Written by Veronica |
China boasts a diverse range of remarkable destinations that are suitable for families with kids. No matter which city youāre heading to, thereāll always be adventures suitable for travelers of all ages. However, with so many options offered, choosing the right destinations might thus be a real headache for you. In this article, weāll introduce the 12 most family-friendly destinations in China, which promise an unforgettable experience for every member of your family.
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- 1.Ā Beijing: History, Culture & Fun for the Whole Family
- 2. Chengdu: Pandas, Food & Relaxed Family Vibes
- 3. Dengfeng: Kung Fu Adventures for Kids
- 4. Xiāan: Ancient History Brought to Life for Kids
- 5. Guilin: Outdoor Adventures for All Ages Among Karst Peaks
- 6. Guangzhou: Thrilling Theme Parks and Cantonese Delights
- 7. Yunnan: Slow Days in Ethnic Villages and Natural Wonders
- 8. Zhangjiajie: Real-Life Avatar for Kids
- 9. Shanghai: Disneyland and Modern City Fun
- 10. Shenzhen: A Kid-Friendly Coastal Break
- 11. Hong Kong: Ocean Park, Disneyland, Harbor Views & More
- 12. Yangtze River Cruise: A Relaxing Family Cruise Trip
- Sample Itineraries for Families to China
- Plan a Family Trip to China with China Xian Tour
- FAQs about Family Travel in China
1.Ā Beijing: History, Culture & Fun for the Whole Family
- Best Time to Visit:Ā April āĀ November
- Time Needed: 2-3 Days
- Where to StayĀ in Beijing: Qianmen and Dashilan, Wangfujing Street
Beijing is one of the most suitable destinations in China for families with kids. It has numerous historical relics, themed parks, and outdoor activities. You can spend a wonderful day with your kids in sites that attract all of you.
The Forbidden City and the Summer Palace are ideal for both educational and recreational encounters. Children want to travel through film-like modern wonders might prefer spots like Universal Studios.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions:
- Explore Imperial Grandeur –Ā Famous and child-friendly imperial landmarksĀ include the Forbidden CityĀ and Summer Palace. In addition to history exploration, renting a traditional costume and taking photos in the palaces is quite popular.Ā Boat ride and winter skating on Kunming Lake in Summer palace areĀ ideal for kids.
- Great Wall Hiking Tour –Ā BadalingĀ andĀ MutianyuĀ are recommended Great Wall sections forĀ China family tours.Ā Both are well-facilitatedĀ with cableĀ carsĀ and toboggan rides.
- Rickshaw Tour in Hutongs – A rickshaw to shuttle among Hutongsā ancient alleys and courtyards is exciting and it offers a glimpse ofĀ Beijingās local life and the old Beijing memory.
- Themed Amusement Parks –Ā Happy Valley and Universal Studios Beijing are the most popular amusement parks in the city.Ā They can bring you and your kids into a dazzling fairy-tale world.
Recommended Tour:
2. Chengdu: Pandas, Food & Relaxed Family Vibes
- Best Time to Visit:Ā March āĀ May, September āĀ November
- Time Needed: 2-3 days
- Where to stay in Chengdu: downtown near Chunxi Road or near the Chengdu Panda Base
To many children, the lovely giant pandas are the first thing they know about China. Therefore, seeing the giant pandasā hometown, Chengdu, is alwaysĀ on the must-do list for family trips. Chengdu is also a paradise for foodies. Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, and spicy hot pot, these popular Chinese dishes are all rooted here.
Chengduās relaxing local life is also a highlight, andĀ itās best to experience it at night. You can pick a tea house atĀ Jinli StreetĀ toĀ enjoy a cup of tea while also watchingĀ face-changing performances.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions:
- Meeting Giant Pandas āĀ There are over 100 giant pandas living inĀ Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. ItĀ is one of the bestĀ destinationsĀ in China to see pandas in a semi-natural habitat.
- FaceāChanging in Sichuan Opera ā The face-changing is the most wonderful part of Sichuan Opera. Actors change their masks in the blink of an eye, dazzling and amazing, and it often leaves children with a strong curiosity.
- Cooking Class of Sichuan Cuisine ā The spicy flavor and fiery appearance give Sichuan Food a place inĀ 8 majorācuisinesāof China. The cooking class at Sichuan Cuisine Museum offers you a hands-on experience to make classic Sichuan dishes.
Travel Tips:Ā If you want a more intimate contact with giant pandas, you may attend the volunteer project at Dujiangyan Panda Base, which is only about 50 km from Chengdu.
Recommended Tour:
3. Dengfeng: Kung Fu Adventures for Kids
- Best Time to Visit:Ā April āĀ May, September āĀ October
- Time Needed: 1-2 Days
- Where to stay in Dengfeng: near Mount Song, Shaolin Temple, or downtown.
No kidĀ can resist the charm of Chinese martial arts after seeing movies of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Shaolin Kung Fu, as a representative sect of martial arts, attracts travelers of all ages to visitĀ the Shaolin TempleĀ inĀ Dengfeng. Here you can see the Kung Fu show performing just in front of you.
The nearbyĀ Mount SongĀ is also a highlight. If your kids can manage a short hiking tour, then do make a stop by the ancient temples and buildings in the mountain.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions:
- Shaolin Kung Fu āĀ You can take your kids to see a thrilling Kung Fu performance in the Shaolin Temple. It makes your trip even more interesting if youĀ participate in basic training sessionsĀ led byĀ warrior monks.
- Songyang Academy āĀ Songyang AcademyĀ is nestled at the foot of Mount Song. ItĀ tops the four greatest academies in ancient times.Ā Its academic atmosphere makes it an enlightening destination for kids.
Recommended Tour:
4. Xiāan: Ancient History Brought to Life for Kids
- Best Time to Visit:Ā March āĀ May, September āĀ November
- Time Needed: 2-3 Days
- Where to stay in Xiāan:Ā downtown area within the Ancient City Wall
For kids taking a great interest inĀ history,Ā XiāanĀ is certainly a must-visit.Ā As the capital city of 13 dynasties, XiāanĀ has a lot of historical wonders, with the Terracotta ArmyĀ being the most renowned highlight.Ā It has a long and grand history, and the warriorsāĀ lifelike shapes can greatly attract young children.
Other sites likeĀ the Ancient City Wall,Ā Big Wild Goose Pagoda, andĀ Huaqing PalaceĀ also worth noticing. Xiāanās lively atmosphere has made it less āseriousā, which is perfect for kids to explore.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions
- Terracotta Army & DIY ClassĀ āĀ After having a ātime travelā with theĀ life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots, itāll be much more funĀ to make a mini terracotta warrior with your kids.
- Cycle atop Ancient City WallĀ āĀ You can rent a tandem bike to cycle atopĀ the wall with your children to see the broad city view, and feel how the Ming Dynastyās architecture is still standing here, witnessing peopleās lives.
Recommended Tour:
5. Guilin: Outdoor Adventures for All Ages Among Karst Peaks
- Best Time to Visit: April āĀ November
- Time Needed: 1-2 Days
- Where to stay in Guilin:Ā Downtown Guilin or Yangshuo
Guilin has unparalleled natural beauty. Here you can take your kids for a Li River cruise, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, and countryside cycling around Yangshuo.
Besides, exploring minority villages is equally attractive. Their culture is energetic and colorful, and family members can dress in unique ethnic customsĀ and trek amongĀ large-scaleĀ terracesĀ to learn aboutĀ local peasantsā lives.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions
- Li River Cruise āĀ You canĀ cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, being surrounded by theĀ lush karst hills and tranquil watersĀ that you could’ve seen on the back of twenty yuan banknote.Ā Encourage your children to catch all the beautiful views with the camera.
- Bamboo Rafting inĀ Yangshuo āĀ TakeĀ a local bamboo raft down the Yulong River from Yangshuo to enjoy picturesque river views.Ā It’s a more authentic and flexible trip compared to Li River Cruise.
- Cycling Tour in Yangshuo – Rent a tandem or a scooter to cycle along the Ten-Mile Gallery. Along the way you see hills, mountains, ancient bridges, giant banyon, and rice fields. Main roads are generally easy to travel on. Country roads and riverside paths offer more scenic views but are slightly more challenging. All can get very congested during peak season.
- Exploration of Ethnic CultureĀ – Longji Terraced Fields has aĀ distinctive rural landscape with terraces cultivated along the mountains. The nearby Zhuang and Yao villagesĀ will captivate your kids with distinctive ethnic traditions and customs.
- Cultural Exchange Programs –Ā Your kids getĀ a chance to attend featured classesĀ to experience Chinese painting, calligraphy, and landscape painting with pebbles.
Recommended Tour:
6. Guangzhou: Thrilling Theme Parks and Cantonese Delights
- Best Time to Visit:Ā March āĀ May, October āĀ December
- Time Needed: 2-3 Days
- Where to stay inĀ Guangzhou:Ā Yuexiu District
Guangzhou blends modern skyscrapers with historical gems.Ā FamilyĀ travelers really like to take a cruise along the Pearl River to enjoyĀ the stunning skyline. Exploring the Chimelong Tourst Resort is also full of fun.
Most importantly, donāt forget to savor the traditional Dim Sum during your trip to Guangzhou, which is an essential part of local daily life. The dishes’ tender flavor is liked by a lot of kids.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions
- Chimelong Tourist Resort āĀ The resort creates a giant realm of joy, with five themed districts: Ā Chimelong Safari Park, Chimelong Paradise, International Circus, Water Park, and Birds Park, each providesĀ great pleasure.
- Night Cruise on Pearl River āĀ A cruise takes 50-90 minutes to glide through landmarks like Canton Tower, Haixinsha Island, Liede Bridge, and historic buildings. It’s relaxing and immersive.
- Enjoy Cantonese Dim Sum ā Delicate and tender flavors make Cantonese dim sum favored by all ages. Recommended dishes include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, cha siu bao.
Recommended Tour:
7. Yunnan: Slow Days in Ethnic Villages and Natural Wonders
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Time Needed: 2-3 Days
- Where to stay in Yunnan:Ā ancient towns
Yunnan is one of the most recommended family vacation destinations in China, where spring stays all year round. It is a colorful realm gathering multiple ethnic minoritiesĀ (different from those in Guilin)Ā and various outdoor activities.Ā And your children will fall in love with making local traditional handicrafts like tie-dyed bag and joining ethnic groups’ dancing and singing.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions
- Rent a set of Naxi costumes and try Naxi tie-dyeing or wooden pear making in Lijiang Ancient Town
- Let the limestone pillars of various shapes in Stone Forest arouse your kids’Ā imagination
- Cycle around Erhai Lake in Dali, and stop by some ethnic villages and viewing platforms along the way.
- Encounter the wild elephants in the Wild Elephant Valley in Xishuangbanna.
- Hiking to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge ā this attraction blends both hiking and sightseeing, but it is not suitable for kids at a really young age, around 8 is fine. The most child-friendly sectoon is the upper gorge, which is well-facilitated and easier to conquer.
- Explore ancient tea culture in Jingmai Mountain
Recommended Tours:
8. Zhangjiajie: Real-Life Avatar for Kids
- Best Time to Visit:Ā AprilāMay andĀ SeptemberāOctober
- Time Needed: 2-3 Days
- Where to stay in Zhangjiajie: Wulingyuan Town or Zhangjiajie City
Zhangjiajie has sandstone pillars and floating mountains have amazed the world and even inspired the epic film, Avatar. The famous Avatar Hallelujah MountainĀ allowsĀ kids to see how the scenesĀ inĀ films truly ācome aliveāĀ in front of them.
Except for taking your kids to appreciate nature’s grand work, there are many exciting activities you can have a try, such as the Bailong Elevator and the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions
- Zhangjiajie Great Canyon Zipline – if your kids like a rather thrilling high-altitude project, consider having a zipline experience. However, kids must reach the minimum weight of 30 kg and have no symptoms of acrophobia.
- Via Ferrata Family Rock Wall – itās a climbing section specifically designed for families with kids. You can also hire a trainer to guide your kid through the adventure.
- Get to the mountain top in 66 seconds by the Bailong Elevator
- Cross the 430-meter-wide canyon via a thrilling Glass Bridge.
Recommended Tour:
9. Shanghai: Disneyland and Modern City Fun
- Best Time to Visit:Ā AprilāMay andĀ SeptemberāOctober
- Time Needed: 2-3 Days
- Where to Stay in Shanghai:Ā Near the Bund, Nanjing Road
Shanghai is a metropolis with a wide range of amusement parks and incredible city skyline. Its connectivity plus some novel means of transportation like maglev train makes it an ideal destition for families with kids.Ā In addition to the iconic landmarks like the Bund or the Oriental Pearl, kids may be more interested in recreational spots and museums.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions
- Shanghai Disneyland –Ā Shanghai Disneyland hasĀ the worldās largest and tallest Disney castle, and it has incorporated Chinese elements into the park design.Ā A perfect wonderland for kids.
- Lego Park –Ā there are themed rides, unpowered facilities, cruises, and areas for kids to build Legos.
- Maglev Train – you can take maglev train to travel from Pudong airport to downtown when you land in Shanghai. It completes a 41-minute subway journey in just 8 minutes.
- Shanghai Astronomy Museum – this is the largest astronomy museum in the world. Itās the best place for kids to study human exploration of space. It allows people to touch the real lunar meteorite and do some interactive games related to lunar and solar eclipses.
Recommended Tour:
10. Shenzhen: A Kid-Friendly Coastal Break
- Best Time to Visit:Ā Ā November ā April
- Time Needed: 1-2Ā Days
- Where to Stay in Shenzhen: Futian or Nanshan district
Shenzhen has its beauty hidden in both nature and a highly developed city landscape. And it’s a futurestic city where the imagination of science fiction becomes reality. When traveling to Shenzhen with kids, youĀ may focus onĀ seasideĀ relaxation, theme parksĀ and high-tec experiences.
Recommended kid-friendly activities & attractions
- Window of the World – this is a large theme park that is known as giving you a chance to travel around the world in one day. It has a lot of miniature replicas of global landmarks and rides, perfect for both adults and kids.
- Shenzhen Bay Park – This park has a recreation area just planned for kids. Thereās also a huge grassland, where you can have a family picnic and take photos.
- You can order takeout delivered by droneĀ in eleven parks in Shenzhen. Make your orders straight from Meituan (app).
- If there are tech enthusiasts in your family, don’t forget to book a visit to the headquarters of Tencent, DJI, Huawei.
Recommended Tour:
11. Hong Kong: Ocean Park, Disneyland, Harbor Views & More
- Best Time to Visit:Ā AprilāMay andĀ SeptemberāOctober
- Time Needed: 1-2Ā Days
- Where to Stay in Hong Kong: Tsim Sha Tsui
For adults, Hong Kong is more of a shopping paradise with fabulous night views and seaside sceneryĀ in Victoria Harbour. However, for kids, Hong Kongās charm lies in more specific attractions: taking a tram to the Victoria Peak or traveling cross the sea via a bridge.
- Victoria Peak – the peak is a perfect place for hike, but what makes it truly interesting to children is: how to get there. You can choose the Victoria Peak Tram or opt for a Central Mid-escalatorĀ trip plus a short hiking.
- Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge: This long bridge connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau. You can take bus trips along the bridge to enjoy the scenery and make a quick transfer between the cities. Itāll be a surprising trip for kids to travel the sea by car, which will also go through a 6.7-km immersed tube tunnel.
Recommended Tour:Ā
12. Yangtze River Cruise: A Relaxing Family Cruise Trip
- Best Time to Visit:Ā AprilāMay andĀ SeptemberāOctober
- Time Needed: 4-5Ā Days
- Where to Stay during the Yangtze River Cruise: on the ship
The Yangtze River cruise is a journey that combines natural, cultural, and historical highlights. It is aĀ relaxing tour, suitable for both kids and elders. You’ll spend 4-5 days on board to travel through the most scenic section of the Three Gorges, feel free to immerse in nature’s ultimate grandeur on the deck or the balcony of your suite.
Along the way, there will be chances to go off board and explore attractions like Fengdu Ghost City or Three Gorges Dam.Ā Everything, including transfer, is well-organized by local tour guide. Kids are also welcomed to join on board Tai Chi session.
Recommended Tour:Ā
Sample Itineraries for Families to China
For travelers with ample time, it is recommended to go for a 8-10 day tour which combines several destinations across China, such as Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Hong Kong. However, if your time is limited, it’s better to focus on 1-2 cities and explore the most of them.
10-Day China Family Tour with Kids (Beijing ā Guilin ā Yangshuo ā Hong Kong)
This is a rather long itinerary, suitable for those with flexible time and want to have a full exploration.
- Day 1:Arrival in Beijing
- Day 2:Beijing Imperial Highlights & Local LifeĀ (Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutong experience)
- Day 3: Great Wall Adventure for Kids (Mutianyu Great Wall) and then Temple of Heaven
- Day 4:Summer Palace & Panda Encounter
- Day 5: Fly to Guilin ā Cave & Landmark Visit (Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill)
- Day 6: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
- Day 7: Yangshuo Family Activities (cooking class, bamboo rafting on Yulong River)
- Day 8:Countryside Cycling & Fly to Hong KongĀ (maybe also see Avenue of Stars)
- Day 9:Hong Kong Family HighlightsĀ (Peak Tram, Repulse Bay, boat ride at Aberdeen Fishing Village)
- Day 10: Departure
Recommended Tour:
5-Day Guilin & Yangshuo Family Tour (Nature & Rural Experience)
- Day 1: Arrival in Guilin & Longji Terraces
- Day 2: Cave Adventure & Riverside Camping
- Day 3:Xingping Scenic Cruise & Yangshuo CultureĀ (boat trip on Li River, view Nine Horses Fresco Hill, climb Xianggong Hill, visit local village)
- Day 4: Yangshuo Countryside & River Fun(cycling, bamboo rafting on Yulong River)
- Day 5:Departure from Guilin
Recommended Tour:
Plan a Family Trip to China with China Xian Tour
From the historical wonders of Beijing to the picturesque Yunnan, China boasts a diverse range of family-friendly destinations. Each locale weaves a tapestry of experiences, offering something special for every member of your family.
Whether youāre immersing in the culture, exploring nature, or indulging in modern entertainment, theseĀ 12Ā destinations stand as testaments to Chinaās rich tapestry of tradition, innovation, and adventure. So,Ā contact China Xian TourĀ pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Chinaās most captivating family destinations.
Related reading:Ā Best Things to Do in China with Kids
FAQs about Family Travel in China
Is China safe to travel with children?
Yes! Chinese cities are generally all safe. However, itās always important to hold your kids tightly in crowded places and late at night. If visiting some outdoor attractions with a rather steep terrain, like Tiger Leaping Gorge, kids must be properly taken care of.
Is it easy to find kid-friendly food in China?
Yes. If your kids are not used to Chinese flavors, there are many restaurants providing Western-style dishes. When eating in some local restaurants, you may let them start from the simplest dishes like egg-fried rice or noodles, which are gentle and not spicy.
If your kids have food allergies, confirm it with the restaurants when ordering.
How many days are needed for a family trip to China?
If you only want to focus on one city, 2-3 days would be enough. However, for a more relaxing family tour to more places, you may expect to spend a whole week traveling.
