Top 8 Destinations in China for Seniors and Retirees
Whether it is your first trip to China, or a return journey to China, there’re so many things to explore. Here below we will recommend the top destinations in China for senior travelers, which will definitely give you an overall idea of the country. For those who have been to China before, we will also include some other places in the list for your selection. And check our private guided China tours itineraries for the elderly if you need.
Seeing is believing. What on earth China looks like? Many foreigners may get some confusing and contradictory information from different channels. Possibly some of the seniors have been to China in 80s or 90s of last century, a dramatic change has happened in this country since then. How did the country lift 600 million people out of poverty miraculously in the past 40 years, and make itself the second largest economy in the world now from an extremely poor country in late 1970s? This is probably a good reason that you should come to see the country again after retiring, not mention that there are so many stunning natural wonders and diverse cultural heritage on the magical land.
Most Popular China Tours for Seniors:
1. Beijing
As the national political capital of China, Beijing is undoubtedly the No. 1 destination in China for senior travelers, and offer so much to see. When you first land at the brand new Daxing International Airport, 50km south of Beijing city downtown, you will be amazed by the world’s newest feat of modern architecture and a wonder of engineering, opened in Sep. 2019. In the following days, you will have a chance to see the Mutianyu Great Wall (cable car is available for the elderly to save time and energy), the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven (where local seniors usually practice Tai Chi and do morning exercise) at a slow pace. What is more, you can be invited to visit a local Beijinger’s home at Hutong old quarter, and dine at the small local restaurant US President Biden once had a meal in 2011.
>> Recommended 5 Days Beijing Tour for Seniors Travelers
2. Guilin/Yangshuo
Compared with other big cities in China, Guilin is greener with picturesque sceneries of Karst limestone peaks and clear rivers. This is the reason why so many foreign travelers, including the senior travelers love to hang around here for a few days, especially at the smaller nearby town Yangshuo. Staying away from the bustling city, the seniors may choose to stay at a boutique hotel in the village, relax and enjoy the peaceful rural life here. For the older travelers, Yangshuo could be a perfect destination to wander around and relish a slow-paced lifestyle like local farmers.
>> Recommended 3 Days Guilin Tour for Seniors
3. Xian
Home to Terra-cotta warriors and horses, Xian is famed for its historical significance, and another place to go for seniors. In history, Xian was the capital of 13 dynasties. Therefore, here is one of the best places to learn about the history of China and its cultural background. What is more, you will also have a chance to walk in the vibrant, bustling Muslim community at city downtown to see, smell and taste the local delicacies along the street. If you like, a family visit can also be arranged at a local’s home and learn to make Chinese dumplings with them.
>> Recommended 3-day Relaxing Xian Tour for Seniors
4. Shanghai
Shanghai is the biggest metropolis in China where East meets West. Right here, old and new Shanghai come to play in unique and exciting ways throughout the city, from timeworn lane houses surrounded by shiny skyscrapers, to industrial-era factories converted into art galleries and studios. Strolling at the Bund or enjoying afternoon tea in a café at the former French Concession can be great experiences. Shanghai is regarded as a model of the best-managed mega-city of China, which embodies the wisdom and workmanship of Chinese people. It is absolutely worth a 2 or 3-night stay here. The city is also a gateway to other popular destinations like Suzhou, Hangshou, Nanjing and Huangshan.
>> Recommended 4 Days Shanghai Tour for Seniors Citizens
5. Chengdu
The seniors and retired can always enjoy the luxury of time and a fair amount of flexibility. You may also consider extending your China trip to other destinations suitable for elderly travelers: Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas and City of Gastronomy. Chengdu is no doubt the best place to visit giant pandas in the world. You can see the cuddly baby pandas and adult pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Alternatively, if you want to know more about giant pandas, you can join the panda volunteer program at Dujiangyan Panda Base where you can be a cool panda keeper for one day, make food for pandas, and learn about their living habits.Even if you are not interested in pandas and spicy food, you’ll still find Chengdu an ideal destination for a senior tour to China. The slow-paced lifestyle makes Chengdu one of the happiest cities in China. Have a cup of tea like a local at a century-old teahouse or learn to play mahjong in Chengdu People’s Park.
>> Recommended 4 Days Shanghai Tour for Seniors Citizens
6. Suzhou
Only about one hour from Shanghai by high-speed train, Suzhou is an excellent extension tour for you to explore some of the most iconic traditional Chinese gardens. There are over 60 preserved gardens in Suzhou. You can explore a couple of the finest classical Chinese gardens, including Humble Administrator's Garden and Master of the Nets Garden, and spend a few hours to admire the unique Chinese architecture style recreating natural landscapes in miniature.
You can also enjoy leisure time in the ancient town of Tongli. Located in the southwest of Suzhou, Tongli Water Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with eight of the finest gardens in Suzhou. Wander around the ancient town to see the old buildings, explore its history of over 1,000 years, take a boat tour along the canal, and experience its stunning night view when lights on.
7. Yunnan
Yunnan Province is one of the best destinations in China for senior travelers, with moderate climate, diverse enchanting landscapes, authentic ethnic cultures, delicious cuisine, and many long-lived ancient towns.
You can start your Yunnan tour from Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province, to see the special karst landform of the Stone Forest. Head to Lijiang – a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and a lovely highland town mainly inhabited by ethnic Naxi people. Or unveil the traditional Tibetan life and breathtaking holy snow mountains in Shangri-La.
8. Pingyao
Located in central Shanxi Province, Pingyao is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and one of the most well preserved ancient town in China, featured with civil architecture of Ming and Qing Dynasties of North China. Easily reached by bullet train from Beijing (about 4 hours), Pingyao Ancient Town offers a glimpse of traditional Chinese history.
Once a busy financial center in North China, Pingyao is the place to discover the origin of China’s banking history. Rishengchang Draft Bank in the West Street in Pingyao Ancient Town was the first modern bank in China. There are many other things to explore while visiting Pingyao, including walking on the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao, visiting Shuanglin Temple for its clay sculptures and architecture, and discovering the beauty of Wang's Courtyard. It’s a richly decorated medieval building complex, which was the private residence of the owners of the Rishengchang Draft Bank.
