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 to 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 level with train entrances. Smaller stations in rural areas may have limited facilities.
Accessibility on the Chongqing Metro
Chongqing’s metro system, CRT, is partially accessible, with elevators and ramps at newer stations.
Station staff provide 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 your name, phone number, number of travellers, departing station, destination station and service needed. Once passengers have made the appointment, a staff member will contact them.
Also, check out our complete guide to familiarize yourself with the Chongqing Metro.
Chongqing Metro Complete Visitor Guide for First-time Riders
Accessibility on Public Buses
Most buses are not wheelchair-friendly, with high steps or narrow doors. Some buses are equipped with accessibility equipment, but bus drivers are not familiar with how to use it. Although designated wheelchair spaces are provided on the bus, but often occupied due to the 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, refusals 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 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.
That’s why in almost all reviews we publish on our website, we have included a section for accessibility information. You can also check out our recommended places for accessibility friendly places.