Traveling China with Kids: Family Guide

"Can we actually take our kids to China?"

Yes. Families travel to China all the time. The language barrier, food differences, and logistics seem scary—but they're all manageable with the right prep.

Your kids will see things they've never imagined. The Great Wall. Terracotta warriors. Pandas. Real Chinese noodles (not takeaway).

Here's how to make it work.

Is China Kid-Friendly?

The good:

• Chinese culture loves children
• Kids often get VIP treatment from strangers
• Major attractions are family-accessible
• Food options exist for picky eaters
• Hotels accommodate families well

The challenges:

• Long distances and crowded attractions
• Squat toilets (see below)
• Spicy food in some regions
• Language barrier for specific needs
• Jet lag hits kids hard

Overall verdict: Manageable with planning.

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Best Ages for China

Toddlers (1-3): Difficult. Long flights, timezone adjustment, limited food options, stroller access varies. Possible but exhausting.

Preschool (4-5): Getting easier. Can walk more, eat more variety, but still tire quickly and need naps.

School age (6-12): Sweet spot. Can appreciate sights, walk reasonable distances, eat adventurously, and remember the trip.

Teens (13+): Great. Can handle adult itineraries, carry their own stuff, and even help with translation apps.

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Best Destinations for Families

Beijing

Kid highlights:

• Great Wall (Mutianyu has toboggan ride!)
• Forbidden City (palace exploration)
• Beijing Zoo (pandas)
• Olympic Park (Bird's Nest, Water Cube)

Why it works: Flat terrain, good infrastructure, recognizable landmarks.

Shanghai

Kid highlights:

• Shanghai Disneyland
• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
• Science and Technology Museum
• Yu Garden (treasure hunt potential)

Why it works: Most international city, familiar food options available, Disney fallback.

Chengdu

Kid highlights:

• Giant Panda Research Base (pandas!)
• Jinli Ancient Street (lanterns, snacks)
• People's Park (watching locals dance)

Why it works: Pandas are the main attraction, which kids universally love.

Xi'an

Kid highlights:

• Terracotta Army (it's an underground army!)
• City Wall biking (kid-sized bikes available)
• Muslim Quarter food (try everything)

Why it works: History feels like adventure, food is kid-friendly (bread, meat, noodles).

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Age-Appropriate Itinerary Tips

With Young Kids (under 6)

• Start late (skip 8 AM openings)
• One major activity per day max
• Build in afternoon rest time
• Book hotels with pools when possible
• Have snacks always available
• Exit strategies for meltdowns

With Older Kids (6-12)

• Two activities per day works
• Give them "jobs" (navigator, photographer)
• Include their input on choices
• Mix education with fun
• Let them try weird food
• Build in free time

With Teens

• Let them lead some decisions
• Allow phone/social media time
• Include shopping/café time
• Challenge them with local food
• Give some independence (if appropriate)
• They can help with translation apps

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Practical Challenges and Solutions

Toilets

This is the #1 concern for parents. Here's the reality:

Squat toilets: Common outside major hotels and malls. Kids need training before the trip.

How to prepare:

1. Practice at home (have them squat while holding your hands)
2. Explain how it works
3. Bring portable toilet seat cover if stressed
4. Know that accidents happen—pack extra clothes

Best toilets:

• International hotels
• Major shopping malls
• Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC
• Airports

Always carry: Tissues, hand sanitizer, wet wipes.

Food

Chinese food is varied. Picky eaters have options.

Kid-safe foods in China:

• Rice (米饭)
• Plain noodles
• Dumplings (饺子)
• Steamed buns (包子)
• Fried rice (炒饭)
• Scrambled eggs with tomato (番茄炒蛋)
• Grilled meat skewers

Familiar fallbacks:

• Pizza Hut (yes, they're everywhere)
• McDonald's, KFC, Burger King
• Hotel buffets with Western options
• Bread from bakeries

Phrases to know:

• 不要辣 (bú yào là) — no spicy
• 孩子可以吃吗？(hái zi kě yǐ chī ma) — can kids eat this?

Transportation

Trains: Great with kids. Space to move, bathrooms, snack carts. Book seats together.

Metro: Works well. Kids under 1.2m often ride free. Avoid rush hours.

DiDi: Essential for families. Beats metro with strollers/tired kids.

Strollers: Bring a compact one. Full-size strollers are hard on stairs and crowds.

Hotels

What to look for:

• Family rooms or connecting rooms
• Bathtubs (kids need baths)
• Breakfast included
• Near metro
• Pool if possible

Book through Trip.com: Family-friendly filters available.

Cribs: Available at international hotels. Request in advance.

Health and Safety

Medications to bring:

• Children's fever reducer
• Antihistamines
• Rehydration salts
• Band-aids
• Regular prescriptions

Water: Bottled only. Remind kids constantly.

Air quality: Check AQI before outdoor activities. Bring kid-sized masks for bad days.

Sun protection: Strong sun in many areas. Hat, sunscreen, hydration.

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Keeping Kids Entertained

On Long Flights

• Download shows/games on tablet
• New small toys (save for flight)
• Snacks from home
• Coloring books
• Kids' headphones

During Sightseeing

• Scavenger hunts (find 5 dragons, 3 lions, etc.)
• Photography challenges
• Counting games
• Small notebooks for drawing
• Audiobooks for long walks

At Restaurants

• Bring small entertainment (no shame)
• Food comes fast in China
• Ask to watch kitchen if open
• Practice chopsticks together

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Sample Family Itinerary (Beijing, 4 Days)

Day 1: Arrival and Adjustment

• Arrive, check in
• Easy afternoon (hotel pool or nearby park)
• Early dinner, early bed

Day 2: Forbidden City

• 9 AM start (not too early)
• 3-4 hours in Forbidden City (not all of it)
• Lunch near Jingshan
• Afternoon: Jingshan Park (climb for views)
• Easy dinner

Day 3: Great Wall (Mutianyu)

• 8 AM departure
• Cable car up
• Walk a section, take photos
• TOBOGGAN DOWN (the kids will love this)
• Lunch at base
• Afternoon: rest at hotel
• Peking Duck dinner (educational!)

Day 4: Fun Day

• Morning: Beijing Zoo (pandas)
• Lunch at mall food court
• Afternoon: Olympic Park (walk around Bird's Nest)
• Evening: Pack, prepare for next destination

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Budget Adjustments for Families

What costs more:

• Larger hotel rooms (+30-50%)
• Food (kids eat less, but still)
• Taxis instead of metro
• Extra attractions (Disney, zoos)

What saves money:

• Kids under 1.2m often free at attractions
• Family tickets sometimes available
• Kids under 6 free on some transport
• Sharing food at restaurants

Rough estimate: Add 30-50% to adult-only budget.

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Visa Notes for Kids

Kids need their own visas (no adding to parent's visa).

Additional documents for minors:

• Child's passport
• Birth certificate
• If traveling with one parent: notarized consent from other parent
• School enrollment letter (sometimes requested)

COVA application: Parent/guardian must complete and sign.

At consulate: Parent must accompany for drop-off/pick-up.

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Safety Considerations

Crowds: Hold hands in crowded areas. Have a meeting point if separated.

Photos: Strangers may want photos with your kids (especially blonde/red-haired). Say no if uncomfortable.

Traffic: Chinese drivers don't always yield. Hold hands crossing streets.

Lost child plan: Write hotel name and phone in Chinese. Keep in kid's pocket.

Medical: Know nearest international hospital. Have travel insurance covering kids.

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What Kids Remember

After our trip, we asked friends' kids what they remembered most:

• "The pandas were sleeping"
• "I rode the toboggan down the Great Wall"
• "We ate dumplings every day"
• "The train was SO fast"
• "People took my photo"
• "I used chopsticks!"

They don't remember the historical significance. They remember experiences. Plan accordingly.

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Checklist

Before you go:

• [ ] Visas for all children
• [ ] Travel insurance covering kids
• [ ] Practice squat toilets
• [ ] Pack medications
• [ ] Download entertainment
• [ ] Book family-friendly hotels

Pack:

• [ ] Compact stroller (if needed)
• [ ] Snacks from home
• [ ] Kid-sized headphones
• [ ] Hand sanitizer and wipes
• [ ] Change of clothes in day bag
• [ ] Small toys for waiting

Daily:

• [ ] Bottled water always available
• [ ] Know nearest bathrooms
• [ ] Built-in rest time
• [ ] Snacks on hand
• [ ] Flexibility for meltdowns

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Need Family Travel Support?

If you want help planning a family itinerary or support during your trip, our Guardian package includes trip planning and 24/7 assistance for $19.

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Related Guides:

• Beijing 3-Day Itinerary
• China Travel Safety
• Ordering Food in China