Family Trip to China: 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Behold, loving families! Set off on escapades through China's mosaic of wonders, a journey where each day unwraps like a gift, tailor-made for families with children. It is a voyage not only across places but through stories and shared laughter, where each experience stitches a colorful patch in your family's tapestry of memories.

Follow us to create lasting memories as you explore the enchanting world of China with your loved ones.

1. Classic China Tour With Panda Volunteer Experience

Map of Itinerary #1: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai

If this is your first time to China, consider following this itinerary. This itinerary caters to beginners, showcasing both cultural and natural sites in China. It starts in historical Beijing and ends in modern Shanghai. In the middle of your journey, you will visit giant pandas in Chengdu.

Best time for this itinerary: March to May and September to November

Your fantastic China tour starts in Beijing, the heart of China. It has a long history spanning over three millennia. From ancient palaces to modern skyscrapers, Beijing's architecture is diverse and fascinating. You will experience traditional Chinese culture and modern urban life here.

You can take a cable car to ascend the Mutianyu Great Wall to admire this endless dragon perched on the mountain. This is a rather mild section of the Great Wall. After that, head to another must-see in Beijing, the Forbidden City. It was the residence of royal families in the Ming and Qing dynasties. To learn more about history in Beijing, you can visit the Temple of Heaven, a royal altar, and the Summer Palace, a royal garden with a large lake.

The next stop, Xi'an, is also a historical city. As the capital city of the Tang dynasty, Xi'an has many restored and well-maintained remnants. First, visit the Terracotta Warriors. They were buried with an ancient emperor two thousand years ago.

Visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda will provide you with a new perspective on Chinese Buddhism. At night, take a free walk in Tang Paradise, which is right next to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. You can watch many traditional Chinese acrobatics there.

Lovely Giant Pandas in Chengdu

Move forward, and you will get to the third destination: Chengdu. Set aside a whole day to be a Giant Panda volunteer. During this program, you will help prepare food, clean the enclosures for pandas, and learn about pandas' behavior.

Besides pandas, Sichuan hotpot is also worth trying. After that, you can head to Wenshu Temple for traditional tea.

When your Chengdu trip ends, you will fly to Shanghai. Like Beijing, Shanghai is also a well-developed modern city. Some of the tallest and most architecturally impressive buildings in the world are sitting on the shore of the Huangpu River. Walking on the bund, you will see them at a close distance.

You can also pay a visit to the tallest one among them, the Shanghai Tower, to bird-view the whole city from about 500 meters in height. After that, head to Yu Garden and admire the design and architecture of this classical garden. Finish your China tour by visiting Zhujiajiao Water Town, which is located in the southwest of Shanghai.

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2. Colorful Family Tour with Teenagers

Map of Itinerary #2: Beijing, Luoyang, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai

Every city in China offers a unique adventure for you and your kids. With amazing spots like the Hallelujah Mountains (just like in the Avatar movie), Shanghai Disneyland, the Chengdu Panda Base, and Kungfu classes at Shaolin Temple, China offers a unique opportunity to experience a different culture, learn about traditional customs, and spark a child's imagination and curiosity.

Best Time for This Itinerary: March to November

Let's explore China from Beijing. Here, you will learn more about the rich imperial history with visits to the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, watch a Peking opera to admire the dramatic artistry. Continue your trip with a hike on the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, a kids-friendly section of the Great Wall. There's an amusement park by the water; you can chill out in this park in the middle of your journey. Finally, set aside a day to stroll through the hutongs of Beijing, which offer a glimpse into the city's traditional way of life.

Your next stop is Luoyang in Henan Province, a city rich in history and culture. It was the ancient capital city of China about 1200 years ago, during the late Tang Dynasty. Firstly, take a whole day for a Kung Fu class at Shaolin Temple. Under a martial master's guidance, you'll learn Shaolin's intricate movements. Next, visit Songyang Academy and Longmen Grottoes in a row. Songyang Academy was one of the greatest academies in ancient China. Longmen Grottoes have more than two thousand caves with numerous statues of Buddha and other Buddhist deities.

Avatar Mountain of Zhangjiajie

In Zhangjiajie, it's all about natural beauty and hiking. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is famous for its towering Hallelujah Mountains in the film Avatar. Next, head to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. When you stand on the glass bridge, the world's longest and highest one, you will see the breathtaking spectacles of the surrounding landscapes. Finish your Zhangjiajie tour with a visit to Tianmen Mountain. You can climb up the 999 stairs to heaven to admire the views of the secret Heaven's Gate. It has transport equipment that is friendly to all ages, so you don't need to worry about hiking.

The last destination is Shanghai, a historical and modern city. Start your day with a leisurely walk around the former French Concession, where you can see harming European architecture everywhere. After a 20-minute walk, you will reach Yu Garden. It's a classical Chinese garden with intricate pavilions and lush greenery. As night falls, embark on a night cruise on the Bund. You will see the dazzling skyline of Shanghai illuminate the night. Shanghai Disneyland offers a unique experience unlike any other Disney park worldwide. Spend a whole day in it with your kids, and it will surely leave you with some unforgettable memories.

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3. Yunnan Tour From Hong Kong

Map of Itinerary #3: Hong Kong, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La

The minority cultures and natural landscapes of Yunnan and its surrounding regions are shrouded in mystery, attracting tourists from all over the world. With this in mind, we have designed an itinerary starting in Hong Kong to help you make the most of your time exploring Yunnan. This route is also budget-friendly, as most destinations can be reached by high-speed rail.

Best Time for This Itinerary: All year round

This time, your journey begins in the dynamic city of Hong Kong. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the blend of tradition and modernity that defines this vibrant metropolis. Start your exploration with a tram ride through Tsim Sha Tsui, an area brimming with dining and cultural attractions. As you traverse the bustling streets, the city's eclectic energy comes to life. Next, embark on a Victoria Harbor cruise, where you'll witness the stunning skyline and the Symphony of Lights, a dazzling multimedia show that illuminates the harbor every night.

To learn about the history and culture of this modern city, visit Wong Tai Sim Temple for a "Kau Cim," kind of like Chinese praying to God. Or visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum, where you can get a glimpse into the past of ancient China. Don't forget to taste Cantonese dim sum before leaving Hong Kong. The various dishes will surely satisfy your appetite.

Stone Forest in Kunming

Say goodbye to the bustling streets of Hong Kong; you'll fly to Kunming. While your stay here is brief, you'll make the most of it by visiting the renowned Stone Forest. Here, you will see towering limestone formations that create a surreal and breathtaking landscape. After this quick yet memorable stop, you'll transfer to your next destination.

Dali awaits with its picturesque landscapes and ancient towns. Begin your exploration by biking around the serene Erhai Lake, where you'll enjoy the tranquil beauty of the water and the surrounding mountains. Delve into history with visits to Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou Ancient Town, and Shuanglang Ancient Town. Each of these towns offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich cultural tapestry, with well-preserved architecture and vibrant local traditions.

Next, you'll venture to Lijiang, where you'll be introduced to the Naxi people and their distinctive culture. Visit Lijiang Old Town and other Naxi villages and spend time with a local family, gaining insight into their traditional way of life. The highlight of your stay in Lijiang will be a hike on the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure amidst nature's splendor.

Your final destination is Shangri-La, a place of mythical beauty and serene landscapes. Begin with a hike on the awe-inspiring Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. The dramatic scenery here is sure to leave you spellbound. Your exploration of Shangri-La also includes a visit to Pudacuo National Park, where you'll encounter diverse plants and animals amidst stunning natural settings. Conclude your stay with a visit to the Gedan Songzanlin Monastery, a spiritual haven that offers a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist culture.

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4. Explore the Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin

Map of Itinerary #4: Harbin, Yabuli and Xuexiang

Harbin is a wonderful destination for the Christmas holiday. It's called "City of Ice." In winter, the temperature will drop to -30 °C, and the whole city will be covered in heavy snow. You can easily find ice sculptures on many streets and parks. When the Ice and Snow Festival begins, there will be more interesting things at Harbin Ice and Snow World, Xuexiang, and Yabuli Ski Resort, as if you're wandering in the ice kingdom made by Elsa.

Best Time for This Itinerary: December to early February

Your trip will start in Yabuli first. It's a small town in the southeast of Harbin. It has the largest ski resort with the most complete facilities, Yabuli Ski Resort. Here, you can challenge the world's longest slide. If you're a rookie at skiing, don't worry; there are slides for beginners. Except for skiing, you can take a sightseeing cable car to admire the endless snow glinting under the sunshine.

Next, you will explore another snow world, Xuexiang. Xuexiang means "Snow Town" in English. Compared with Yabuli, the activities in Xuexiang are all about getting involved in and enjoying the local culture through performances. The tourist area is actually a village located in Shuangfeng Forest. You will see pine trees everywhere.

At night, you will see the Reindeer Float Parade on the main street. You can take photos with reindeer and even feed them on your own. To learn about the local culture, consider enjoying a Yangko performance. It's a traditional Chinese folk dance that originated in northeastern China.

The final destination is equally impressive. Harbin has many classic European-style buildings, such as Volga Manor and Saint Sophia Cathedral. After visiting them, you can take a leisurely stroll through Sun Island to soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

An ice castle in Harbin Ice and Snow World

We suggest dedicating a whole day to visit Ice and Snow World and Siberian Tiger Park. These two attractions are conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from each other. In the morning, embark on a journey to Siberian Tiger Park, where you can have a close-up view of numerous Siberian tigers. Take a special vehicle provided by the park and even get the chance to feed them meat under the guidance of a guide.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ice and Snow World. The annual Ice and Snow Festival transforms this theme park into a winter wonderland, showcasing a dazzling array of ice sculptures and snowmen. As night falls, the ice sculptures are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere with twinkling lights.

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Plan Your China Tour With Us

Start to plan your family holiday to China with China Odyssey Tours! Feel free to contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com. We will design a personalized itinerary for you that covers all your needs, including high-end hotels, exclusive cars, and private English-speaking guides.