A NEW TREND IN CHINA TRIPS
Although still a developing project, senior travelers will find that the large cities and many of China’s top tourist attractions are becoming more accessible to them. Especially for new Health tourism. Here are recommended destinations for safety, a comfortable environment and senior-friendly activities.
Hangzhou
Enjoying a tranquil boat ride on West Lake ?
Hangzhou is a leisurely city. It is popular among many elderly tourists for its West Lake scenery and relaxing experiences.
Wander alongside West Lake and hear the story about an ancient Chinese foodie who invented the most famous dish in Hangzhou – Dongpo pork. Enjoy some peace and quiet by taking a rowing boat on West Lake. Have afternoon tea, resembling the G20 first ladies’ high tea, by the lakeside.
Chengdu
Getting closer to the cute pandas ?
Chengdu is home to giant pandas. If you have never seen a real panda before, you should have a panda tour in your retirement. You can get close to pandas and observe them eating bamboo and climbing trees. If you are under the age of 70, you can have the chance to be a cute panda’s keeper for one day. Feed them with your own hands at a very close distance, watch a special documentary movie about a panda’s life cycle, and make panda cakes in different shapes.
Best Times for Traveling
China shows different faces all year round although the best times for traveling are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). During these two periods, the weather will not be too hot or too cold. Senior travelers have less possibilities of getting sick. The scenery in spring and autumn is also the best.
Shanghai
Taking a relaxing Huangpu River cruise ?
Shanghai is one of the most developed cities in China. Then it attracts senior travelers because of its colonial history, a mix of Western and Eastern architecture, and convenient transportation. Take a relaxed Huangpu River cruise to see different types of buildings on both sides. Wander through alleyways to get a glimpse of the locals’ lives. Pay a visit to a Jewish ghetto, which preserves the precious historical memories of what life was like for Jews in Shanghai during WWII.
BUT MOST OF ALL
Beijing
Learn tai chi with local people !
As China’s capital, Beijing has convenient transportation, historical attractions, and senior-friendly activities. Seniors can visit the Great Wall and we recommend the Great Wall at Mutianyu. You can take a cable car or chairlift up and down. It is a wheelchair-friendly section of the Great Wall and the path is smooth. Learn tai chi in the Temple of Heaven with local retired people. Learn Chinese calligraphy in the hutongs. Take a stroll in the Forbidden City where 24 emperors lived to discover their stories. Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to have a rest and watch a traditional Chinese performance in the restored theater in the Summer Palace.
Xi’an
Visiting a local family ?
Xi’an provides historical attractions and cultural experiences, which can be helpful for senior travelers to learn about Chinese history and culture. Learn about the first Chinese emperor’s history by visiting the Terracotta Army and making a mini warrior. Visit a local family and make dumplings with them. Listen to their stories for a taste of the locals’ real lifestyles. Feast your eyes in Shaanxi History Museum where the collections range from the times of ape-men to the Qing Dynasty before the Opium War in 1839, and from large bronze wares to exquisite golden carvings.
Hangzhou
Medical Tourism
Health tourism has shifted to a new way of meeting the needs of tourism and health, which means planned improvement of high-end medicine, professional and specialized treatment, traditional Chinese medicine healthcare, rehabilitation, and Wellness.
at LHCH we are preparing a special dossier on medical tourism in Beijing !
Sources : www.chinahighlights.com and www.medicaltourism.review
