Top Things to Do in China with Kids

Written by Natalia | Updated January 07,2026

If you’re planning a trip with your family and looking for a destination that would be both fun and meaningful for everyone, you should consider traveling to China. it’s a great destination for family trips with kids with a variety of activities, from visiting historical sites, exploring breathtaking landscapes, to learning about traditional crafts. You and your family will have a great time discovering beautiful cities and rich culture.

To help you plan your family trip to China, here are some travel ideas for you. This article will list the top things to do in China with kids. You can visit iconic destinations like Beijing and Shanghai or see the unique landscapes of China in Guilin or Yunnan. Let us know if you’d like more information on China family trip itineraries and logistics.

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FAQs about China Tour with Kids
Plan Your Family Trip with China Xian Tour

Why Visit China with Kids?

If you are still unsure about your travel destination, here are some top reasons why you should visit China for your family trip, especially with kids.

Ancient History and Culture: The ancient history of China is probably the most appealing aspect for travelers. Visiting iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors will be both exciting and educational. You and your family can take part in different cultural experiences to learn traditional arts and crafts.
Stunning and Unique Landscapes: The vast land of China has countless sights to see for nature lovers. There are landforms that are unique to China, lots of hiking opportunities to get close with nature. It’s perfect if your family is into outdoor adventures.
Ease and Safety: Logistically speaking, China is very easy to navigate and safe for family trips. Major cities are well-connected with the rest of the world, and local transportations are developed and simple to use.
Family-Friendly Options: The tourism industry in China today is very family-friendly from accommodation options to infrastructure.

Xian Family Tour Terracotta Warriors — Xian Family Tour to Terracotta Warriors

Harbin Central Street Winter — Our Customers at Harbin Central Street in Winter

Best Places to Visit in China with Kids & Top Activities

Destination	Top Things to Do for Families	Most Suitable Age Range of Kids
Beijing	Hiking the Great Wall of China, touring the Forbidden City, visiting Beijing Zoo	Preschoolers, school-aged children, teenagers
Shanghai	Visiting Disneyland Shanghai, exploring Zhujiajiao Water Town, watching a show at Shanghai Circus World	School-aged children, teenagers
Xi’an	Seeing the Terracotta Warriors, cycling on the ancient city wall, joining the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show	School-aged children, teenagers
Chengdu	Seeing the giant pandas, going on a hiking side trip	School-aged children, teenagers
Yunnan	Visiting ancient towns, learning about ethnic minority cultures, going on a scenic hike	Teenagers
Hong Kong	Visiting Disneyland Hong Kong, taking the Star Ferry, riding the Voctoria Peak Tram	School-aged children, teenagers
Guilin	Taking a Li River Cruise, going bamboo rafting, cycling in the countryside	Preschoolers, school-aged children, teenagers
Harbin	Joining the Ice and Snow Festival, Seeing Siberian Tigers, going skiing	Preschoolers, school-aged children, teenagers

Explore Iconic Landmarks Together

1. The Great Wall of China in Beijing

The Great Wall of China is probably the most exciting landmark to explore for kids. The structure itself is massive in size, across many provinces from east to west northern China. The best place to get close to this historical wonder is Beijing. There are a number of sections around Beijing that you can visit, for example Mutianyu Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall, and Simatai Great Wall.

If you’re traveling to Beijing with your family, there are many activities to do while visiting the Great Wall. You can hike up the wall and take in the stunning views along the way. The sunset is especially beautiful from such a height. Some sections have toboggan rides which are fun for both kids and adults. For families traveling with younger children, instead of hiking, you can take a cable car to certain sections.

Recommended Great Wall of China Family Tour: Half Day Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour

2. The Forbidden City in Beijing

The best place to learn about Chinese history has to be the Forbidden City. It was the imperial palace of Ming and Qing Dynasty China and remains today as the palace museum. The architecture complex is massive in size and magnificent in design and construction. It now houses a huge collection of ancient Chinese artifacts, arts, and relics.

It’s perfect for families that are into history. Kids can learn about through the interactive exhibitions and the fun narratives alongside the artifacts. You will get a glimpse into the royal life in Chinese history on your Beijing tour.

Recommended Beijing Forbidden City Family Tour: 2 Days Beijing Stopover Tour: Great Wall + Forbidden City

3.The Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an

The Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an is another world-famous historical wonder. The massive archaeological site is revealed to be a part of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in Chinese history. Thousands of life-sized clayed soldiers, horses, and chariots were placed here to guard the emperor’s resting place. Its discovery is often considered one of the greatest in the 20^th century.

Apart from seeing these statues in person and learning about the site’s history, kids can also take part in a terracotta crafts class to make a soldier of their own. Your Xi’an family trip will be both fun and educational.

Recommended Xi’an Terracotta Army Tour: Xian Highlight Day Tour: Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter

4. The Bund of Shanghai

Shanghai represents the image of modern China, and the Bund is the best place to witness the essence of the city. It’s a sightseeing street about a mile long where on one side you will see the old Shanghai. The exotic buildings from the former international trade center of the city remain standing in the golden evening lights. On the other side of the street is the Huangpu River. Across the river, you can see the iconic Shanghai skyline.

Traveling to Shanghai will give you a picture of what life is like in China today. The combination of traditions and modernity will make your trip fun and meaningful.

Recommended Shanghai Family Tour: Shanghai Highlight Day Tour

Cultural & Hands-On Experiences

China has a rich and unique culture with a long history. There’s so much to experience about Chinese culture, different aspects of it, in different regions, and the best way to learn is through hands-on experiences. They are the best family-friendly activities in China and will make your China tour more meaningful.

5. Arts and Crafts

When it comes to the arts and crafts, there’s so much to learn and experience in China. Calligraphy is a sophisticated form of art that makes a significant part of the Chinese language. Papercutting is a traditional craft that involves creating different characters and visual narratives with paper.

Shadow Puppet, which you might be unfamiliar with, is an ancient form of theatrical storytelling. It involves characters made of animal skins and cardboards. Puppet masters manipulate the characters through strings behind a screen, and the silhouettes of the characters tell a classic story alongside narration and music.

China Shadow Puppet — Chinese Shadow Puppet

You can attend all kinds of arts and craft workshops like calligraphy and papercutting with professional artisans. These are some of the top things to do in China with kids, as they can learn a traditional skill while having fun. You can also watch traditional performances like a Shadow Puppet show, Beijing Opera, or Sichuan Opera.

Recommended China Arts Cultural Tours:

6. Chinese Kung Fu

Chinese Kung Fu might be the most internationally known form of Chinese heritage. Its origin can be traced back to Shaolin Temple near Luoyang. The temple now offers martial art demonstrations, Zen meditation sessions, and Kung Fu classes with experienced masters. Both kids and adults can take part in these sessions, and they will definitely the most exciting part of your China family tour.

Recommended China Shaolin Temple Tour: 2 Days Luoyang Highlights Tour with Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes

7. Chinese Cooking Classes

Chinese cuisine plays a significant role in the culture of the nation. One of the best family-friendly activities in China is to take a cooking class with your loved ones. For example, you can learn how to make dumplings or other regional dishes. A China food tour will introduce you to the most authentic culinary culture of China and offer you a meaningful experience.

Recommended China Food Tours with Cooking Classes:

Kid-Friendly Museums in China

There are lots of museums on different subjects in China that you might want to visit with your kids. Some are more interesting and fun with interactive features. Others are more informative and high-esteemed. Major cities tend to have more options, and different regions usually have their own provincial museums showcasing regional history and culture.

8. Shanghai Science & Technology Museum

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is perfect for tech lovers. It’s a highly interactive museum with cinemas, robots, and spacecraft models. It’s one of the best museums in Shanghai for kids.

9. National Natural History Museum of China

The NNHMC in Beijing has a large collection of ancient fossils and rare specimens. If your kids are into dinosaurs and ancient history of the Earth, you should definitely include it on your Beijing tour.

10. Sanxingdui Museum

Sanxingdui Museum near Chengdu has in recent years become known across the country and even the world. It showcases the ancient relics of Sanxingdui civilization that have been uncovered in the past decades. The civilization thrived over 3,000-5,000 years ago. Its most famous artifacts are the giant bronze masks with protruding eyes.

Meet the Wildlife of China

11. Giant Panda Bases in Chengdu with kids

Seeing the adorable giant pandas is without a doubt a top thing to do in China with kids. You can travel to Chengdu, the home of giant pandas, to see and learn about them in protected areas and research bases. Some good options are Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base, and Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base.

If you’d like a more personal experience with the pandas, kids over the age of 8 can join a volunteer program at one of the bases to help around the facility. You can make food for them and observe them up close on your China panda tour.

Recommended China Panda Family Tours:

12. Zoos and Aquariums across China

China being a large country with a range of landforms and climates has lots of unique animal species. You can see them at the many zoos and aquariums across the country. Famous ones include Beijing Zoo, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, and Chongqing Zoo.

13. Xishuangbanna Elephant Encounter

Xishuangbanna is an ethnic autonomous prefecture in Yunnan Province with a tropical climate and rainforest landscapes which are rare in China. It has a wide range of wildlife species and is most famous for being home to China’s largest population of wild Asian elephants. You can visit the Wild Elephant Valley to observe them in their natural habitats. And another fun thing for families is to go on a hike in the rainforest of Xishuangbanna.

Chengdu Panda Base Sichuan — Chengdu Panda Base in Sichuan

Wild Elephant Valley Yunnan — Wild Elephant Valley

Outdoor Adventures for Active Families

If you and your family like to be active and engage with nature, there’re also lots of family-friendly outdoor activities in China. Here are some good options for China nature tours.

14. Yangshuo Outdoor Activities

Yangshuo is a small county in the countryside of Guilin. It is located by the Li River and is famous for its karst landscapes and rich ethnic cultures. Popular activities include bamboo rafting which will allow you to see the karst landforms on the river and countryside cycling with your family through the fields.

Yulong River is the most recommended place for bamboo rafting and several routes are available for tourists. Besides, the flat roads along the bank also allow tourists to explore the river by hiking easily. There are three routes recommended for you:

Xiatangzhai Wharf – Chaoyangba/Jima Wharf – Shuiedi Wharf,
Jinlong Bridge – Yulong Bridge – Xiatangzhai Pier
Shuierdi Wharf → Wanjing Wharf/Gongnong Bridge.

15. Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains & Thrills

If you’re looking for a good place for a hiking trip, you should travel to Zhangjiajie and see the floating in the movie Avatar in real life. The tall pillars and pinnacles, deep canyon, and dense forests are breathtaking. Kids will love the variety of activities there like taking the Bailong Elevator to the top of the mountain, walking across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, and going on the glass skywalks.

Recommended Zhangjiajie Family Tour: 3 Days Private Zhangjiajie Adventure Tour with Glass Bridge

16. Desert & Grassland Adventures

China also has desert and grassland landscapes for families that are seeking a unique experience. You can travel to Inner Mongolia to go on a desert exploration in Badain Jaran Desert or Kubuqi Desert. The region also has some of the best grasslands in China including Hulunbuir Grassland and Xilamuren Grassland. You and your family can experience the nomadic life for a few days by riding on horsebacks, tasting grassland foods, and staying in a yurt.

17. Breathtaking Jiuzhaigou National Park China

Jiuzhaigou is famous for its magnificent waters and primitive natural scenery. The alpine lake group, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow peaks, blue ice and Tibetan ethnic customs are the six wonders here. The colorful pools will arouse children’s curiosity and the surging waterfalls will make them excited. During the tour, they can also observe the rare plants here. It is also possible to encounter lovely small animals, like squirrels.

Experience China’s Diverse Culture with Your Family

There are in total 56 ethnic groups in China each with their own traditions, lifestyles, and even languages. Discovering the ethnic minority lives is one of the top things to do in China with kids.

18. Yunnan Province

One of the best destinations is Yunnan Province. It is home to 26 ethnic groups, including the Bai culture in Dali, Naxi culture in Lijiang, and Dai culture in Xishuangbanna. You will see many ancient towns built by locals, their traditional architecture, clothing, and learn about their customs and arts on a Yunnan tour.

Experience Yunnan Bai ethnic group tie dye

Guizhou Huangguoshu Waterfall Summer — Guizhou Summer Tour to Huangguoshu Waterfall

19. Guizhou Province

You can also travel to Guizhou to experience the life of Miao, Dong, and Tujia people who reside in the mountains. There are many ethnic villages you can visit where locals will welcome you with their traditions and invite you to join in on their festivals.

Recommended Ethnic Minority Family Tours:

Cruise Experience for Families with Kids

20. Li River Cruise

If you travel to Guilin, make sure you experience the Li River Cruise with your family. It’s one of the best local cruise services in China that takes you down the famous Li River from Guilin city center to Yanghsuo county. Along the way, you can sit back, relax, and see the amazing karst hills rising out of the water.

21. Yangtze River Cruise

For an extended cruise journey, you can book a Yangtze River Cruise tour with your family. It’s one of the top things to do in China with kids as you sail down the longest river in the country and stop by significant historical sites along the way. Your trip will be relaxing and meaningful.

Recommended China Family Cruise Tours:

22. Huangpu River Cruise

In Shanghai, the Huangpu River cruise is a popular way to appreciate the core city landmarks on both banks, the western-style architectural complex and the Lujiazui skyline. The night cruise is the preferred choice. You can book the cruise to appreciate the beautiful sunset and dazzling light shows with your family. There are mainly 2 types of cruises.

Classic sightseeing cruise: it takes about 45 minutes and costs CNY 120+, covering all major scenic spots.
Buffet cruise:combining both sailing and dining experience, it takes about 2 hours and costs CNY 270+. Usually, the ship will stop in the middle of water for some time. And the facilities and menus vary according to different ships.

Theme Parks & Family Entertainment

23. Disneyland Shanghai with Kids

Visiting Disneyland Shanghai is one of the top things to do with kids on a Shanghai tour. With 7 themed areas, Mickey Avenue, Pixar Toy Story Land, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Tomorrowland, it has some of the latest rides and shows. You can even spend a night in the resort to have an even more magical experience.

24. Guangzhou Chimelong Resort

Chimelong Resort is a top attraction of Guangzhou. It is divided into several themed areas. Chimelong Safari Park is the largest and best safari park in Asia with animals from all over the world. Chimelong Circus has incredible acrobatic shows. Chimelong Paradise and Chimelong Waterpark have fun rides that kids would love. Plus other facilities like dining and accommodations, it’s an excellent destination for a family trip.

25. Disneyland & Ocean Park Hong Kong

Hong Kong is another popular option for families traveling with kids. The city also has a Disneyland Resort as well as an Ocean Park. The Ocean Park has lots of marine animals. You can watch an amazing show, observe their feeding sessions, and even engage in different games.

26. Legoland Shanghai

The latest excitement in the world of theme parks right now is Legoland Shanghai which opened in July 2025. The park features 75 rides and attractions which involve 85 million Lego bricks in their construction. It’s the dream destination for kids and Lego fans across the world.

Watch Traditional Cultural Shows

27. Kungfu Show or Peking Opera (Beijing)

Red Theater

Highlights: The Kung FuLegend show tells the growth story of a young monk, with philosophical wisdom
Ticket: CNY 180+
Time: 17:15-18:30 and 19:30-20:50 every day
Address: No. 44, Xingfu Street, Dongcheng District

Liyuan Theatre

Highlights:a classic tea room-style theater, with snacks and bilingual display screen
Ticket: CNY 88+
Time: 19:30-20:30from Wednesday to Saturday
Address: No. 175, Yong’an Road, Xicheng District

28. Shanghai Acrobatic Show

Shanghai Circus City

Highlights: the Joyful Circus, ERA Time and Space Journey 2, a strong interactive experience, animal stars, aerial acrobatics, clown
Ticket: CNY 120 +
Time: 10:00 and 14:00 on Saturday and Sunday
Address: No. 2266, Gonghexin Road, Jing’an District

29. Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show in Chengdu

Shufeng Yayun

Highlights: gather the essence of Sichuan Opera, including face changing, fire-spitting, the lantern rolling, shadow play, etc, traditional layout, allow tourists to savor tea meanwhile watching the show
Ticket: CNY 120 +
Time: 20:00every day
Address: No. 132, Qintai Road, Qingyang District

FAQs about China Tour with Kids

What is the average cost of a family trip to China?

The cost of a family trip to China depends largely on your travel style and time of travel. China is generally not an expensive country to visit. Let us know your budget, and we can help you customize the ideal family tour.

Are there discounts for children on transportation and attractions?

Yes, most public transportation methods and attractions offer a discounted price for children under 1.2 meters or under a certain age. Make sure you travel with your and your kids’ identifications if you want to take advantage of these policies.

What is the best way to travel between cities with children?

China has a very convenient public transportation system. The best way to travel a long distance is by flying. If you’re traveling between nearby cities or regions, you can take a high-speed train.

How can I manage food and dining with picky eaters or food allergies?

China has such a variety of dining options that you almost don’t have to worry about this especially in large cities. If you’re not accustomed to the local flavors, you are almost always able to find familiar dishes like sweet and sour chicken with rice, as well as dumplings and noodles. Most cities also have lots of western restaurants.

Plan Your Family Trip with China Xian Tour

With so many scenic spots and experiences in different cities, you may be puzzled about planning your family trip. China Xian Tour is pleasant to offer you help at any time. We can help you decide on the best destination for your family based on your interests first, then we will customize an ideal travel itinerary at a reasonable price. Private services, like transportation and professional guides, will also be arranged so that you can enjoy a more carefree tour. Just contact us right now to discuss your family tour.

Best Things to Do in China with Kids for a Fun and Educational Trip