Assisted by museum staff, disabled tourist Ren Ruixia uses a stepping up machine to climb a stone staircase in the Forbidden City. [CnDG by Jiao Meng]

During the tour of the Forbidden City, the disabled tourists were encouraged to talk to other visitors and have group photos taken with them before presenting them with a lollipop as a present.

Disabled tourists Zi Heshan (L) and Ren Ruixia (R) have their photo taken with other visitors and volunteers from Renmin University of China. [CnDG by Jiao Meng]

Asked about her feelings on the day out, 21-year-old Ren Ruixia said. "Everyone has been so kind, I'm much more confident than before. I am starting work at an Internet firm next week. I'm so lucky to find a job. I want to do my best to fit into society and support myself."

"I feel I'm surrounded by love. The volunteers understand what I need and have taken care of me in a very friendly way," another disabled tourist Chen Xiaomei said.