Accessibility

Chongqing’s unique landscape, hilly terrain and rapid urban development bring challenges to people who require accessibility. While the city has tried to improve accessibility infrastructure, it remains inconsistent, particularly for wheelchair users and those with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments.

I am trying to build a list of places, parks, sights and restaurants that are more accessible, but it does take some time. For right now, it is recommended for tourists to check with the place you are going in advance to ensure it is accessible.

Prioritize attractions with known accessibility, like modern museums or shopping areas. Contact in advance to confirm that accessibility facilities are available. Working with a local agent who specializes in customized tours for accessibility is also recommended.

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General Accessibility in Chongqing

  • Roads and walkways: Chongqing is known as the mountain city, with steep hills, numerous staircases, uneven surfaces, which can pose significant barriers for travellers with mobility issues. Public walkways lack smooth pathways or ramps, and are usually occupied by street vendors, electric scooters and cars.
  • Buildings: As a major metropolis, Chongqing has modernized significantly, with infrastructure improvements like elevators and ramps in newer buildings.
  • Accessibility awareness: Accessibility awareness remains low in China in general. It cannot par with Western standards. You may encounter curiosity from locals. People are generally willing to help, but language remains a big barrier.

Accessibility at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is relatively accessible, with ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs available upon request. Many carriers provide additional services like wheelchair ramps or cabin assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Those services can be requested in advance.

Accessibility on High-speed Trains

High-speed railway stations are often equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets in Chongqing. Trains have designated wheelchair spaces and platforms are generally leveled with train entrances. Smaller stations in rural area may have limited facilities.

Accessibility on Chongqing Metro

Chongqing’s metro system CRT is partially accessible, with elevators and ramps at newer stations.

Station staff provides entry, exit, transfer and wheelchair services. Passengers can request services through “重庆轨道爱心预约” WeChat mini-app for the next 1 to 3 days, with appointment hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. When booking the service, station staff may ask you for name, phone number, number of travelers, departing station, destination station and service needed. Once passenger have made the appointment, a staff member will contact them.

Accessibility on Public Buses

Most buses are not wheelchair-friendly, with high steps or narrow doors. Some buses are equipped with accessibility equipments, but bus drivers are not familiar with how to use them. Although designated wheelchair spaces are provided on the bus but often it is occupied due to many people taking the bus. Avoid relying on buses unless you confirm accessibility for specific routes.

Accessibility on Taxis

Most Taxis in Chongqing are standard sedans without ramps, lifts, or space to accommodate a wheelchair without folding it. Passengers with mobility issues may need assistance transferring into the vehicle, and drivers are not trained to help. Most taxi drivers speak little to no English, making it difficult to request accommodation. It is also possible to be refused service due to complexity by the taxi drivers. Generally speaking, refusal are not common, but can occur, especially in rural areas.

Accessibility at Touristy Attractions

Many tourist attractions and parks in Chongqing lack adequate accessibility facilities, creating challenges for visitors with mobility needs. Accessibility features, such as ramps, or elevators are often damaged, occupied, or entirely absent. Finding reliable accessibility information, whether online or offline, is difficult, and when available, it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Within parks, barriers like stairs, inaccessible shuttle buses and cable cars further limit mobility, making navigation challenging for those requiring accommodation.

Advices from WelcomeCQ

Chongqing is making efforts to enhance accessibility, but it remains challenging for travelers with mobility issues. To ensure a smoother experience, consider traveling with local agencies specializing in mobility support. These agencies offer tailored services and routes to wheelchair-friendly attractions, leveraging their local expertise to meet your needs.