The biggest fear when taking elders out is being "rushed" and "tired".
Many children want to take their parents for a walk in Xiamen, but they are worried that they will have to drag their luggage, find their way, queue up to buy tickets, and their elders will not be able to handle the physical exertion of the independent travel; Joining a traditional tour group, but also afraid of being pulled to a shopping station, and having to coordinate with the group's schedule for random visits.
In fact, Xiamen is one of the most friendly mainland cities towards elderly people in Taiwan. Language proficiency, short flight times, slow city pace, coupled with the rise of customized tourism, now there are better options for taking elderly people on trips: private car guidance, self determined itinerary, self controlled pace, elders don't have to chase after them, children don't have to collapse.
This article has compiled a customized plan for elderly tourists in Taiwan, called "Xiamen+Yunshui Ballad 5-day and 4-night Customized Plan", as well as a list of pre departure precautions. Just follow the plan.
Why is it more suitable for elders to go to Xiamen for customized tourism?
The public transportation in Xiamen is actually very convenient, but for elderly people over 65 years old, "convenience" does not mean "comfort". Transferring to the subway may take some distance, buses may have no seats, and taking a taxi during peak hours can be a long wait. These are not a big burden for young people, but for elders, they are a real burden.
The advantage of customized tourism lies precisely in these pain points:
Firstly, there will be dedicated transportation throughout the entire journey, with point-to-point pick-up and drop off. The driver drove the car directly to the entrance of the scenic area or the hotel, so that the elders didn't have to take the wrong route. They could get on the car and rest anytime when they were tired. A netizen shared that he took his father with mobility difficulties to participate in a customized tour in Xiamen, and the driver helped the elders take a walk in the botanical garden throughout the journey. "Just for this, I will give it 100 points," he said.
Secondly, the pace of the itinerary is completely under one's own control. The elders are in good spirits today, so let's go for a little more shopping; I'm tired today, so I'll go back to the hotel early to rest. There is no need to cooperate with the progress of unfamiliar members, nor do you have to hold on just because 'they are all here'.
Thirdly, avoid shopping stations and leave all time for the scenery. Traditional low-priced tours often spend time in shopping stores, while customized tours take a purely recreational route. Drivers and tour guides are only responsible for transportation, explanation, and assistance, and do not promote or enter stores.
Fourthly, tickets, reservations, and transportation can be arranged in one go. Gulangyu boat tickets need to be snatched in advance, Xiamen University needs to make an appointment, and Nanputuo needs to register, all of which are thresholds for elders who are not familiar with mobile phone operations. The exclusive contacts for customized services will be fully handled, and elders only need to be present
Xiamen+Cloud Water Ballad 5-day 4-night customized plan
This plan is designed based on the principle of "one core per day, leaving blank space in the afternoon", with only one main attraction arranged per day and rest time reserved in the afternoon. It is suitable for elderly people aged 60-75 with moderate physical strength.
Day 1: Arrival in Xiamen · Special car pick-up · Slow strolling on Zhongshan Road
Morning/afternoon: Arrive in Xiamen
The shuttle bus will pick you up at the airport or Wutong Pier and take you directly to the hotel. The driver will assist with loading and unloading luggage, and elders do not need to tow it themselves.
Accommodation suggestion: Choose hotels in Zhongshan Road or Siming District with accessible elevators, bathroom handrails, and anti slip mats. Rooms should be arranged on lower floors of the same floor as much as possible to avoid elders waiting for the elevator or walking too far.
Evening: Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street
Zhongshan Road is the oldest commercial street in Xiamen, with arcade buildings providing shade from the sun and rain, and a flat and easy to walk road surface. Take your elders to eat a bowl of authentic sand tea noodles and peanut soup, and see the night view of old Xiamen. You can always turn back to the hotel when you're tired from walking.
The next day: Gulangyu · Wanguo Architecture · No rush
Morning: Take a boat to Gulangyu
Book your ticket in advance and choose the 9:00-10:00 flight to avoid the rush hour crowds. Choose Gate 1 for boarding, which is gentle without steps and is the most friendly to elders.
How to explore Gulangyu Island:
Gulangyu Island does not have cars and relies entirely on walking. It is not recommended to try to walk through all the attractions. We recommend the route of Sanqiu Tian Pier → Most Beautiful Corner → Longtou Road (lunch) → Shuzhuang Garden. The terrain is relatively flat, and there are shade trees and chairs along the way for rest.
Lunch: Longtou Road Snack Street, but it is recommended to avoid seafood stalls that are too greasy and choose light Minnan snacks or light meals.
Afternoon: Return to the hotel early to rest
The ramps and stone roads on Gulangyu Island still have a burden on the knees. Suggest taking a boat back at two or three in the afternoon to allow elders to take a nap. In the evening, you can take a walk near the hotel without any additional itinerary.
Day 3: Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, Shapotou
Morning: Nanputuo Temple
Nanputuo Temple is the most popular temple in Xiamen, with magnificent architecture but gentle movement. You need to make an appointment in advance to enter the temple. There is a rest area inside the temple where you can take your elders to walk slowly, worship and pray for blessings, and experience the Buddhist culture of southern Fujian.
At noon: Xiamen University needs to make an appointment on the official account three days in advance for meals around Xiamen University. During the visit, we will take the barrier free channel at the West Gate. There are free wheelchairs available for rent on campus, but it is recommended to limit the visit time to 1.5 hours and avoid steep slope areas.
Afternoon: Shapowei Typhoon Shelter
Shapowei is a cultural and creative area transformed from an old fishing port in Xiamen. The road is flat and there are many cafes and specialty shops. Elders can sit down here and have a cup of tea, enjoying the harbor style of old Xiamen with a relaxed pace.
The fourth day: One day tour of Yunshuiyu Ancient Town · Tulou (chartered bus)
This is the day when customization is most needed throughout the entire process.
Yunshuiyao is located in Nanjing, Zhangzhou, about a 2.5-hour drive from Xiamen city center. If participating in a regular bus group, elders have to gather early in the morning, take a long ride, and follow the group, which consumes a lot of physical energy.
The advantages of customized chartering: The driver picks up at the hotel entrance, and the departure time is self determined (it is recommended to depart after 8:30 to avoid the morning rush hour). The driver can stop and rest at any time during the journey. After arriving at Yunshui Ballad, walk slowly along the ancient path by the stream to see century old banyan trees and ancient earthen buildings. This is the filming location of the movie "Yunshui Ballad", and the quaint local atmosphere makes many elders feel familiar.
Attention: The ancient town of Yunshuiyao is mostly paved with cobblestones and steps. It is recommended that elders wear non slip and supportive walking shoes and provide support while walking. If the elders have poor knees, they can choose to only walk in the core area and not force themselves to complete the entire journey.
Evening: Return to Xiamen
The return journey takes about 2.5 hours, and elders can rest in the car. After arriving in Xiamen, please return directly to the hotel. Dinner will be light and no further activities will be arranged.
Day 5: Free Activities · Special Car Delivery
Morning: Depending on the flight or boat schedule, you can leisurely have breakfast and buy souvenirs around the hotel. No rush to schedule tourist attractions.
Delivery to airport/dock: A dedicated car will deliver to the airport or Wutong dock 2 hours in advance, with the driver assisting with luggage handling, making it easy for seniors to return home.
Transportation options for elderly people from Taiwan to Xiamen
There are two main ways to travel from Taiwan to Xiamen, each with a suitable type of elder:
Method 1: Small Three Links (recommended for budget considerations and elders who want to travel smoothly to Kinmen)
Route: Taiwan Island Airport (Songshan/Taichung/Kaohsiung) → Kinmen → Shuitou Port → Take a boat → Xiamen Wutong Port.
Why is it suitable for elders:
The flight time in Taiwan is extremely short (about 1 hour from Songshan to Kinmen), and the elders arrived before they even got tired.
Kinmen Airport is small, with a concentrated flow of traffic, and is very friendly to elders.
Kinmen Shuitou Pier has elevators and ramps, making it easy to walk. The newly opened Kinmen Port Travel Center adopts a layered design, with larger space and clearer routes. Small buses can directly drive to the exit floor, which is very different for families with elders or more luggage.
The boat journey takes about 30-40 minutes, and the smoothness is better than expected. The air conditioning on board is strong, so remember to bring a outerwear.
The cost is cheaper than direct flights, and there is also a half price discount for people over 65 years old.
Attention: It is recommended to reserve at least 90 minutes of transfer time between the plane and the ship, and not to hold it too tight.
Method 2: Direct flight to Xiamen
Route: Taipei/Taichung/Kaohsiung → Xiamen Gaoqi Airport.
Suitable for: Elderly people who do not want to transfer, have a budget, or depart from Kaohsiung. Direct flights are the most convenient, but ticket prices are usually more expensive than mini three links, and there are fewer flight options available. After arrival, a special car will pick you up and take you directly to the hotel.
Pre departure checklist (just follow it)
Certificate category
Taiwan Compatriot Certificate: Confirm if the validity period exceeds 6 months. For first-time or expired applications, it is necessary to apply to the immigration management agency in advance.
Passport: Some shipping companies may require it when taking the mini three links.
Document photocopies/photos stored in the cloud: The original and photocopies are open, and a copy is also stored on the phone. In case of loss, emergency measures can be taken.
Special reminder: Taiwan's "first-time immigrants" (who apply for a Taiwan Compatriot Permit for the first time, with a issuance frequency of 01) can enjoy exemption from the Taiwan Compatriot Permit fee, and can also enjoy free admission to some scenic spots in mainland China within one year. If your elders are visiting mainland China for the first time, don't forget to take advantage of this discount.
Medications (the most important!)
Chronic disease medication: Bring enough for the entire journey and an additional 2-3 days' worth, carry it with you, do not check it in.
Prescription/drug instructions: for backup during security checks or medical treatment.
Emergency medical kit: cold medicine, fever reducing medicine, antidiarrheal medicine, seasickness medicine, band aid, disinfectant wipes.
seasickness medicine/ginger candy: If taking the small three links, take them in advance before taking the boat.
Emergency contact card: Clearly write down the elder's medical history, allergy medication, and contact phone number, and keep it in your pocket.
Clothing and equipment
Anti slip walking shoes: Xiamen and Yunshuiyuan have many stone and pebble roads, and the sole should have support and anti slip function.
Thin jacket: The air conditioning on the ship is strong, and there is a large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. Elderly people who are afraid of the cold must bring it. Sunscreen products: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen. Umbrella: The weather in Xiamen is unpredictable, so folding umbrellas are lightweight and easy to carry.
Insulated cup: Elderly people are accustomed to drinking warm water, and hotels can supplement hot water.
Accommodation Confirmation
The hotel has an elevator (preferably an accessible elevator). The bathroom has handrails and anti slip mats.
The room space is spacious and not crowded. There are convenience stores and light restaurants within 500 meters of the surrounding area.
Avoid rooms facing the street or noisy areas, and prioritize floors 3-5.
Traffic confirmation
Gulangyu boat tickets are reserved 1-3 days in advance on the official account of "See Xiamen on Island".
Xiamen University can make an appointment 3 days in advance, with a note of "accompanying elders", and can use accessible channels.
Advance reservation for Nanputuo Temple.
The chartered driver confirms that the vehicle model is spacious and the rear compartment can accommodate wheelchairs or luggage.
Reserve 30 minutes of buffer time for daily travel, do not rush cars or boats.
Write at the end
The charm of Xiamen lies not in the number of must visit attractions, but in its slow pace. Sea breeze, arcade, old banyan tree, and a steaming bowl of sand tea noodles are more meaningful to elders than taking photos.
The value of customized tourism is not about "spending money on luxury", but about leaving energy and time for what truly matters - allowing elders to walk, sit, and laugh. When they don't have to worry about rushing to catch up with their schedule, and don't have to be nervous about finding their way, every moment of the journey will truly become a memory.
If you are considering taking your parents to Xiamen, you may want to try a customized way to arrange a trip for them that is not rushed or compromised. Follow the pre departure checklist and leave the rest to professionals to worry about.
