Accessible Travel in China

A core part of WildChina’s mission is to break down barriers to China travel, making the Middle Kingdom accessible to all who want to journey its many corners. Making China accessible can mean many things: it can mean sharing information on what is needed to enter China; it can mean providing a local guide to bridge language and culture barriers once on the ground; it can mean expert advice and operational prowess to reach remote regions and forgotten trails. Or, it can mean making China physically accessible for all, from the heights of the Great Wall to the streets of Dali. 

Q&A: Accessibility in China 

Here are some key questions and answers about accessibility for travelers with mobility restrictions in China. For other accessibility questions, please contact our team directly so we can design a trip that meets, and exceeds, your accessibility needs! 

How are wheelchairs made available and assisted during trips? 

WildChina will assist in sourcing wheelchairs for the duration of your journey with us. For the big cities, many of our partner hotels have wheelchairs for use, but they often get booked up early, so we always recommend planning your China trip well in advance to ensure availability. We can also arrange wheelchairs for airport arrival and departure, for both the international and domestic sections of your trip.  

Travelers are also, of course, welcome to bring their own wheelchair if preferred. For this, we will ask that you please share the details of your wheelchair (dimensions and other specifications) with us in advance so we can check compliance to ensure a smooth, hassle-free journey in China. 

If traveling alone, or if extra assistance is required, please let us know in advance so we can hire an individual to help push the wheelchair. Please note, while you will have a local guide throughout your journey, these individuals are dedicated to leading the group and are unable to assist with pushing wheelchairs themselves. 

What accessibility options does China offer for different modes of transportation?  

Traveling China by Plane (including international arrival and departure) 

Major airports such as Beijing Capital International and Shanghai Pudong are equipped with ramps, elevators, and dedicated mobility assistance services. Smaller airports may not be as well equipped, so please allow your WildChina travel designer to check with each airport prior to confirmation.   

For all airport transfers, airlines should be notified by passengers in advance about mobility requirements so they can arrange necessary support with boarding, disembarking, and moving through the airport.  

For international arrival and departure flights, WildChina can also assist with booking a VIP airport arrival service with wheelchair support, if needed (please notify us in advance).  

Traveling by Train in China 

China’s extensive high-speed rail network provides a convenient and efficient way to travel across the country and is accessible for those with mobility restrictions. All high-speed train stations are equipped with ramps, elevators, and dedicated boarding areas for wheelchairs. The high-speed trains feature designated seats and accessible toilets for comfort and convenience. Staff are trained to assist passengers with mobility restrictions. 

It is important to note that while major city stations facilitate easy access to trains, smaller stations may have limited accessibility. Your WildChina travel designer will assess the accessibility at all stations included in your itinerary and provide guidance accordingly. 

Traveling by Car in China 

We offer options for private transport in China. For most places in China, we offer a private chauffeured Buick GL8 minivan or the Mercedes-Benz Viano, which feature regular seating. In most of mainland of China, wheelchair-accessible vehicles (equipped with ramps or lifts) are not available.

Are accommodations in China equipped with accessible rooms?

Most five-star hotels have rooms equipped with accessible features. Our travel designers will recommend hotels accordingly and will confirm that accessibility requests have been met at each prior to your arrival.

Which sites in China are accessible for people with mobility restrictions?

In Beijing, nearly all major attractions including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace are accessible. Enhanced sections of the Great Wall feature elevators and ramps, allowing visitors with mobility restrictions to experience this iconic landmark. However, visiting these sites can involve significant walking; the Great Wall has steep sections and uneven surfaces, and the Forbidden City has vast courtyards. Your travel designer will advise and help. 

Shanghai also offers easy access to sites like the Bund and various museums. The Bund, with its city skyline views and impressive architecture, is equipped with ramps and smooth pathways for wheelchair users. Museums in Shanghai have made their exhibits and facilities accessible to all visitors.  

What navigation tools are available in China to assist travelers with mobility restrictions? 

Amap, a popular navigation app, provides wheelchair-friendly navigation and details on accessible bathroom facilities. This app is a valuable resource for travelers in China, offering real-time information on accessibility and helping to plan routes that accommodate mobility restrictions. 

For further questions about accessible travel in China that are not addressed in this article, please get in touch with a member of our team.