In China, the following are considered special needs travellers (重点旅客):
- the elderly (老) — age limit: 70 and above
- the very young (幼) — for kids travelling for free with their parent(s)
- the ill (病)
- the injured (残)
- the pregnant (孕)
If you are a passenger meeting the above criteria, look for the Special Needs Waiting Area (重点旅客候车专区).
In general, more and more railway stations are catering to passengers with disabilities and special needs. And while there are no railway station churches like some Western countries have, the railways are giving extra attention to those who are taking a journey by train with a difficulty.
Most CRH high speed trains have services which allow wheelchair users to board trains with minimal problems, especially in stations which offer high platforms (高站台), such as all new HSR (300 km/h and above) stations. High speed trains will also have at least one toilet which allow wheelchair users access (to use these, you may need to push a button to open and close the door, and to lock or latch it).
Rail staff are supposed to cater to these special guests. Here’s a bit of Chinese to get you the help you need. Note: It’s probably not a good idea to misuse unless you really are, say, on crutches!
- 有老人 (you lao ren): There’s a senior.
- 有小孩儿 (you xiao hair): There’s a child.
- 有孕妇 (you yun fu): There’s a pregnant lady.
- 有用轮椅的 (you yong lun yi de): Someone’s using a wheelchair.
- 有失明的 (you shi ming de): Someone is hard of vision.
- 有聋哑的 (you long ya de): Someone is dead-mute.
- 有病人 (you bing ren): Someone’s ill.
- 有伤残的 (you shang can de): Someone’s injured.