China With Kids: How to Plan A China Family Tour

Every trip traveling with kids will be a happy but fatigued thing, especially when you decide to take an international tour to far away China. The difference in culture, climate, food, language...all of these make the tour more difficult. No matter how well-planned the trip, maybe you still have some worries. So, how to plan a perfect China family tour? After reading this article, you can make it easy, and take a "pack up and go" tour to China anytime.

What Is the Best Time for A China Family Tour

Family cycling tour in Guilin

China is vast and suitable for traveling all year round. From north to south, from east to west, there are so many places worthy to visit.

Generally, the travel peak seasons are spring (April - May) and autumn (September - October). The weather is cosy and the natural views are captivating. If you travel with kids, you'd better avoid the dates of the "golden week" like from May 1st to 5th, and October 1st to 7th.

Traveling in the summer holiday (July and August), you probably have to meet a long queue at some top attractions. But it's the best time to some amazing destinations, such as Yunnan, Tibet, Jiuzhaigou, Mountain Huangshan, etc. These destinations are cooler and the landscapes are captivating.

Love Chinese culture? Traveling in winter would be a good idea. With fewer tourists and more cost-effective, the tour would be more comfortable. Enjoying the rich cultural atmosphere, especially during the Chinese New Year, you can see the Chinese people how celebrate their biggest festival.

How Long Is an Ideal Family Trip to China

Thinking of traveling to China with kids but don't know how many days to spend? 78% percent of Odynovo's customers chose a China tour between 10-13 days. The length is not too tiring to enjoy an international trip and not too short to cover all the highlights of China. For example: you can spend 4 days in Beijing, 2 days in Xian, 2 days in Chengdu, 2 days in Guilin, and another 3 days in Shanghai. Of course, there are various itineraries to choose from depending on your needs and budget. Odynovo can help every family to tailor-make an exclusive tour accordingly.

Night View of Xi'an

Which Destinations of China Are Ideal With Kids

Beijing

As the capital of China from ancient times, Beijing no doubt would be a must-visited city. No matter whether you and your kids love history, culture, or fashion high-tech, you can find the best places to visit in Beijing.

Xian

Being a renowned historic city, Xi'an is not just about the Terracotta Warriors Army. It's an ideal place for children to learn some traditional culture and take physical challenges: cycling atop of the Ancient City Wall, tasting the roast mutton in the Muslim Quarter, and conquering the Mountain Huashan.

Chengdu

Pandas, hot pots, tea houses… when someone mentions Chengdu, they always can recall lots of interesting things. Yes, this relaxing city is a very kid-friendly city in China. You can even learn how to play Mahjong (a tile-based game) from your tour guide with your kid.

Guilin

It's hard to dislike the beauty of Guilin. This famous Li River is tranquil and picturesque. You can never miss the Yulong River in Yangshuo, the countryside of Guilin, which is one of the highlights of your China family tour.

Shanghai

The modern and fashionable Shanghai always attracts tourists from all over the world. Kids love this city very much. From the 400 km/hr fast-speed Maglev Train to the yummy food on Nanjing Road, Shanghai has so many surprises to offer.

Play Mahjong in Chengdu

Best Things to Do for A China Family Tour

Chinese cultural experience in Gubei, Beijing

Gubei Water Town is the new favorite of Beijing attraction. After taking a night trip to Simatai Great Wall, you can stay in Gubei Water Town and then enjoy the Chinese cultural experience in the next morning. Imagine how excited your kid will be when he or she gets their own unique souvenir of tie-dyeing, Buddhist text tracing, or a hand-made kite.

Cooking With a Local Family in Xian

Be one day Chinese people and learn how to cook Chinese meals. This unforgettable experience is not just for you, but also for your child. From buying food in the local market with the hostess to making the dumplings and stretched noodles, everything is fresh knowledge.

Close to See the Cute Panda, Chengdu

Panda, this black and white animal is the universally adored national mascot in China. Visiting Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda with your kid will be the first time in your life that you can see so many pandas at one time. If you are a senior panda lover, try to make out the difference of each panda.

Cute Giant Pandas, Chengdu

Bamboo Rafting or Kayaking in Yangshuo, Guilin

Kids love water. Yulong River in Yangshuo's countryside will fulfill their hobbit. Taking a bamboo rafting or kayaking, you can't help to put your hands into the limpid water. Alongside the Yulong River, there are lush and green bamboo trees and craggy hills. Relishing such an idyllic scenery with inner peace, you will forget all the fatigue of the trip.

Disneyland With Chinese Culture Elements, Shanghai

Maybe you and your child have been to Disneyland many times. But the one in Shanghai is different. Blending Chinese culture and classic Disneyland elements, it is a seamless mixture that shows the newfangled style of the 70-year-old theme park.

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Where to Stay in China With Kids

Beijing

There are plenty of choices to stay in Beijing. If you want to go shopping or have a stroll conveniently, living near Wangfujing Avenue would be a good idea. Of course, the price will be higher than other districts as it's the downtown of Beijing.

Staying close to the signature attractions like the Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace is also a good idea. Some hotels even can see the view of the attractions.

If you love the local life of traditional Beijing quadrangle dwellings, you can think about staying in Hutong. There are some boutique hotels with unique local characters.

In a word, Beijing has numerous accommodation choices from 3 stars to deluxe level. Just tell your travel consultant about your preference, and you will get a suitable one for your family.

Xian

Xian is encompassed by the Ancient City Wall and separated into two parts: the inner city and the new district. Most of the attractions are in the inner city. We do recommend you stay in this area as the facilities are more convenient and closer to the must-see sites.

Chengdu

Staying in Jinjiang District is most of travelers' choice. The most famous Chunxi Road in this district is a pedestrianized shopping street with more than 700 shops. From large shopping malls to modern cafes, you can spend your free time with your child as you wish.

Guilin

When you stay in Guilin, you can consider choosing the hotels near the "Two River and Four Lake", the view of this area is really exquisite.

Staying one or two nights in Yangshuo will be a good idea to get rid of all the tiredness. Some boutique hotels alongside the Yulong River are really amazing. Appreciating the river view out of the window, you will envy the pastoral life of local peasants.

Shanghai

Shanghai is big and divided into "Pudong" and "Puxi" areas by the Huangpu River. There are a great many of international brands hotels in each area. If you want to stay near The Bund, the cost would be higher than other places. But you will not regret doing this as you can enjoy the iconic sights in a few minutes.

Skyline of Shanghai

Sample Family Trip Itinerary in China

Need some inspiration about your China family tour? Here it is! This 13-day China tour is very popular among Odynovo's customers who travel with kids.

Your impressive family holiday to China will start in Beijing. Marveling at thousands of years old Great Wall, giving a whirl to try the cultural activities in Gubei Water Town, immersing in the imperial Forbidden City, taking a rickshaw tour to the full-of-life Hutongs, savoring mouth-watering Beijing Roast Duck. Beijing will never disappoint you.

Head to Xi'an, one of the most impactful cities in ancient times as the capital of China. Reveling in the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors Army, partaking in cycling on the Ancient Wall, visiting a local family to make lunch for yourselves, attempting to write calligraphy in the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. With the sophisticated tour guide at hand, your family will get to know more about the incredible sites and their history in this antique and culturally rich city.

Cycling On the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an

Chengdu truly has something for everyone, whether you'd rather enjoy Chuan Food in one of the numerous restaurants on anonymous street corners or indulge in an afternoon of leisure time at the teahouse in Wenshu Temple. A can't-miss, spend a half day in Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda and soak up Jinli Old Street. Sanxingdui Museum is also one of the highlights in Chengdu for your kid.

A scenic four-hour cruise will show you the dramatic landscapes of Li River, then visit Yangshuo countryside with the storybook towns. Don't forget to take the bamboo rafting in the Yulong River in the next morning. While the mist is dispersing slowly, don't doubt that you are in a dreaming fairyland. Explore the fascinating Reed Flute Cave before taking the flight to Shanghai.

Of course, no trip to China would be complete without visiting Shanghai. Delving into the Shanghai Natural History Museum, after that, roaming around Yu Garden and Yuyuan Market, wandering through the Nanjing Road and the Bund at night. A full-day delightful tour can just take a glimpse of Shanghai. Kids have obsessions with Disneyland, let's put this on the last day before leaving China then finish this 13-day China family tour with joy and satisfaction.

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Family Travel Tips for A China Tour

1. Plan a flexible and slow-paced itinerary. Traveling with kids can be unpredictable, so be prepared for unexpected changes or challenges that may arise. The good news is you can rely on your travel expert, as he or she can customize a suitable for your family.

2. Pack Accordingly. Be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the season and location. Pack comfortable clothing, including layers for cooler evenings, as well as sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent. If traveling with young children, don't forget essentials like diapers, formula, and snacks.

3. Bring essential medications and a basic first aid kit. Include prescription medications, and over-the-counter remedies for common ailments, such as acetaminophen, antihistamines, dimenhydrinate, etc.

Plan Your Idea Trip in China With Odynovo

As a fantastic destination, China has so much to see and do. Tell your preference to your travel expert, and let Odynovo do the rest. You don't need to do tremendous research anymore.