China, with its rich tapestry of ancient history and modern marvels, offers families an unforgettable adventure.
From the majestic Great Wall to adorable panda sanctuaries, traveling through China with children can create lasting memories while introducing young minds to a fascinating culture.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the challenges and joys of exploring the Middle Kingdom with your little ones.
Why China is a Fantastic Destination for Families
China offers an exceptional blend of experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages:
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Children can witness history come alive at sites like the Terracotta Warriors, ancient temples, and traditional villages.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: From interactive museums to wildlife sanctuaries, China offers numerous child-focused activities.
- Efficient Transportation: The extensive high-speed rail network and modern metro systems make traveling with children relatively convenient.
- Warm Reception: Chinese culture places great importance on children, and locals often show special kindness to foreign kids.
Preparing for Your Trip to China
Visas and Documentation
- Family Visas: Apply for L (tourist) visas for all family members at least one month before travel. Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center for official information and requirements.
- Documentation: Carry original passports, visa documents, and photocopies stored separately. For children not traveling with both parents, bring a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent to avoid complications.
- Birth Certificates: Bring birth certificates for infants and young children, especially if they don’t have their own passport.
Health and Safety Preparations
- Vaccinations: The CDC recommends hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccines for travelers to China. Consult with a travel medicine specialist at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. CDC China Travel Health Information
- Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip cancellation. Companies like World Nomads and Allianz offer family-specific plans.
- Medical Kit: Pack a family medical kit including:
- Prescription medications (in original containers with prescriptions)
- Children’s fever/pain reducer
- Band-aids and antiseptic wipes
- Anti-diarrheal medication (age-appropriate)
- Motion sickness remedies
- Rehydration salts
Packing Essentials for Different Seasons
- Spring (March-May): Lightweight layers, rain gear, and allergy medications (spring can bring dust storms in northern China).
- Summer (June-August): Breathable clothing, sun protection (hats, sunscreen SPF 50+), and portable fans. Summers in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu can be extremely hot and humid.
- Fall (September-November): Light jackets and layers; this is generally the most comfortable season for travel.
- Winter (December-February): Thermal underwear, heavy coats, gloves, and waterproof footwear, especially for northern China where temperatures can drop well below freezing.
Child-Specific Items
- For Infants and Toddlers:
- Diapers for the first few days (major brands like Pampers are available in Chinese supermarkets and stores like Watson’s)
- Portable changing pad
- Formula (if needed) – consider bringing your preferred brand as options may be limited
- Collapsible stroller with sturdy wheels (cobblestones and uneven pavements are common)
- Baby carrier/sling for sites with stairs or crowds (essential for places like the Great Wall)
- For Older Children:
- Comfort items from home
- Entertainment for long journeys (tablets loaded with movies/games, books)
- Snacks for picky eaters
- Identification card or bracelet with contact information
Navigating China with Kids
Transportation Options and Tips
- High-Speed Trains: China’s extensive high-speed rail network is ideal for family travel.
- Book tickets through China Highlights or the official China Railway website (requires Chinese phone number).
- Children under 1.2 meters tall travel free when sharing a seat; those between 1.2-1.5m get half-price tickets.
- First-class seats offer more space and comfort for families.
- Arrive 45-60 minutes early to navigate large stations.
- Domestic Flights:
- Airlines like Air China and China Southern offer family-friendly services.
- Infants under 2 years typically pay 10% of the adult fare without a seat.
- Request bassinet seats for long flights with infants.
- Allow extra time at airports, which can be massive and crowded.
- Local Transportation:
- Subway Systems: Major cities have extensive, affordable, and stroller-friendly metro systems. Download the MetroMan app for navigation.
- Taxis/Rideshares: The DiDi app (China’s Uber) offers English interface and car seat options in some cities.
- Walking: Many attractions involve significant walking; bring comfortable shoes and consider a child carrier for toddlers.
Managing Long Journeys
- Break up travel days with rest days to avoid overtired children.
- Schedule transportation during nap times when possible.
- For overnight trains, book soft sleeper compartments for privacy and comfort.
- Pack a “journey bag” with new small toys, books, and snacks to reveal throughout the trip.
Dealing with Jet Lag
- Adjust to local time as quickly as possible by spending time outdoors during daylight.
- Keep children hydrated and maintain regular meal times.
- Plan lighter activities for the first 1-2 days after arrival.
Top Family-Friendly Destinations in China
Beijing
- The Great Wall:
- Mutianyu Section: The most family-friendly section with cable cars, a toboggan ride down, and fewer crowds. Official Mutianyu Information
- Badaling Section: More accessible but often crowded; has a dedicated children’s area.
- Best Time: Weekday mornings, avoiding Chinese holidays.
- Family Tip: The wall involves steep sections; baby carriers are preferable to strollers.
- Forbidden City:
- Visit early morning (opens at 8:30 AM) to avoid crowds and heat.
- Consider hiring a guide who can make history engaging for children.
- The Palace Museum official website offers virtual tours to prepare children before visiting.
- Family Tip: The complex is massive with limited shade; bring water, snacks, and sun protection.
- Beijing Zoo and Aquarium:
- Home to giant pandas and over 14,000 animals.
- Visit the panda house early morning when animals are most active.
- Family Tip: The zoo can get crowded; consider visiting on weekdays.
- Olympic Park:
- The Bird’s Nest and Water Cube offer interactive exhibits.
- Large open spaces for children to run around.
- Evening light shows are particularly impressive.
Shanghai
- Shanghai Disneyland:
- The newest Disney park combines Western characters with Chinese elements.
- Purchase tickets in advance through the official website to avoid lines.
- Use the Shanghai Disney Resort app for real-time wait times.
- Family Tip: Visit mid-week and arrive early; consider the FastPass system for popular rides.
- Shanghai Science and Technology Museum:
- Interactive exhibits perfect for curious minds.
- The “Children’s Rainbow Land” section is designed specifically for younger visitors.
- Family Tip: Located near Century Park, combine with outdoor activities.
- Yu Garden and Bazaar:
- A 400-year-old garden with rock formations, pavilions, and ponds with fish children can feed.
- The surrounding bazaar offers traditional snacks and souvenirs.
- Family Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds; strollers may be difficult to navigate in the garden’s narrow paths.
Chengdu
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding:
- Home to over 100 pandas in a natural setting.
- Visit between 8-10 AM when pandas are most active.
- Book through China Highlights for English guides.
- Family Tip: The base involves considerable walking on hilly terrain; strollers with good wheels or baby carriers are recommended.
- Jinli Ancient Street:
- Pedestrian street with traditional architecture, food stalls, and cultural performances.
- Shadow puppet shows and candy-blowing artisans fascinate children.
- Family Tip: Visit in late afternoon/early evening when lanterns are lit.
- People’s Park:
- Local families gather here; children can join impromptu games.
- Paddle boats on the lake and a small amusement area.
- Experience the unique “marriage market” where parents advertise their adult children for marriage prospects (a cultural education for older kids).
Xi’an
- Terracotta Warriors:
- This archaeological marvel fascinates children aged 7+.
- Consider hiring a guide to bring the history to life.
- Visit the official site for opening hours and information.
- Family Tip: The site is vast; consider renting an electric cart to move between pits.
- Ancient City Wall:
- Rent tandem bicycles or four-person carts to ride the 14km wall circuit.
- Allow 2-3 hours for the complete circuit with stops.
- Family Tip: Visit late afternoon for cooler temperatures and beautiful sunset views.
- Muslim Quarter:
- A sensory delight with food stalls, shops, and street performers.
- Try child-friendly foods like sweet rice cakes and fruit skewers.
- Family Tip: Can be very crowded in evenings; visit during late afternoon for a more relaxed experience.
Guilin and Yangshuo
- Li River Cruise:
- A 4-hour cruise through karst landscapes that inspired countless Chinese paintings.
- Book through China Discovery for family-friendly options.
- Family Tip: The premium boats offer better facilities and less crowding.
- Yangshuo Countryside:
- Bicycle tours on flat terrain through rice paddies and villages.
- Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River (calmer than the Li River).
- The Impression Liu Sanjie night show uses the mountains as a natural backdrop.
- Family Tip: Stay in Yangshuo town for a more relaxed atmosphere than Guilin city.
Lesser-Known Family Gems
- Hangzhou:
- West Lake boat rides and peaceful gardens.
- The Lingyin Temple features fascinating rock carvings and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Family Tip: Combine with a visit to a tea plantation to learn about Chinese tea culture.
- Suzhou:
- Classical gardens with rock formations, ponds, and pavilions.
- The Suzhou Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, offers child-friendly exhibits on Chinese art.
- Family Tip: Take a boat ride along the ancient canals for a different perspective.
- Chimelong Safari Park (Guangzhou):
- One of Asia’s largest wildlife parks with safari rides and shows.
- The adjacent Chimelong Paradise theme park offers rides for all ages.
- Family Tip: Consider staying at the Chimelong Hotel for package deals and early park access.
Dining with Kids in China
Kid-Friendly Chinese Dishes
- Safe Bets for Picky Eaters:
- Fried rice (炒饭, chǎofàn)
- Steamed dumplings (包子, bāozi)
- Noodle soup (汤面, tāngmiàn)
- Sweet and sour dishes (糖醋, tángcù)
- Steamed buns (馒头, mántou)
- Interactive Dining Experiences:
- Hot pot restaurants where children can cook their own food
- Dumpling-making classes (available in Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai)
- Night markets with variety of street food options
Navigating Dietary Restrictions
- Allergies: Learn and carry written cards with your allergies in Chinese. Allergy Translation offers customized cards.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: The concept of “素食” (sùshí) covers vegetarian food, but be specific about no meat, fish, or animal products.
- Formula and Baby Food: Major cities have international supermarkets like Olé and City Shop that carry Western brands.
Western Food Options
- Major cities have familiar chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Pizza Hut.
- International hotels typically offer Western menu options.
- Apps like Bon App and Dianping (Chinese Yelp) can help locate Western restaurants.
Overcoming Language Barriers
Essential Apps and Tools
- Translation Apps:
- Pleco: The best Chinese-English dictionary app with camera translation
- Baidu Translate: Works better than Google Translate in China
- Microsoft Translator: Offers conversation mode for real-time translation
- Navigation Apps:
- Baidu Maps: Chinese equivalent of Google Maps
- Maps.me: Works offline after downloading regional maps
- Apple Maps: Functions reasonably well in China
Useful Phrases for Families
- “我们有孩子” (Wǒmen yǒu háizi) – We have children
- “儿童菜单?” (Értóng càidān?) – Children’s menu?
- “洗手间在哪里?” (Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the bathroom?
- “婴儿换尿布的地方?” (Yīng’ér huàn niàobù de dìfāng?) – Baby changing facilities?
- “这个对儿童安全吗?” (Zhège duì értóng ānquán ma?) – Is this safe for children?
When to Hire Guides
- Consider private guides for:
- Historical sites like the Forbidden City or Terracotta Warriors
- Remote areas with limited English signage
- First-time visits to complex cities like Beijing
- Reputable agencies for family-friendly guides:
Maintaining Routine While Traveling
Balancing Sightseeing with Downtime
- Follow the “one major activity per day” rule, especially with younger children.
- Schedule downtime in parks or hotel pools between sightseeing.
- Consider apartment-style accommodations for longer stays to establish a home base.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
- International Hotel Chains: Marriott, Hilton, and Shangri-La offer family rooms and amenities.
- Serviced Apartments: Chains like Fraser Residence and Ascott offer kitchen facilities and separate bedrooms.
- Family-Specific Hotels: The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Hotel in Shanghai and Chimelong Hotel in Guangzhou cater specifically to families.
Managing Expectations
- Prepare children for cultural differences through books, videos, or Chinese restaurants at home.
- Discuss potential challenges (different bathrooms, unfamiliar food) beforehand.
- Create a “China adventure journal” for children to document their experiences.
Cultural Etiquette for Families
Teaching Children About Chinese Culture
- Encourage basic greetings in Mandarin (你好, Nǐ hǎo – Hello).
- Explain the importance of respect for elders in Chinese culture.
- Demonstrate proper behavior at temples and historical sites.
Common Courtesies
- Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
- Accept food or gifts with both hands as a sign of respect.
- Avoid pointing with your finger; use an open hand instead.
Handling Attention
- Foreign children, especially those with blonde hair or blue eyes, may attract attention and photo requests.
- Decide as a family how to handle these situations respectfully.
- It’s perfectly acceptable to politely decline photos if your child is uncomfortable.
Budgeting for Family Travel in China
Cost Estimates (as of 2024)
- Accommodation:
- Budget hotels: $40-80/night for family rooms
- Mid-range hotels: $100-200/night
- Luxury hotels: $250+/night
- Transportation:
- High-speed train (Beijing to Shanghai): $80-150 per adult (half price for children 1.2-1.5m tall)
- Domestic flights: $100-300 per person
- Subway rides: $0.30-0.80 per trip
- Taxis: Starting fare $1.50-3.00, then $0.30-0.50 per kilometer
- Attractions:
- Major sites (Great Wall, Forbidden City): $15-25 per adult, often discounted for children
- Museums: $5-15 per adult, many free for children under 1.2m
- Shanghai Disneyland: $60-90 per person depending on season
- Food:
- Local restaurants: $5-10 per person
- Western restaurants: $15-30 per person
- Street food: $1-5 per item
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for better rates.
- Use public transportation instead of taxis when possible.
- Consider purchasing city passes in major destinations like Beijing and Shanghai.
- Book train tickets in advance for better prices.
- Stay in accommodations with kitchen facilities to prepare some meals.
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times to Visit with Children
- Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures, beautiful flowers, but potential for dust storms in northern China.
- Fall (September-October): Ideal weather nationwide, fewer crowds after National Day (October 1-7).
- Avoid: Chinese New Year (January/February) and National Day Golden Week when domestic tourism peaks.
Weather-Specific Planning
- Summer Travel (June-August):
- Focus on northern and western regions like Beijing, Xi’an, and Yunnan for milder temperatures.
- Plan indoor activities during midday heat in southern cities.
- Carry water bottles, hats, and cooling towels.
- Winter Travel (December-February):
- Explore southern destinations like Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Yunnan for milder weather.
- Consider indoor attractions in northern cities.
- Experience unique winter activities like ice festivals in Harbin or hot springs in Yunnan.
Handling Emergencies
Medical Facilities
- International hospitals in major cities:
- Beijing United Family Hospital
- Shanghai United Family Hospital
- Raffles Medical (multiple locations)
- Save the emergency number: 120 for ambulance services.
- For less urgent care, hotel concierges can often arrange doctor visits.
Lost Child Procedures
- Teach children to stay where they are if separated.
- Provide children with a hotel card and emergency contact information.
- Establish meeting points when visiting crowded attractions.
- Take a photo of your child each morning to show exactly what they’re wearing.
Conclusion
Traveling in China with children can be an enriching experience for the whole family.
With its mix of history, culture, and modern amenities, China offers countless opportunities for adventure and learning.
By planning ahead, respecting local customs, and staying flexible, you can create unforgettable memories that your family will cherish for years to come.
