China with Kids: A Family Travel Guide

China is a wonderful country for children. It is safe, people are warm towards kids, and the sights feel like something from a storybook: pandas, dragons, giant walls and mountains from the movies. With a bit of planning, it's an easy family trip.

Best destinations for families

• Chengdu: giant pandas, an easy morning visit that children never forget. See our panda guide.
• Beijing: the Great Wall at Mutianyu, with a cable car up and a toboggan ride down. See which section to visit.
• Shanghai: Shanghai Disneyland, the aquarium and the river cruise at night.
• Zhangjiajie: the floating mountains that inspired the film Avatar, with glass walkways and cable cars.
• Guilin: bamboo rafting on the Yulong River and cycling between karst hills.
• Guangzhou: the Chimelong parks, with a safari park, a water park and an ocean kingdom.

Getting around with children

• A private car and driver is the single biggest comfort upgrade with kids: car seats on request, snacks on board, and stops whenever someone needs one.
• High-speed trains are smooth, spacious and punctual, with plenty of room to walk around. Children under 6 travel free without their own seat. Children aged 6 to 14 pay a reduced child fare. Everyone needs their passport.
• Pace yourself. One main sight a day plus free time works better than a packed schedule. Plan longer stays in fewer cities.

Food

Chinese food is built for sharing, which suits families perfectly. Children usually love dumplings, fried rice, noodles, sweet-and-sour dishes and Peking duck pancakes. Ask for "bú là" (not spicy) in Sichuan and Hunan. International chains and Western food are easy to find in big cities if someone needs a familiar meal. Halal meals can be arranged on request.

Health and safety

• China's big cities are very safe, and tap water is fine for brushing teeth. Drink bottled or boiled water.
• Big cities have international hospitals and clinics with English-speaking doctors. Bring your usual medicines and a copy of prescriptions.
• Summer can be hot and humid: hats, sunscreen and an afternoon rest go a long way.

Strollers and practical tips

• A light, foldable stroller works well in cities and parks. For the Great Wall and mountain trails, a child carrier is better.
• People may smile at, compliment or ask to photograph your children. It's friendly, and it's fine to say no politely.
• Families of all nationalities can often enter China visa-free. Check the latest rules in our visa guide.

How we help

We design family trips around your children's ages and energy levels: child seats in the car, family rooms, kid-friendly restaurants and a guide who keeps everyone entertained. Tell us about your family on WhatsApp and we'll suggest the best cities for you.

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