Essential Guide for Elderly and Kids Visiting China

When planning a trip to China, seniors and children need to consider several factors, including health, communication, cultural differences, travel arrangements, and safety. Here’s a detailed guide tailored for these two groups:

1. Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa:
  • Make sure you have a valid Chinese tourist visa (L visa). Seniors and children may need extra documents, like a medical certificate or a guardian authorization letter. Always check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country in advance.
  • Children traveling alone or with guardians other than their parents need a notarized consent letter from their parents (in both Chinese and English, depending on your country).
• Customs:
  • Seniors carrying medications should bring an English prescription and ensure the medicines comply with Chinese customs regulations (only reasonable personal quantities).
  • Special foods or equipment for children (like strollers) should meet entry requirements.

2. Health & Medical Care

• Seniors:
  • Medication: Bring enough daily medication (for heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.) with English prescriptions. Carry a brief health summary, including allergies or medical history.
  • Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation, especially for age-related conditions.
  • Hospitals: Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have international hospitals with English services. Keep hospital and embassy contacts handy.
  • Energy Management: Seniors should avoid overly tight schedules and plan plenty of rest. Choose easy-to-walk attractions and avoid extreme weather.
• Children:
  • Vaccines & Health: Ensure all vaccines are up to date (including flu shots). Bring common children’s medicines with prescriptions.
  • Food Safety: Children can be sensitive to unfamiliar foods. Bring familiar snacks, choose clean restaurants, and avoid raw or street food.
  • Medical Services: Check if there are pediatric hospitals or emergency departments at your destination (e.g., Beijing Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center).

3. Transportation & Accessibility

• Seniors:
  • Airports: Major airports provide wheelchairs, priority boarding, and assistance. Contact airlines at least 48 hours in advance.
  • Trains & High-Speed Rail: Stations have elevators and priority ticket counters. Book soft sleeper or first-class seats to reduce fatigue.
  • Metro & Buses: Big-city subways have elevators, but peak hours may be crowded. Some buses have low floors—check in advance.
  • Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Apps like Didi are convenient for seniors; note special needs in advance. Have addresses written in Chinese for taxi drivers.
• Children:
  • Strollers: Many attractions and malls allow strollers, but old towns or natural scenic spots may have many stairs—plan ahead.
  • Car Seats: Rental cars or ride-hailing often don’t provide child seats; bring your own portable one or use public transport/walking.
  • Trains & Planes: High-speed trains and planes are comfortable for children. Reserve seats in advance and bring toys or tablets for entertainment.

4. Accommodation

• Seniors:
  • Choose hotels with elevators and accessible facilities (e.g., Marriott, Hilton). Stay near city centers or attractions to minimize travel.
  • Ensure rooms have comfortable beds, emergency call buttons, and non-slip bathrooms.
• Children:
  • Book family suites or rooms with extra beds, cribs, or kid-friendly facilities (play areas, pools).
  • Confirm the hotel offers child-friendly meals.

5. Attractions & Activities

• Seniors:
  • Pick flat, low-walking attractions like the Forbidden City in Beijing, The Bund in Shanghai, or West Lake in Hangzhou. Avoid strenuous hikes.
  • Private guides or small-group tours can reduce fatigue and provide explanations. Some attractions offer wheelchairs or electric carts (reserve in advance).
  • Limit daily visits to 1–2 attractions with breaks.
• Children:
  • Choose interactive attractions like Shanghai Disneyland, Beijing Zoo, or Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou.
  • Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas. Use wristbands with contact info.
  • Bring toys or games to keep kids entertained while waiting in lines.

6. Language & Communication

• English is limited in China; Mandarin is the main language.
• Tips:
  • Download translation apps (Baidu Translate, Google Translate offline package) or prepare phrase cards (“Help,” “Children’s meal,” “Pharmacy”).
  • Carry bilingual itinerary and addresses to show drivers or staff.
• Seniors may prefer simple written communication; children may need gestures or familiar phrases.

7. Food & Dining

• Seniors:
  • Opt for mild dishes (steamed fish, vegetable soups) or Western restaurants in big cities. Avoid undercooked seafood or street food.
  • Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated, especially in summer or dry areas.
• Children:
  • Stick to familiar foods (no spicy or strong-flavored dishes). Western fast food is widely available in major cities.
  • Drink bottled or boiled water to stay safe.

8. Safety & Emergencies

• Seniors:
  • Avoid going out alone at night, keep valuables in the hotel safe.
  • Save emergency contacts: Police (110), Ambulance (120), Fire (119), embassy info.
• Children:
  • Watch children closely in crowded areas. Dress them in bright colors.
  • Prepare an ID card with guardian contacts and know the nearest pediatric emergency service.

9. Culture & Etiquette

• Chinese people are generally friendly toward seniors and children but may stare or ask questions out of curiosity.
• Avoid loud behavior in public, especially in temples or museums.
• Saying “xiè xiè” (thank you) when accepting help is polite.
• Seniors may need to be mentally prepared for queues and crowds.

10. Practical Tips

• Seniors:
  • Plan trips via Trip.com, Ctrip, or reliable travel agencies for relaxed itineraries. Check for rest areas and accessibility.
  • Best travel seasons: Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov). Avoid hot summers and cold winters.
  • Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, and essential medications.
• Children:
  • Schedule 1–2 hours of free play daily. Choose kid-friendly hotels and attractions.
  • Bring toys, snacks, sunscreen, and light rain gear.
  • Teach simple Mandarin phrases or gestures for emergencies.