Accessible Travel in China

Accessibility in China is uneven: new metro lines, airports and high-speed rail stations are often built step-free, while old towns, temples and the Great Wall are full of steps, thresholds and cobbles. A wheelchair user can travel China, but it takes more planning than in many Western countries. Ask ahead, book help where it’s offered, and build in extra time.

Wheelchair access on China’s city metros

Wheelchair access on the metro in Chinese cities depends on how new the line is. Newer metro lines and stations usually have elevators from street to platform. Older stations may have an elevator at only one exit, or rely on a stair lift that staff operate.

Tips for the metro in China with a wheelchair:

• Check which exit has the elevator before you travel; station maps mark it with the wheelchair or elevator symbol.
• Ask staff at the security check or service counter if you can’t find the elevator. Staff can often help with the gates and boarding.
• Avoid rush hours, when carriages are packed.

Ticket gates usually include a wider gate. Pay with an Alipay or WeChat transit code to skip the ticket machine. See Getting around.

High-speed rail in China with a wheelchair

Big high-speed rail stations in China are mostly modern and step-free, with elevators to the platforms. Many newer high-speed trains have a space for a wheelchair and an accessible toilet in one of the cars.

China Railway offers a priority passenger service for travelers who need help, such as wheelchair users, older passengers and people with limited mobility. Station staff can meet you, help you through security and onto the train, and arrange help at the other end.

How to use it:

1. Book your ticket on Railway 12306 (12306.cn) or Trip.com with your passport; see how to book a train ticket.
2. Request assistance through the 12306 app or website, or ask at the station’s passenger service desk when you arrive.
3. Arrive early, and tell staff at the entrance that you booked assistance.

Check before you go: How you request priority assistance, which trains have wheelchair spaces and whether the service is offered in the English version of 12306 all change. Check 12306 when you book, and allow time to ask at the station.

Old towns, hutongs and cobbles in China

Historic areas are the hardest part of China for wheelchair users. Beijing’s hutongs, old water towns and temple streets often have narrow lanes, broken paving, curbs without ramps and steps into shops and courtyards.

Everyday streets have their own obstacles. Tactile paving is common but often blocked by parked bikes, and electric scooters use sidewalks and ramps. A companion who can help over a curb makes a big difference. Taxis and Didi can drop you close to an entrance; the address card shows the driver where to go.

Accessible hotel rooms in China

Accessible hotel rooms in China are limited, and mostly found in international chain hotels and newer hotels in big cities. Many standard bathrooms have a bathtub or a step into the shower.

How to find an accessible hotel room in China:

1. Search for “accessible room” and check the room description and photos.
2. Message the hotel before you book. Ask about a roll-in shower, grab rails, door widths and step-free access from the street and the elevator.
3. Confirm again a few days before arrival.

The Chinese term is 无障碍客房 wúzhàng’ài kèfáng. See Hotels and registration.

Accessibility at big sights in China

Big sights in China are often partly accessible. Main routes may be step-free, while side halls, towers and gardens have steps and high wooden thresholds.

• Some museums and palaces lend wheelchairs and mark a step-free route; ask at the visitor service center.
• Real-name reservations are still needed; see Booking sights and the sight bookings tool.
• Large parks often run electric sightseeing carts, which can carry you between areas.

Check before you go: Wheelchair loans, step-free routes and any concessions for visitors with disabilities vary by sight, and some concessions need a Chinese disability certificate. Check the sight’s official website or ask at the ticket office.

The Great Wall with limited mobility

The Great Wall is steep, with uneven steps and few level stretches, so most of it is not wheelchair accessible. Some sections near Beijing, such as Mutianyu and Badaling, have cable cars that take you up to the wall without the climb. On top you’ll still meet steps and slopes.

If walking is hard for you, choose a section with a cable car, go with a companion, and enjoy the views from the nearest towers. Ask the operator about the route from the cable car before you go.

Accessible toilets in China

Accessible toilets in China (无障碍卫生间 wúzhàng’ài wèishēngjiān) are common in airports, high-speed rail stations, malls and newer metro stations. Many places also have a family or “third” toilet (第三卫生间 dì sān wèishēngjiān) that a companion can use with you.

Public toilets at sights and in old areas vary. Squat toilets are still common, and an accessible stall may be locked or used for storage. Plan breaks around malls, museums and hotels, and carry tissues and hand sanitizer.

Accessibility phrases in Chinese

These phrases help in stations, sights and hotels in China. Show the characters on your phone.

More are in the phrases tool. For flights, request wheelchair assistance through your airline when you book, and check its rules for wheelchair batteries before you fly.