A friend lived in a remote rural area got handicapped so I think a
walkie talkie will be a handy gift.

I have found a few candidates, like this one,
http://www.sz-haiyun.com/products.htm

but I am concerned with whether this device is legal for use in
China? Do I need to buy a license? (Though in that county nobody
will likely find out that he has such device)

I have to explain that to somebody who doesn't understands English.

Thanks/

野外用得上。我很多朋友都有买。