How to Plan a Family Trip to China with Kids: Travel Tips & Destinations
China is definitely a great destination for families with kids, offering a mix of history, natural scenery, and modern technology experiences. However, planning an international family trip can feel overwhelming. From choosing the right destinations and comfortable hotels to arranging kid-friendly activities and transportation, there's a lot to prepare for.
This guide will make planning your China trip with your family much easier. Simply follow the step-by-step guide below, then pack your bags, and enjoy a hassle-free journey in China.
Our guests in Yangshuo
How Long Is an Ideal Family Trip to China?
Normally, in about 8 days, you can visit the most popular cities in China, including Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. This is the most popular choice for first-time visitors.
However, for families with kids, we'd recommend spending 10-14 days in China; you can include destinations like Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, or Chongqing in your itinerary. This gives your family more time to relax, travel at a comfortable pace, and enjoy fun activities together.
Of course, the best itinerary depends on your family's interests and travel style. We can help customize a kid-friendly China itinerary tailored specifically for you.
Top 5 Places to Visit in China with Family
We understand that choosing the right destination is key to a great family trip. It should cater to both adults and kids, with a relaxed pace that allows children to have fun while parents enjoy some well-deserved leisure time. Family-friendly hotels are also a must. With that in mind, we recommend these five destinations for your first family trip to China.
1. Beijing - A Cultural Experience for Families
Our guests visiting Beijing
As the capital of China from ancient times, Beijing no doubt would be a must-visit city for all travelers.
Here, you can explore magnificent imperial architecture such as the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, experience authentic Beijing local life in hutongs, and enjoy theme parks such as Universal Beijing Resort and POPLAND.
These kid-friendly experiences will give your family a fun and immersive way to experience Beijing beyond usual sightseeing:
- Paint traditional Peking Opera masks or learn to make traditional Chinese dough figurines with local artists.
- Take a beginner-friendly Chinese Kung Fu class.
- Learn diabolo spinning and try Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven.
- Visit local Hutong families and experience everyday Beijing life.
- Experience China's latest AI and technology innovations by visiting Xiaomi's headquarters or the China Science and Technology Museum.
Where to Stay in Beijing:
From budget-friendly stays to luxury hotels, Beijing offers plenty of accommodation options. When selecting hotels for families, we consider not only the hotel's services and facilities but also whether the location is convenient for sightseeing, dining, and transportation.
- Downtown Convenience: Staying near Wangfujing Avenue is ideal for shopping, eating, and easy access to attractions, though prices tend to be higher.
- Close to Major Attractions: Hotels near the Temple of Heaven or the Summer Palace provide easy access to famous sites, and some hotels even have a view of the attractions.
- Traditional Hutong Experience: For a taste of old Beijing, consider a boutique hotel in the Hutongs, where you can experience authentic quadrangle courtyards and local culture.
2. Xian - A Blend of History & Local Flavors
Xi'an City Wall
As a renowned historic city, Xi'an is more than just the famous Terracotta Warriors. Besides iconic attractions such as the Ancient City Wall, Xi'an Museum, and Mount Huashan. Families can also enjoy immersive cultural activities that are both fun and educational for children, such as:
- Learn to cook Chinese dumplings or hand-pulled noodles in a local family home.
- Watch a traditional shadow puppet performance in a 400-year-old historic courtyard.
- Enjoy a traditional dumpling banquet while watching the famous Tang Dynasty music and dance show.
- Cycle along the Ancient City Wall for a unique view of Xi'an's historic streets and modern skyline.
Where to Stay in Xi'an
- Xi'an is divided into two main areas: the Inner City, enclosed by the Ancient City Wall, and the New District. Most of the top attractions are within the Inner City, so we recommend choosing a hotel in this area for easy access to historical sites, local restaurants, and the city's traditional atmosphere.
3. Shanghai - Disney Magic Meets Chinese Culture
The Bund in Shanghai
As one of China's most modern and dynamic cities, Shanghai captivates visitors of all ages. Beyond the iconic landmarks such as Oriental Pearl Tower, The Bund, and Zhujiajiao Water Town. Shanghai Disneyland is also a favorite highlight for families traveling with children.
To help you create a fun and memorable family journey, here are some recommended kid-friendly experiences in Shanghai:
- Explore the wonders of nature at the Shanghai Natural History Museum. This experience is especially recommended during summer, as it offers a cool indoor escape from the heat while keeping children entertained for hours.
- Make traditional soup dumplings with your children in a hands-on cooking experience.
- Experience the latest technology innovations, including self-driving taxi rides and hands-on DJI drone flight experiences.
Just share your family's interests and travel preferences with us, and we will craft a personalized itinerary that suits your schedule and style of travel.
Where to stay in Shanghai
- Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River into two main areas: Pudong and Puxi. Both have a wide selection of international hotels. If you want to stay near The Bund, the cost would be higher than other places, but the breathtaking skyline views and easy access to iconic sights make it well worth it.
4. Chengdu - Close to See the Cute Panda
Giant panda in a breeding base in Chengdu
A visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must when traveling to Chengdu. Seeing so many pandas up close in one place is truly an unforgettable experience. If you are a devoted panda lover, you can even join the panda volunteer program and spend a day as a panda keeper at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base.
You can also consider the following experiences for your family tour:
- Tasting local tea and watching locals play mahjong.
- Watch a traditional Sichuan opera face-changing show.
- Visit a local market and learn how to cook authentic Sichuan cuisine.
Where to stay in Chengdu
- Staying in Jinjiang District is most travelers' choice. The most famous Chunxi Road in this district is a pedestrianized shopping street with more than 700 shops. From large malls to trendy cafes, it's a great area to explore with your child during your free time.
5. Zhangjiajie - A Fun Adventure for Families
Avatar mountains in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and school-age children, offering a perfect mix of adventure and breathtaking scenery. Its most iconic attraction is the dramatic "floating mountains" in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which inspired the famous movie Avatar.
Besides the Avatar Mountains, the following attractions are also recommended:
- Take a walk on the world's longest and highest glass-bottom bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
- Ride a cable car or climb to the awe-inspiring Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven's Gate.
- For thrill-seekers, challenge yourself on the Via Ferrata cliff climbing route at Qixing Mountain or soar above the Grand Canyon on an exciting high-altitude zipline.
Where to stay in Zhangjiajie
- Although Zhangjiajie is not a large city, it offers many must-visit attractions. If you plan to explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, staying in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area is the most convenient option, as it provides easy access to the park. If you're visiting Tianmen Mountain, staying in the Zhangjiajie city center is more convenient.
6. Other Cities in China
Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River
China is a vast country, and it's impossible to explore everything in a single trip. Beyond the cities mentioned above, you can choose other destinations based on your travel time and interests. For example:
- Guilin is famous for its peaceful karst landscapes. A cruise along the Li River and the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo offers a wonderful chance to slow down and fully relax during your trip.
- Shenzhen, known as China's innovation hub, offers many exciting interactive experiences. You can experience the convenience of drone delivery services and explore hands-on science exhibits at the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum.
- A Yangtze River cruise is an excellent choice for families traveling with elderly parents. The breathtaking scenery along the Yangtze River, combined with comfortable accommodations and attentive onboard services, creates a relaxing and enjoyable journey for the whole family.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Best Time for a China Family Tour
Our travel expert's kid playing on the great wall
Generally, China is suitable for traveling all year round; the best seasons are spring (April - June) and autumn (September - November). If possible, avoid China's "Golden Week" holidays (May 15 and October 17), as popular destinations can become extremely crowded.
Summer (July to September) is also a good time for families traveling with children. To avoid crowds and secure better hotels, it's important to plan ahead. For cooler weather and beautiful natural scenery, consider destinations such as Yunnan, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and Guizhou.
Winter (December - February) is the least crowded season for traveling in China. Northern China can be cold during this time, but it also offers unique seasonal experiences, such as the famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.
Sample Family Trip Itinerary
Need more inspiration about your China family tour? Here it is! This 14-day family tour is very popular among our customers who travel with kids. We can also customize an itinerary that suits your family's unique needs and ensure you have a memorable China journey.
| Day | Highlights | City |
| 1-3 | The Bund, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Old Town | Shanghai |
| 4-6 | Zhangjiajie National Park, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Tianmen Mountain | Zhangjiajie |
| 7-8 | See the cute pandas and explore Jinli Old Street and Wangjiang Park | Chengdu |
| 9-10 | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Visiting a Muslim Home | Xi'an |
| 11-14 | Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, free day at your own pace | Beijing |
Please note: This itinerary is designed for families with school-age children and includes a few adventure activities. If you are traveling with younger children, we recommend replacing Zhangjiajie with Guilin. Guilin's relaxed atmosphere is especially suitable for younger kids, while also giving adults plenty of time to unwind and enjoy a slower journey.
Family Travel Tips for A China Tour
1. Travel documents before entering China: If you are not eligible for the visa-free policies, a visa is required for all travelers, including young children. To learn the details of the documents to prepare, please refer to this article: China Travel Documents.
2. Plan a flexible and relaxed itinerary: Traveling with kids can be unpredictable, so it's important to plan a flexible and slow-paced itinerary. Prepare for any unexpected changes or challenges that might arise. Our travel experts provide 24/7 support and will help design a family-friendly itinerary that caters to everyone's interests and travel pace.
3. Pack Accordingly: Be prepared for a range of weather conditions depending on the season and location. Pack comfortable clothes, including layers for cooler evenings, along with some necessary medicines. For more detailed packing advice, please read this article: Packing List for China Travel.
4. Choose convenient and comfortable hotels: Look for hotels that are easily accessible and comfortable for your family. If you're traveling in summer, it's a good idea to select a kid-friendly hotel with amenities like a swimming pool.
5. Don't drink tap water directly. It is recommended to drink bottled water instead.
6. Choose high-speed trains whenever possible. China's high-speed rail system is very convenient and fast. If possible, we recommend taking high-speed trains instead of domestic flights, as they are usually more comfortable for children.
Plan Your Idea China Trip With China Odyssey Tours
China is an incredible destination, offering endless attractions and experiences. Choosing an experienced local expert can help you avoid all the planning and logistical hassles, ensuring a truly hassle-free journey. Simply tell us your preferences, and let China Odyssey Tours take care of the rest. No need for extensive research - Just contact us or leave us a message via email at trip@odynovotours.com!
