China for 60+ — The Complete Planning Guide

In a previous post I explained why China is excellent for older travellers. Here I get into the details: insurance, accessibility, medications, pace, hotels and transport. Everything you need to know before you book.

Travel Insurance — This Is Not Optional

I say this to every client, at every age — but over 60 it's critical. A few things you need to know:

• Get a policy with high medical cover — at least $500,000. In China, a top private hospital can cost thousands of dollars a day.
• Make sure existing conditions are covered — many insurers exclude them. Read the small print carefully.
• Medical evacuation — verify it covers evacuation to your home country. In remote China, that alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
• Trip cancellation cover — with bookings made months in advance, cover against unexpected cancellation is worth having.

Medications — How to Prepare

Chinese pharmacies are well-stocked, but the system is completely different. What you need to know:

• Bring more than you need — at least one week extra beyond your trip duration. If a medication is lost or forgotten, finding the same formulation in China can be very difficult.
• A prescription translated into English — not Chinese, English. Most large pharmacies in China can work with an English prescription.
• Generic names — note the active ingredient, not just the brand name. Many Western brands are sold under different names in China.
• Insulin and refrigerated medications — most hotels will store them in the fridge for you; just ask at check-in.

Accessibility — The Truth in 2026

China has invested heavily in accessibility in recent years. What I've found on the ground:

• High-speed trains — excellent accessibility. Lifts at every station, wide corridors, comfortable seating. In many cases more comfortable than a domestic flight.
• 4–5 star hotels — full accessibility, adapted rooms available on request. Always mention it in your booking.
• Historic sites — varies. The Great Wall has fully accessible sections reachable by cable car. The Forbidden City has accessible routes. Always check in advance.
• Villages and nature sites — less accessible. Worth discussing physical expectations in advance.

Pace — The Most Important Rule

A good itinerary for 60+ doesn't mean "less" — it means "different". The same extraordinary sights, with two rest days built in and no racing between three cities in three days.

My rule: one hour walking, one hour rest. No rushing. No cramming in everything. China is vast. Choose deep, not wide.

Hotels — What to Choose and Why

• Central location above everything else — a good hotel in the centre saves long, tiring transfers. Worth paying more to be close.
• A comfortable bed and a quiet room — always request a high floor away from the lobby. Chinese hotels can be surprisingly noisy.
• Check English-speaker reviews — very important to confirm the staff speaks English. A health issue in the middle of the night demands clear communication.

The Bottom Line

With the right preparation, China over 60 is not just possible — it's one of the most meaningful trips you'll ever take. The secret is planning that takes your specific needs into account from day one, not as an afterthought.

When we build an itinerary for older travellers, every one of these points is factored in from the very first conversation.