Taking elderly parents or a baby to mainland China is different from just going with friends — there's much more to think about: whether border crossing is convenient, whether transport is comfortable, whether food suits them, and what to do if someone gets sick. Below is a summary of things to note when travelling north with the elderly or babies:
🛂 Border Crossing Arrangements
- Elderly / special lanes: Some checkpoints have lanes for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities — you can ask checkpoint staff
- Strollers: When pushing a stroller through the checkpoint, some crossings require X-ray security screening, so allow extra time
- Wheelchairs: For elderly people with limited mobility, some checkpoints offer wheelchair loans (limited availability, so arrive early)
- When travelling with children or the elderly, make sure the documents (Home Return Permit) are valid
🚗 Transport Options
- Prioritise direct transport: With elderly or babies, try to avoid too many transfers — consider cross-border coaches or point-to-point private car hire
- Avoid crowded checkpoints: Choose less busy crossings (e.g. Liantang / Heung Yuen Wai) and off-peak times
- Shenzhen Metro has lifts, but some stations require searching for them; if bringing a stroller, allow extra time
- When hailing a ride (Didi), remember to book an "executive car" or "business car" for more space to fit a stroller
🍚 Food Considerations
- Elderly people and children have sensitive stomachs — don't casually try raw or cold food up north; chain restaurants are a safer bet
- Mainland food generally tends to be spicy and oily — you can ask for "less oil, less salt, no spice" when ordering
- It's best to bring your own baby food (formula, congee) — you may not find the usual brands in mainland China
- Drink bottled water only — don't drink tap water directly
💊 Medical Preparation
- Bring enough medication: For chronic conditions (blood pressure medication, diabetes medication), bring enough supply and ideally a doctor's letter
- Medical insurance: It's recommended to buy travel insurance (covering mainland medical care), or check whether Hong Kong medical vouchers can be used at certain Shenzhen facilities
- Save emergency numbers: the mainland emergency number is 120
- Some Shenzhen hospitals have Hong Kong resident / international departments with better service, but appointments are required
Other Tips
- Elderly people and children tire easily — don't pack the itinerary too tightly, and allow more rest time in between
- In summer, protect against heat; in winter, keep warm — temperature differences are large, so bring a jacket
- Air conditioning in malls and restaurants is very strong — bring an extra light jacket for the elderly and babies
- Check in advance whether the places you want to visit have accessible facilities (lifts, baby care rooms)
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