Traveling to China with Kids: A Family Travel Guide (2025)

China with children? Absolutely possible, and potentially amazing. Chinese culture adores children, the infrastructure is modern, and the experiences are unforgettable.

But it requires more planning than adult-only travel. Here's everything families need to know.

Is China Good for Family Travel?

The positives:

• Chinese people love kids (expect attention, gifts, photos)
• Modern infrastructure in cities
• Affordable once you arrive
• Unique experiences kids won't get elsewhere
• Safe country for families
• Kids eat free or cheap at many places

The challenges:

• Long flights (10-15+ hours)
• Jet lag hits kids harder
• Language barrier
• Squat toilets
• Different food
• Crowds everywhere
• Pollution in some cities

Verdict: Highly recommended for families with kids 5+. Possible but challenging with toddlers. Babies are surprisingly manageable.

Best Ages for China Travel

Under 2:

• Free flights (lap infant)
• Stroller-friendly in cities
• But: Diaper changes challenging, formula/baby food availability varies

Ages 2-4:

• Most challenging age
• Short attention spans
• Tired of walking
• Nap schedules disrupted
• Squat toilets difficult

Ages 5-8:

• Great age for China
• Can walk reasonable distances
• Excited by new experiences
• Remember the trip afterward
• Still get extra attention from locals

Ages 9-12:

• Old enough for historical context
• Handle long travel days
• Engage with cultural differences
• Less needy, more independent

Teenagers:

• Mix of interest and boredom
• Give them phone/photo responsibilities
• Let them pick some activities
• Modern China often interests teens more than temples

Family-Friendly Destinations

Best Cities for Families

Beijing:

• Great Wall (kids love climbing)
• Forbidden City (vast but interesting)
• Acrobatics shows (kids adore these)
• Beijing Zoo (pandas!)
• ⚠️ Large distances between sites

Shanghai:

• Shanghai Disneyland (obvious win)
• Bund waterfront walk
• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
• Maglev train (fastest in the world!)
• More compact than Beijing

Chengdu:

• Giant pandas (the #1 kid attraction)
• Laid-back pace
• Great food (less spicy options available)
• People's Park (relaxing)

Hong Kong (if adding):

• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Ocean Park
• Easy transport
• English widely spoken
• Western food available

Attractions Kids Love

Attraction	Location	Ages	Why Kids Love It
Giant Pandas	Chengdu	All	Cute animals!
Great Wall	Beijing	5+	Climbing, adventure
Shanghai Disneyland	Shanghai	All	It's Disney
Acrobatics Show	Beijing/Shanghai	All	Wow factor
Maglev Train	Shanghai	All	Speed!
Terracotta Warriors	Xi'an	8+	Ancient army
Li River Cruise	Guilin	5+	Boat ride, scenery

What to Skip with Kids

• Long museum visits
• Multiple temples in one day
• Extensive walking tours
• Sites with many stairs (unless your kids are hikers)
• Anything during naptime

Practical Tips for Families

Flights

Booking:

• Book bulkhead seats (more legroom)
• Request bassinets for infants
• Consider breaking up ultra-long flights

Surviving the flight:

• New toys/games (wrap them for excitement)
• Tablets loaded with downloads
• Snacks, snacks, snacks
• Walk the aisles regularly
• Night flights (sleep through it)

Jet Lag with Kids

China is 12-15 hours ahead of North America.

Strategies:

• Start adjusting sleep 3-4 days before
• First day: stay awake until local bedtime
• Outdoor light exposure helps reset clocks
• Expect 3-5 days to fully adjust
• Be flexible with schedule first days

Accommodations

Best options:

• International hotel chains (reliable, family rooms)
• Airbnb apartments (kitchen, space)
• Hotels with pools (kids love pools)

Request:

• Connecting or adjoining rooms
• Refrigerator (for snacks, medicine)
• Bathtub (not just shower)
• Higher floors (quieter)

Food for Picky Eaters

Kids usually like:

• Fried rice (炒饭)
• Dumplings (饺子)
• Noodles (面)
• Steamed buns (包子)
• Egg dishes
• Fruit

Safe bets:

• McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut (everywhere)
• Hotel breakfast buffets
• Japanese restaurants (familiar flavors)
• Plain rice with mild dishes

Tips:

• Let kids point at what looks good
• Share dishes family-style
• Carry familiar snacks from home
• Don't force adventurous eating

Strollers and Carriers

Strollers:

• Metro stations have elevators (usually)
• Malls are stroller-friendly
• Historic sites often have stairs/uneven ground
• Crowds make strollers difficult
• Umbrella stroller better than full-size

Baby carriers:

• Often more practical than strollers
• Hands-free navigation
• Works in crowds
• Essential for Great Wall, etc.

Toilets with Kids

The squat toilet situation:

Solutions:

• Seek Western toilets (hotels, malls, Starbucks)
• Bring portable potty seat for toddlers
• Practice squatting before trip (really)
• Boys have it easier (walls work)
• Always carry tissues

Health and Safety

Before you go:

• Check vaccination recommendations
• Pack children's medications (fever, diarrhea, allergies)
• Get travel insurance (essential with kids)
• Know nearest international clinic at each stop

During trip:

• Hand sanitizer constantly
• Bottled water only
• Careful with street food for young kids
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion
• Air quality apps for pollution days

What to pack:

• Familiar medicines (fever reducer, antihistamines)
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes (many)
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Comfort items (stuffed animal, blanket)

Sample Family Itinerary: 10 Days

Days 1-4: Beijing

• Day 1: Arrive, adjust, hotel pool
• Day 2: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (morning only)
• Day 3: Great Wall at Mutianyu (toboggan down!)
• Day 4: Zoo (pandas), acrobatics show

Day 5: Train to Xi'an

• High-speed train experience
• Kids love watching the countryside

Days 6-7: Xi'an

• Day 6: Terracotta Warriors (morning)
• Day 7: City wall bike ride, Muslim Quarter food

Day 8: Fly to Shanghai

Days 9-10: Shanghai

• Day 9: Shanghai Disneyland
• Day 10: Maglev train, Bund walk, departure

Budget Considerations

Kids are often free or discounted:

• Attractions: Free under 1.2m height, discounted under 1.4m
• Trains: Free under 1.2m (no seat), discounted under 1.5m
• Flights: 10% of adult fare (under 2), 50% (2-11)
• Hotels: Kids often stay free in parents' room

Family trip costs (2 adults, 2 kids, 10 days):

• Budget: $3,000-4,500
• Mid-range: $5,000-8,000
• Comfortable: $8,000-12,000

(Excluding international flights)

Making Memories

Involve kids in planning:

• Let them research one attraction
• Give them a camera/phone for photos
• Create a trip journal or scrapbook
• Collect small souvenirs (stamps, postcards)

Cultural learning:

• Teach basic Chinese phrases
• Explain historical context at their level
• Try chopsticks (they'll love it)
• Cook Chinese food after returning home

Manage expectations:

• Kids won't appreciate everything
• That's okay
• One amazing experience per day is enough
• Build in downtime

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Planning a family trip? The China Survival Kit includes family-friendly guides, emergency contacts, and allergy cards for traveling with children.