China held the Paralympic Games in 2008 and Winter Olympic Games in 2022, and since then, Beijing is welcoming disabled people with warmth. Following it, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xian, and Guangzhou also became a more disabled-friendly city today.
By revamping their hotels, railways, metro stations, bus ports, and tourist destinations, many of Chinese cities have developed wheelchair access enabled infrastructure.
If you are a specially-abled senior citizen, it certainly does not mean you can’t travel to your favorite cities in China.
This article has summoned up eight tips for making senior travel to China more accessible. By planning, making arrangements, and preparing in advance, you can ensure a smooth traveling experience in China.
Research Everything Before You Plan
Not only to specially-abled seniors, but this tip applies equally to all. However, when we talk about seniors with a disability planning their trips to China, they should research everything and plan to avoid any trouble later. Most big Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen are disabled-friendly. Many three-star, four-star, and five-star hotels in China offer wheelchairs if pre-booked and paid a royalty in advance.
Research is very important when it comes to traveling being a senior to china and that too if you are in a wheelchair, it is very important to take care of yourself and also others if you are traveling in a group. It is important to take care of your needs, needs not only to cover the physical needs but mental peace too. If you are planning for a long trip to China then make sure to book a hotel that feels homely. Always try to be surrounded by people to never feel alone and try to maintain a mental stability during a trip.
Besides this, while planning a trip to China, you should check things on your side and make sure you’re good to go. You should take your doctor's consultation before traveling. Get an assurance first that you are fit to travel and then only plan further. While planning, communicate with the Chinese embassy about your disability. Consult with your tour operator, inform the airlines, and tell your hotel about your condition so that they can make the necessary arrangements for you.
>> See our Crucial Safety Tips for Seniors Travelers to China
Make Reservations To Wheelchair Accessible Public Transport Only
While on a trip to China, public transport saves a lot of bucks if opted for over personal transition. However, public transportation can get a bit tricky for specially-abled seniors, but not in China trip. The majority of Chinese cities are connected with bullet trains and have subways for internal transportation. Both the subways and bullet trains have special seats for wheelchair users. You can travel with seniors to china through only those stations that offer wheelchair-accessible lifts and passways.
Easy Tour China's insider tips: The 9th carriage (for some models it's the 4th or 8th carriage) of each high-speed train is equipped with wheelchair-specific seats and accessible restrooms. We can try our best to help you reserve a seat in this carriage.
You may also be interested in Must-knows Before Making a Train Travel Plan in China | How to Use the Subway in China with a Wheelchair
During the Winter Olympic Games in 2022, special taxis and cabs were designed for transporting specially-abled persons. You can undoubtedly book one for yourself when on a China trip. However, only a few disabled-friendly taxis are running on Chinese roads, and they might not always accept going on a ride. So, in this case, picking a private transportation medium like mobility scooters can make your journey utmost comfortable. Isn’t it great? Now you can purchase one from the available mobility scooters for sale and start exploring China on your own!
Add Only Wheelchair Accessible Destinations in Your Itinerary
The third tip for you is to only include destinations in your China itinerary similar to Beijing in providing aid to specially-abled seniors. Beijing is a city that offers the maximum wheelchair access and disabilities facilities. Destinations like The Great Wall of Mutianyu, The Great Wall of Badaling, The Great Wall Fortress of Juyongguan, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, and The Summer Palace have wheelchair access routes and lifts. Jinmao Tower, Shanghai Museum, & The International Financial Center in Shanghai, and The Terracotta Warriors & The Forest of Steles in Xi'an city are also specially-abled-friendly destinations with wheelchair accessibility.
Besides wheelchair accessibility, you should look for other specially-abled seniors-related services also. For example, you can visit a destination where chauffeured car services are available. They can assist specially-abled people while getting into a car or leaving it. You can include places where special guides accompany specially-abled seniors and give them an exceptional tour of the site.
>> Recommended 9-Day Family-friendly Adaptive Travel in China: Wheelchair Accessible
Visit Only Accessible Attractions
We all know that not all attractions in China are fully accessible – although improvements are constantly being made. Therefore, your accessibility research should focus on several aspects, including accessible shuttle buses, wheelchair rentals, wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, priority lanes, audio/Braille guides, and accessibility maps. Generally speaking, big museums, popular parks, and world-class attractions in major Chinese cities are the best choices for Specially-Abled Seniors.
Below, we list the most recommended accessible attractions:
Book Only Accessible Hotel Rooms
China has mandatory national standards for the installation of accessible guest rooms in hotels: at least 1 accessible room for every 30-100 rooms, 2 accessible rooms for every 101-200 rooms, 3 accessible rooms for every 201-300 rooms, and at least 4 accessible rooms for every 301 or more rooms.
However, since China's standards may have some differences from international standards, you still need to research the specific conditions in advance, including wide door designs, entry with no or low thresholds, toilet grab bars, non-slip floors, walk-in showers, and emergency call devices. Additionally, you (or your China travel consultant) should also inquire about whether there are wheelchair spaces under the sinks and toilets, whether rooms close to the elevator are arranged, and other details.
To be on the safe side, prioritize hotels that are 4-star or higher internationally and located in city centers.
>> Further reading about the accommodation in China
Look For Disabled People Rest Rooms in China
Most of the washrooms at Chinese airports are wheelchair accessible. Touristy places like The Forbidden City, Jinmao Tower, Terracotta Army in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an cities are equipped with wheelchair-accessible toilets. These places attract a global audience of travelers and hence have wheelchair-friendly public restrooms, too. The country has also developed public restrooms on the streets of towns that are wheelchair-friendly. Usually, there’s a sign outside the public restrooms affirming whether or not it’s wheelchair accessible.
A trip to china with seniors is a great option to consider because the hotel facilities are great out there. Planning a trip to China will take your efforts and research and this is especially needed for wheelchair users. To make it somewhat easier, if traveling with a wheelchair user it is preferable to take a travel agency, like Easy Tour China, they will do all the necessary research, planning accordingly and customize your tour to China.
Know All The Air Transfer Regulations For Disabled in China
It becomes challenging when you’re flying with specially-abled seniors or elders with special conditions. Imagine how hard it must be while traveling with an elderly parent with dementia! Therefore, it’s suggestible to check rules and regulations of airlines to follow when traveling with specially-abled seniors.
Airlines publish these guidelines so that the disabled person can comfortably travel while they can take care of any special arrangements if required. The traveling guidelines for specially-abled seniors might differ depending on different airlines. However, you can check them all here - China Airlines, Air China, and China Southern Airlines.
You may also be interested in Flying with a Power Wheelchair in China – Air Travel Tips
Last but not the Least: Choose a Professional Local Chinese Travel Agency
Forget about any group tour, or even the standard mass-market products offered by ordinary travel agencies. A professional local Chinese company specializing in services for seniors and travelers with disabilities (such as Easy Tour China) and a private, customized itinerary will make your trip to China accessible and enjoyable.
Here are the key requirements to consider when crafting a China trip for Specially-Abled Seniors:
Conclusion
Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, specially-abled seniors can travel comfortably. It is important to carry necessary stuff like emergency medicines and all with you. If you are traveling to China alone, you should be aware of all the emergency procedures of flights, buses, trains, hotels, cruises, city transport, and tourist sites. When you are traveling with a group, inform your tour operator about your condition so that he can help you in a better way.
Recommend China tours for specially-abled seniors