Traveling with your wheelchair to China can be very challenging, unless you find a reliable travel company like Easy Tour China.
Here we have been starting wheelchair simulation,with disability awareness training, our travel specialists will craft an itinerary to suit your physical condition, look for ideal accommodations for wheelchair users, and contact the cooperative domestic airlines which provide assistance when embarking or disembarking. A responsive and helpful tour guide is also a key to make your wheelchair accessible tour in China successful and pleasant. Since we have been handling China tours for physically challenged travelers for more than 10 years, our team is experienced in meeting their needs and delivering the satisfactory services to them, and is happy to research for you the best wheelchair destinations/cities in China.
Though China witnessed the dramatic changes in the past decades, we can see brand new infrastructures, modern and well-equipped hotels, the biggest network of high-speed train and motorway in this country, the publicly accessible amenities for disabled people still lag behind those of Western countries. Thanks to hosting Beijing Paralymic Games in 2008 and Beijing Paralympic Winter Games in 2022, many barrier-free facilities and services were introduced into this city.
The government and people suddenly realized that there was so much we could do for the disabled. The concept of improving the public accessibility gradually widespread all over the country, from the airports to train stations, from hotels to national parks, etc. Until now we have to admit that it is still a long way for us to go compared with that of those developed countries, even in Beijing and Shanghai, which are widely considered as the most wheelchair friendly travel destinations in China. This is why you are supposed to find a good planner and operator for a hassle-free wheelchair accessible trip before entering China, if you don’t have relatives or close friends living in the country.
Since the wheelchair users have limited mobility, it is not so convenient to travel in a vast country like China. Currently we recommend only 5 wheelchair accessible destinations for your considerations, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chegndu, and Hangzhou. For those who can stand independently and move a short distance with the help of others, they can also look to more destinations like Hangzhou and Guilin.
Beijing
Undoubtedly Beijing is the No. 1 destination for all the international travelers, where you will see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven.
During the process of promoting the construction of an accessible environment, Beijing has formulated a number of accessibility design standards, covering public transportation, public buildings, blind paths, sidewalks and the interiors of buildings.
Is Beijing Metro Wheelchair Accessible? Yes, all over 300 stations are equipped with barrier-free facilities. Each entrance and exit has at least one direct elevator or lift platform, and there is also a boarding ramp service for getting on the subway. >> Further reading: How to take subway in China with wheelchair
More and more scenic spots have set up barrier-free passages, barrier-free elevators, etc., to ensure that audiences with special needs can smoothly enter the exhibition halls for viewing. Barrier-free facilities are set up in the bathrooms, including safety handrails, barrier-free toilets, washbasins, etc.; a barrier-free sign system and directional signs are set up; wheelchairs are provided for free use by those in need when visiting the exhibitions.
Accessible Attractions in Beijing
There are a few different sections of the Great Wall in Beijing, not all suit wheelchair travelers. We recommend Badaling and Juyongguan Section, as the former has been equipped with ramps and elevators for wheelchair users, the latter is close to the car park, you don’t have to move far to see the meandering Great Wall on the mountains.
Other famous tourist attractions including Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace at city downtown are also built with barrier-free access. In addition, the new World Heritage Site, the Beijing Central Axis (Zhengyang Gate, Desheng Gate), the White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple, the Confucian Temple and the Imperial College Museum, etc., are also continuously improving their accessibility facilities. What we do is to arrange the day programs for your accessbile Beijing tour based on your needs and physical condition, so your excursions in Beijing can be rewarding and slow-paced.
Shanghai
Shanghai is another famous China’s metropolis in the world.
The Shanghai Metro has basically completed the renovation of all accessible toilets and has installed automatic escalators and accessible elevators, along with various guidance methods to indicate the location of the accessible facilities.
How to take bus in Shanghai with wheelchair? Shanghai has over 7,000 low-floor electric buses with barrier-free features, and there are 127 bus routes throughout the city that are equipped with low-floor buses with barrier-free functions.
Priority access routes, barrier-free elevators, barrier-free parking spaces, and wheelchair and cane rental services are available in most of Shanghai’s museums and tourist attractions.
Accessible Attractions in Shanghai
You can explore the Bund and Temple of City God, and take the elevator high up on one of the skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center or Oriental Pearl Tower to have a panoramic view of the prosperous city.
If you have more time, Fuxing Park (Former French Concession), Tianzifang old district and Qibao old town can also be included in your tour itinerary if traveling with a wheelchair to Shanghai. Don’t forget the local snacks of Shanghai are a delight too.
>> Recommended 9-Day Family-friendly Wheelchair Accessible China Tour: Shanghai to Beijing
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is definitely an international metropolis, and the most westernized city of China due to its colonial period. It is one of the most wheelchair-friendly cites in Asia, with a modern public transport system, sidewalks with curb ramps and a number of hotels with accessible guest rooms. Wheelchair travelers can feel more comfortable to explore the bustling city.
Accessible Attractions in Hong Kong
You may consider visiting Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbor, Star Ferry, Symphony of Lights show, and Temple Street Market.
Chengdu
Every year, Chengdu attracts tens of thousands of disabled people for worry-free travel. Currently, all subway stations in Chengdu have barrier-free elevators or wheelchair traction machines. Wheelchair fixers are installed in subway carriages, and barrier-free boarding platforms are provided on the platforms. Staff will assist with getting on and off the vehicles.
The barrier-free facilities in major attractions, large shopping malls, museums and other public places are also relatively complete. In addition, in 2026, Chengdu will continue to improve facilities such as blind paths and curb ramps.
Accessible Attractions in Chengdu
Xian
Is the metro in Xian accessible for wheelchair users and senior travelers? Xi'an's subway organized a trial run for 100 disabled people to experience all the barrier-free facilities in 2017, including barrier-free passages, blind paths, barrier-free bathrooms and signs, etc. At that time, barrier-free facilities and awareness had gradually become widespread. Although there is a gap compared to Beijing, Shanghai, or international cities, it is still constantly improving.
>> Further reading Top 8 Tips For Specially-Abled Elderly To Visit China
Accessible Attractions in Xian
Other cities in China like Hangzhou and Guilin can also be included in your China trip plan. All the 5A attractions in China have been built with ramps, which make the sites more accessible to wheelchair users. Most of public restrooms in these parks offer accessible toilet rooms. There are still some challenges in certain places like Li River cruise, especially during the busy time.
In these cities, it is very hard to find a handicap vehicle, therefore, the wheelchair can’t be uploaded into car by automatic lift. It is not convenient for those wheelchair-bound travelers to move into and out of the car, unless someone else helps them. Even in Beijing or Shanghai, handicap vehicles are not always available. Therefore, it is highly recommended to reply on the professionalism of the travel companies in China to plan a wheelchair accessible tour for you as we will do a lot of research in advance, and listen to you, find the possible best solutions to meet your requirements.