Introduction
Planning a family trip to China? You're in for an incredible adventure!
China offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, making it an exciting destination for families. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of traveling to China with kids, from practical tips on where to buy nappies to fun family activities and destinations, ensuring a memorable and stress-free experience for the whole family.
When we were going to China for the first time, we were a little bit nervous - Hanna was 2.5 years old at the time and Nina was only 4.5 months and that was supposed to be our first trip since Nina was born, and first big journey as a family.
Even though we have done fair amount of traveling pre-kids - both solo and as a couple, we have been relatively unadventurous ever since Hanna was born - primarily because of Covid, we kept our trips close to home.
The main reason we were a bit anxious was that we found very few people documenting their trips with kids online and lack of up-to-date resources in general. I suppose the reason for that is that very few tourists have traveled to China since it opened up post Covid.
On top of that many people, us included, have misconceptions about what is China really like - which is why I decided to start a blog in the first place, and also to collect what we have experienced into one longer blog post - a sort of "all I know" on the topic.
Why Choose China for Your Family Trip?
China is an excellent choice for a family vacation, offering:
- Rich cultural experiences
- Diverse landscapes
- Family-friendly attractions
- Safe and clean cities
- Affordable travel options
Let's dive deeper into what makes China an ideal destination for your next family trip.
Planning Your Family Trip to China
Best times to visit
The best time for a family trip to China depends on your preferences and the regions you plan to visit. Here's a quick overview:
- Spring (March to May): Comfortable temperatures, beautiful blooms
- Summer (June to August): Warmer weather, ideal for outdoor activities but beware of the crowds!
- Fall (September to November): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
- Winter (December to February): Cold but great for winter activities and festivals
Visa Requirements
Most foreign visitors need a visa to enter China. Start the application process well in advance of your trip. Consider applying for a group visa if traveling as a family to simplify the process.
Many countries can now benefit from a 15-day visa-free travel around China, which lowers the cost of travel significantly.
Itinerary Planning
When planning your family trip to China, consider these popular destinations:
1. Beijing: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
2. Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, cultural performances
Magda Sawyer
3. Chongqing: Off-the-beaten path, up and coming city
4. Chengdu: Giant Panda Research Base, Leshan Giant Buddha
Magda Sawyer
5. Tibet: an unusual choice, but also a unique experience for the whole family!
- Yunnan province: breathtaking views and ancient villages
Magda Sawyer
Tip: Don't try to cram too much into your itinerary. Allow for downtime and flexibility when traveling with kids.
Is China a good place for holiday with kids?
Obviously, I think it is great! It combines an opportunity for a real adventure, where you can experience a different culture and never know what is waiting fore you around the corner, with a feeling of safety you can have in a clean, safe country with efficient public services. Because it is relatively cheap, you can stay flexible and easily change your plans if needed.
Magda
What to see in China with kids?
Well, this really depends! China has so much to offer, that you can pick literally any type of holiday you want and do it there! Whether you like mountains or beaches, villages or cities, hot or cold - you can find it all in China.
When traveling with kids I always recommend staying flexible and not getting too hanged up upon tourist destinations that can be really crowded - you don't really need to see the Great Wall or Terracotta Warriors to experience China.
Chinese cities are a great way to see real China, with excellent food choices, plenty of lively parks where people go to relax, exercise and socialise, as well as activities targeted at kids such as indoor playgrounds. I recommend including some Tier 2 cities on your list to be able to appreciate China's diversity.
Depending on the season you can also stumble upon some local celebrations e.g. Lantern Festival when the whole cities are beautifully decorated.
Magda Sawyer
Chinese Food for Kids
Chinese cuisine offers many options for children:
- Dumplings (Jiaozi)
- Fried rice
- Noodle soups
- Steamed buns (Baozi)
- Sweet and sour chicken
Tips for dining with kids in China:
- Look for family-style restaurants
- Carry snacks and water
- Be adventurous but have backup options
How to plan your meals to accommodate for children?
One of the common fears people have when it comes to visiting China with children is around the topic for food. Especially for babies or toddlers, who tend to be fussy about food even when following the routine - every parent knows that you can cook the same meal for the whole week and get a different reaction every time.
But surprisingly, travelling in China might be easier than you think. Food is very cheap, and tasty on-the-go street food options are abundant, so you should always have something to pick from and not worry too much about the state of your wallet if you end up ordering double the amount of food you can physically eat
The staple foods in China can easily satisfy the basic needs (think rice, noodles, dumplings and steamed buns), and most restaurants would have on offer something that your child can eat - we managed to go to a hot pot restaurant in Chongqing and the kids love it.
Don't forget that Chinese people also have kids that don't eat spicy foods and also can be picky, so even if not on the menu, you can always ask for plain noodles (if you manage to do it in Chinese 😉)
What to do in China with kids for fun?
The reason why China is such an amazing destination for families with kids is that there are a lot of fun things that you just stumble across!
You won't find many outdoor playgrounds with swings and slides like we know them in Europe, but they often have some kind of theme park stuff going on in bigger parks.
In shopping centers you can often find indoor playgrounds - often huge - with animated activities organised by the staff. Some of those playgrounds have themed entertainment allowing kids to dress up as fire-fighters, chefs, car mechanics - you name it - and do organised pretend play when the stuff member demonstrates them activities executed by each profession.
What we also found quite common - not only in indoor playgrounds, but also in book stores or even on the streets in tourist destinations - is craft making. You pay 10-20RMB (1.5-2.5$) and provided with all you need you can do jewelry, paint some clay figures or more. In Chongqing graffiti street there were people selling paint and Hanna could paint some of her own "grafitti" on the wall.
Those are just some examples of fun entertainment for kids - if you just walk around the streets and parks you can discover plenty more. Our personal favourite were excercies bikes for kids that played music and blew bubbles - cannot think of a more fun thing for a 3 year old!
Which part of China is suitable for kids?
Any part of China if you come prepared, know what to expect and pack accordingly! We have been in high altitudes of the Tibetan plateau and arctic Harbin in the middle of the winter so I can assure you that as long as you have right clothes and react to how your children feel, any place can be a great adventure.
For us what we found most annoying was the heat - many parts of China get very hot and humid during the summer, and nothing kills the buzz more than winey dehydrated children and grumpy fed up parents!
So rather than just looking WHERE you want to go, you should research WHEN is the best time to go to that place!
Is it expensive to travel in China?
China itself is a relatively cheap destination, but having to add plane tickets and visa cost on top, it probably puts it in the mid-range holiday budget. Transportation and food are cheap, so are the hotels if you don't choose to spoil yourself, so it is definitely a place a mid-income family (from the West) can afford.
I have written a detailed budget break down here:
Magda
Can you buy nappies in China?
You can buy ANYTHING in China. China has undergone a rapid transformation and the stories we have heard of people holding kids over the bins to do a poo are long gone. Yes, we have seen kids with the Chinese-style open-bottom trousers, but there was always a Pampers underneath!
Magda
What are the toilets like?
If you are going to be traveling in cities and major tourist destinations, toilets are not a worry. China has invested heavily in improving sanitation in recent years and now you can find clean toilets almost everywhere. You can often find "accessible toilets" in shopping malls, train stations and trains, tourist attractions and metro stations.
Magda
Health and Safety
When traveling to China with family, it's important to prioritize health and safety. Here are some key considerations:
- Travel insurance: Ensure your policy covers the whole family
- Vaccinations: Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations
- First-aid kit: Pack basic medicines and supplies
- Emergency contacts: Keep a list of important phone numbers
Access to healthcare in China
Chinese healthcare, like many other public services, is cheap and of good standard. We had once need to visit a hospital and we can confirm that we received comprehensive care, included blood test and hydration for Hanna. When visiting a hospital you will receive a universal healthcare card that will contain all your data and treatment history that you can use throughout China so that the doctors will have all the necessary information at hand.
Packing for Your Family Trip to China
Packing efficiently can make a big difference in the comfort and enjoyment of your family trip. Here are some essential items to include:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Portable charger
- Adaptor plugs
- Familiar snacks from home
Comfortable walking shoes: You'll likely do a lot of walking while exploring China's attractions. Pack well-broken-in, supportive shoes for all family members to prevent blisters and fatigue.
Weather-appropriate clothing: China's climate varies greatly by region and season. Research the weather for your specific destinations and pack accordingly. Layerable clothing is often a good choice to accommodate temperature changes throughout the day.
Portable charger: With all the photos you'll be taking and maps you'll be using, a portable charger is essential to keep your devices powered throughout the day.
Adaptor plugs: China uses 220V electricity and has its own unique plug type. Bring universal adaptor plugs to charge your devices.
Familiar snacks from home: While trying local food is part of the adventure, having some familiar snacks can be comforting for children (and adults) when dealing with jet lag or a busy day of sightseeing.
Magda Sawyer
Final Thoughts
A family trip to China offers a unique opportunity to explore a fascinating culture, create lasting memories, and broaden your children's horizons. With proper planning and an open mind, your family adventure in China will be an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, grab your passports, and get ready for an incredible journey through the Middle Kingdom!
I hope this article will make you stop worrying whether or not you can handle traveling to China with kids. Make sure you plan ahead - this way China will be a great memory for you and your kids!
Remember, the key to a successful family trip to China is flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure. Embrace the unexpected, try new things, and enjoy the journey as much as the destinations. Your family will return home with a wealth of experiences and stories to share for years to come.
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