Free tickets to attractions

Question

Hi,

Traveling with old non-citizens, I heard they can still benefit from senior discounts.

However, very a few attractions offer free reservations on wechat. Most of them offer full priced or half-priced tickets (i.e. beijing summer palace). As these attractions are very popular, should I book the normal tickets first and ask on D-day for the free tickets?

Thank you in advance

Answer

In China, many popular attractions do offer senior discounts, but the policies vary depending on the site, the age of the visitor, and whether the person is a citizen or a foreigner. For non-Chinese seniors, full free tickets are less common than discounted tickets, and many online booking platforms (like WeChat) only allow booking at standard or half-price rates.

Here are some practical points and strategies:

Check the official website or WeChat mini-program: Some attractions have separate instructions for foreign seniors. For example, Beijing's Summer Palace generally provides half-price tickets for seniors above a certain age, but this may require showing ID at the ticket gate.
Booking in advance: For very popular attractions, it is generally safer to book the full-price or half-price ticket online first to guarantee entry, as availability can run out quickly. Trying to secure free tickets on the day itself can be risky, especially during peak tourist periods.
Bring ID documents: Make sure to carry passports and any other required proof of age. Some attractions only honor discounts or exemptions when presented with the correct ID.

Recommended approach:

Book the standard or half-price ticket in advance to secure your entry.
On the day of the visit, inquire at the ticket counter whether any further senior exemptions or free passes can be applied. Be polite and provide all required documents; sometimes adjustments can be made at the gate.
For less crowded attractions, some flexibility exists, but for highly popular sites like the Forbidden City or Summer Palace, pre-booking is highly advised.

Overall, planning ahead with a confirmed ticket is the safest method. Expect that “free tickets” for foreign seniors may not always be available, so a half-price or standard ticket is usually the practical choice to avoid disappointment.

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