-friendly activities in Beijing: take cable way to the Great Wall, learn Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven, stroll through Forbidden City for countless art treasures and being dressed up like a king and queen, cruise Summer Palace, rickshaw ride through hutongs.

Check out our 5-day private Beijing tour package customized for senior travelers at a relaxing pace.

Further Reading:

2. Shanghai

The most modernized city in mainland China, Shanghai is a big draw for senior travelers because of its dramatic contrast between the historic China and futuristic China.

Senior-friendly activities in Shanghai: witness the colonial buildings on the Bund and skyscrapers in the Lujiazui Financial District to know China’s modern history, enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise for relaxation and Shanghai’s stunning night scene, visit the old town for original dwellings, old lanes and traditions, extend the trip to Suzhou brimmed with traditional gardens

Further Reading: Shanghai Travel Tips for Senior Tourists

3. Xian

One of the oldest existent capitals in the world, Xian was where the Silk Road get started and today retains many historical sites, temples and museums.

Senior-friendly activities in Xian: meet Terracotta Army and learn history, get in China’s longest city wall, admire Big Wild Goose Pagoda, visit local family to make dumpling

Check out our 3-day relaxing Xian tour package for mature tourists

4. Guilin

For senior travelers seeking the most beautiful place in China with laidback atmosphere and idyllic countryside, never miss Guilin.

Senior-friendly activities in Guilin: sit in a Li River cruise to savor the karst landscape, live a happy, relaxing life in Yangshuo to learn cook Chinese foods, visit the wet market, learn Chinese calligraphy and painting, and witness the local villagers working on the farmland with water buffalo, visit the old town of Dayu to discover some traditional workshops

We specially designed a 3-day Guilin tour for seniors to visit the highlights of Guilin and Yangshuo

5. Yangtze Cruise

Cruise is always a must for the elderly travelers / couple. A Yangtze cruise combines sightseeing and ultimate comfort. You can learn Tai Chi on the deck, bask in soft sunlight and breeze, enjoy coffee/tea time, and also join the extrusions to the enticing cultural sites.

6. Chengdu

A modern city yet brimmed with traditions, Chengdu is also world-famous as the hometown of giant panda. The elderly travelers are encouraged to sip tea at local tea house, experience yourself the Chinese retiring life at People’s Park, visit the Leshan Giant Budhha, and mostly importantly, join the panda keeper program if you’re under the age of 70.

Click to see our 4-day Chengdu tour for seniors with panda and Taoist culture

Further Reading: Chengdu Travel Tips for Senior Travelers

China's Tourist Attractions Discount for Seniors

Top Things to Do in China for Seniors

Tai Chi Training: Beyond Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi is a way of maintaining health in life. Attending a specialized Tai Chi course in the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing is the best way to start your day. The Tai Chi master will teach you how to coordinate your breathing and movements in soft and slow motions.

Calligraphy & Brush Painting Course: This unique Chinese culture experience allows you to immerse yourself in ancient Chinese aesthetics and philosophy. Learn to write Chinese characters with a brush and create expressive landscape paintings. You will be filled with inspiration in ancient villages in Anhui or along the Yulong River in Yangshuo.

World-Class Historical Landmarks: China's 5,000-year-old civilization has given rise to dozens of world cultural heritage sites, and accessible facilities are very friendly to the elderly. Stroll through the Forbidden City Museum, the Terracotta Army Museum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and the Mutianyu Great Wall - all ancient wonders...

Real China Discovery: Want to experience "real China"? Live like a local for a few days. Visit the best markets in China, from traditional wet markets to antique markets. Learn to make Chinese cuisine, such as making dumplings. Maybe you will also fall in love with mahjong in Chengdu.

Various Cultural Night Shows: For example, the ERA acrobatics in Shanghai, the Impression Liu Sanjie in Guilin, the Sichuan Opera performance in Chengdu, the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show in Xi'an, and the Impression Yunnan in Kunming...

>> Recommended 11 Days China Wellness Tour for Seniors

Best and Worst Time to Visit China

The elderly travelers need also consider the local weather when planning to travel to China, lest you’re getting sick. April to May and September to October, with mild weather, neither hot, nor cold, is the best time for traveling.

You are not suggested to travel in China’s national public holidays, such as the Golden Week (Oct.1 - 7) and Spring Festival (usually between late January and early February), when it is all attractions, airports and railway stations are packed with tourists/passengers.

Useful China Travel Tips: Accommodation, Transportation, Dinning, Packing List

Accommodation – Pick the central-located hotel, nearing shopping street and restaurants. International-brand is usually a better choice for senior travelers. But you still need to consult the hotel staff if you should have special requirements. Your tour adviser at Easy Tour China is always glad to assist you picking and booking your accommodation in China, whether you desire a king-sized bed or an accessible room.

Transportation – Flight and bullet train are the best choices to travel between cities in China, especially the bullet train, which ensures comfort, high speed, safety and punctuality. For sightseeing in a destination, you may take subway or public bus. But for the elderly, the taxi or a private vehicle with more flexibility is surely the best way.

Dinning – If you want to try local foods, we have a list of local restaurants with healthy and delicious dishes in each city that will satisfy your stomach. Or you can dine at your hotel for either Chinese foods or Western foods. For your safety, you’d better not eat street foods.

Make sure you read the following articles if you're planning China tours with seniors:

What to Pack

Apart from the necessary identity document, visa and personal effects, the senior travelers are suggested to also pack the following items;

- Buy travel insurance in case of any injury or disease, so bring with your insurance policy and phone number.

- Pack your medical records and medication you need, in case that you can’t find it in China.

- Bring with some cash, but not too much. You can withdraw money at the bank or your hotel if needed.

- Don’t carry or wear too expensive jewelries or watch.

- Pack comfortable shoes and clothes.

China Travel Itinerary for Elderly Travelers

The most important thing - plan it in a slow pace, and avoid long walks (unless you enjoy hiking). Here we recommend a 14-day senior-friendly, classic China Travel Itinerary.

Top China Tours for Seniors

We suggest that you take a private China tour with exclusive guide and driver who then can accommodate your personal needs and requirements. Here below area the China trips we craft specially for the elderly travelers:

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