Top Family Tour Destinations - Places to Go in China with Kids
As the top 4 most visited country by international tourists in 2019, China enjoys great fame for its long history, diversified culture and hospitable people, plus a safe and fun place for family with kids. Have no idea of how to plan a memorable family trip to China for your spouse and children? Here below is some helpful information of top family tour destinations in China – the best places to visit with kids, plus with interesting family-friendly activities and Chinese cultural experience to recommend.
Beijing
As the capital of 5 dynasties in the past, Beijing boasts so much for you and your kid to see, explore and experience, not only the historical architecture: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven, but some unique cultural experiences: coloring the Peking opera masks, making Chinese knots, trying the paper cutting or flying a kite in a park, etc. Children can immerse themselves in these activities for inspirations. Besides, you can also take your child to Hutong old quarters, 798 Art Zone, Panjiayuan Antique Market and Beijing Aquarium to see the different facets of Beijing. 3-5 days family tour in Beijing is probably fine for a good vacation in this mega city.
Recommended attractions and activities for children in Beijing:
Shanghai
Similarly like the status of New York to the United States, Shanghai is one of the two most famous cities in Mainland China behind the national capital - Beijing. Compared with other Chinese cities, Shanghai might be a little more westernized and modern, yet still retains its original characteristics showcased in its shikumen and Longtang Alleyways. This is one of the few metropolises in China where your family can have more free time and travel independently. With a fast and safe metro service, you and your kids can go easily to any major tourist sites in the city. It is a great place to see the modernity of China. Your children can feel the pulse and excitement of the biggest metropolis of this country. By the way, the wide spectrums of street snacks of Shanghai are also appetizing and full of options. Plan a 3-5 days Shanghai family tour for Shanghai Disneyland, the old streets exploration and gastronomic delights.
Recommended attractions and activities for children in Shanghai:
Xian
To better know the history of China, you and your kids should not miss Xian. How and why did China become a vast united Central Kingdom in history? After visiting the legendary Terra cotta army and learning about the stories behind, you may find out the reason. As the starting point of the Silk Road Journey, Xian has numerous historic sites left from its glorious Han and Tang dynasties, which await you to explore. What is more, there’s many kid-friendly activities, as your child will have a chance to try making a replica of Terra cotta soldier, biking on the ancient city wall, learning Chinese calligraphy, Chinese dumplings or noodles, etc.
Recommended attractions and activities for children in Xian:
>> Recommended 4-day Xian Discovery Tour for Active Family
Guilin/Yangshuo
Someone said the heaviness Chinese history brought on you in Beijing and Xian during the trip, could be unloaded in Guilin and Yangshuo. This is why Guillin is so popular among international travelers, especially for their China family tour with kids. Yangshuo is actually a small town 64 km south of Guilin, famous for the stunning Karst limestone peaks, clear rivers and mesmerizing rural life. You and your children can fully relax yourselves in natural landscape, breathing the fresh air. At the same time, there are tons of interesting activities here designed for family travelers: bike riding, hiking, bamboo rafting, cave exploring, mud bathing, Kung Fu or Tai Chi class, cooking class, and calligraphy/painting class, etc.
Recommended attractions and activities for children in Guilin/Yangshuo:
>> Recommended 3-day Yangshuo Family Adventure: Biking, Walking & Real Farm Work
Chengdu
As the hometown of giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu is another great destination for family with kids. Right here you and your child will not only observe the pandas like anywhere else, but join in panda keeper program tours to do the volunteer work in the panda base: cleaning panda houses and making their daily snacks. Compared with other mega cities in China, Chengdu is slow-paced and full of old-world teahouses. Stroll along the old streets or in local parks, you and your family will have a feel of authentic Chinese way of life. If you go out of town, a few UNESCO Heritage sits are located not far from the city, such as the Giant Buddha in Leshan, Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, Mt. Qingcheng and Emei, etc. At night, you can also take your kids to watch the face-changing feat of Sichuan Opera.
Recommended attractions and activities for family with children in Chengdu:
Yunnan
Different from other Chinese destinations for family with children, Yunnan is not a city, but a province situated in the southwest of China. In the province, there are a series of enchanting towns, allowing you to explore: Lijiang, Dali and Shangrila. The three places are the habitat of ethnic groups: Naxi, Bai and Tibetan respectively, together with Han and other minorities. Right here you will see another side of China, enigmatical and interesting. The ethnic people still maintain their traditional lifestyle like what their ancestors did hundreds of years ago.
Yunnan is a perfect destination for the families who love to go off the beaten path and look for some soft adventure in China, since here it is a great blend of natural scenery, outdoor activities, diversified culture and friendly people. If you can go a bit further down, there are more lovely smaller towns like Shaxi, Weishan and Yuanyang hidden on the amazing land.
Recommended attractions and activities for family with children in Yunnan
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