Guangzhou - Post Report Question and Answers
Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No. China builds their new infrastructure to be very accessible, but YMMV on the location. Older parts of town might lack facilities or assistance. - Apr 2023
Sidewalks are in good shape and have ramps. I see lots of elderly people in wheelchairs being taken care of. - Aug 2021
Minimal problems in high-end areas, but the rest of the time quite challenging. - May 2019
I don't think so. It's a very modern city and most of it has been built in the last 10 years. The area around the Consulate is basically all brand new. It is not going to be as easy as living in the U.S., but I think it would be manageable. - Nov 2015
Yes. China in general is not very disability-friendly, unfortunately. Poorly-maintained roads and sidewalks, absence of elevators or ramps, etc. I think it would be really hard for someone with physical disabilities to get around without a lot of frustration. - Aug 2014
Their are virtually no wheelchair ramps anywhere. You would also be rudely stared at. - May 2013
I think it would be very difficult to navigate this city with a physical disability. Many metro stations do not have elevators, and many pedestrian walkways only have stairs...no ramps for wheelchairs. - Apr 2013
The city is relatively well paved, but the subway does not have elevators. It would be moderately difficult, but not unmanageable. - Jan 2013
Yep. I have trouble and I am able bodied. sidewalks are uneven, curbs are super high and the vehicle traffic is dangerous/unpredictable. - Oct 2011
Many sidewalks are narrow and uneven. Sometimes there are just stairs, no escalators. It's also crowded. - May 2011
Guangzhou is a mixed bag. While many little shops don't have electricity, and people still bathe in fountains, the roads are wide, bridges well-built, and most sidewalks pretty well maintained. - Jul 2009
It would be tough, but possible. A lot of the buildings still lack ramps, but the infrastructure is improving. It would be tough, but better than a lot of other spots in the developing world. - Jan 2009
