Bringing your elderly parents up to Shenzhen? Besides shopping and dining, there's actually a "hidden perk" — the Shenzhen Yinian Card! Launched by the Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau together with several banks, this "smart elderly care card" is available to Hong Kong seniors aged 60 and above who meet the requirements. With one card, you can enjoy benefits like free MTR and bus rides, and free admission to scenic spots and museums.
What benefits does the Yinian Card offer?
- 🚇 Free rides on Shenzhen Metro and city buses (standard carriages, tap your card through the "priority lane" at the gates)
- 🏞️ Free entry to city parks and government-run tourist attractions (e.g. Xianhu Botanical Garden, Sea World)
- 🏛️ Free entry to museums, art galleries, libraries and other public cultural venues
- 🏟️ Free or discounted access to public sports facilities
- 💰 If eligible, you can receive senior canteen subsidies, old-age allowance, and home care service subsidies
- 🏥 Priority window service at city medical institutions
- 🏦 Financial perks from partner banks, including waived annual fees and free interbank ATM withdrawals
Eligibility (Important!)
The Yinian Card is not available to "just any 60-year-old Hong Konger" — you need to meet the following criteria:
- Aged 60 or above
- Currently residing in Shenzhen (this is the key point — it's mainly for seniors living in Shenzhen long-term, not for tourists)
- Hong Kong residents holding a Mainland Travel Permit (Home Return Permit) or a Hong Kong/Macau Resident Residence Permit
- Hold a mainland mobile phone number registered under your own name
⚠️ If your elderly parents only travel to the mainland occasionally as tourists, they are not eligible for now; but if they plan to live in Shenzhen long-term or are already living there, you should definitely apply.
How to apply (3 methods)
① Online self-service (most convenient)
- Submit your information online via the "iShenzhen" app or the WeChat official accounts of designated banks
- Once approved, the card will be mailed free of charge to a Shenzhen address
- Then book an appointment to activate it at a bank branch
② Visit a bank in person (fastest way to get the card)
Bring your ID documents and mobile phone, and go directly to a designated branch of Ping An, China Construction Bank, ICBC, China Merchants Bank, or Bank of Communications in Shenzhen. You can complete the application, receive the card, and activate it all in one visit.
③ Book a home visit (for those with limited mobility)
Seniors with limited mobility or those who are hospitalised can call the partner bank to arrange for a staff member to visit and assist with the application.
Things to note
- The Yinian Card is for personal use only and cannot be lent to others; misuse on public transport will result in cancellation of the discount privilege, repayment of up to 10 times the fare, and may even affect your personal credit record
- A real-name mainland mobile number is required, so Hong Kongers living in Shenzhen long-term usually already have a mainland SIM card
- Want to know what else to keep in mind when bringing seniors to the mainland? Check out Things to note when bringing elderly parents to the mainland
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