China family holidays: A guide to visiting China with kids
Thinking of an unforgettable family adventure? A family holiday to China offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and kid-friendly excitement. From exploring the ancient Great Wall and seeing giant pandas up close to the famous Terracotta Warriors and an Ice and Snow Festival like no other, China packs a punch when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime family experiences. The best part? There’s something for every kind of traveller—whether your kids are budding archaeologists, animal lovers, or just love a good adventure.
China’s cities buzz with energy, its countryside bursts with natural beauty, and its culture offers endless learning opportunities for curious minds. Add to that fantastic food, and you’ve got the makings of a family holiday to remember.
The best time to visit China with kids
China’s massive size means the weather can vary wildly depending on where you’re headed. Here’s a quick guide to picking the best season for your family holiday to China:
- Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make this an ideal time to visit iconic sights like Beijing’s Forbidden City or Chengdu’s panda reserves.
- Summer (June–August): The kids will love splashing about at water parks or cooling off in mountain retreats, but be ready for the crowds at major attractions.
- Autumn (September–November): Often considered the best time to visit, with cooler weather, vibrant autumn leaves, and fewer tourists. Great for hiking the Great Wall.
- Winter (December–February): Head to Harbin for the famous Ice and Snow Festival or enjoy a quieter experience at big-name attractions like Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors.
Family-friendly events: The Chinese New Year (usually in January or February) is a cultural highlight, with parades, fireworks, and lots of dumplings—just keep in mind, it’s also peak travel time.
Getting to China and getting around with kids
Getting to China for a family holiday:
China is well connected to Australia with direct flights from cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. The same goes for other countries in the world. Major airlines like Qantas, Air China, and China Southern operate these routes. Budget-conscious families can find competitive fares by booking in advance. Find a great deal by searching on Flight Centre or Sky Scanner.
Getting around China with kids:
- High-speed trains: China’s train system is fantastic—clean, efficient, and fun for kids. The bullet trains are especially exciting, zooming through the countryside at up to 350 km/h.
- Domestic flights: Ideal for longer distances, though be prepared for possible delays.
- Taxis and ride-sharing: Apps like Didi (similar to Uber) are handy and inexpensive, but make sure you have addresses in Mandarin for drivers. If you’re staying at an international hotel, the staff can often write it down the address for you to hand to your taxi driver.
- Public transport: Subways in big cities are easy to navigate, with clear signage in English.
Tips for travelling with kids in China:
- Don’t expect everyone to understand English in China on your family holiday. They don’t! A translation app or an old-fashioned phrasebook will go a long way here.
- Always carry snacks, especially if your kids are picky eaters.
- There is English/Chinese signage for most public transport in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, but outside of these, things can sometimes get a little lost in translation.
Things to do on a family holiday to China
China offers countless experiences that will fascinate all ages. Highlights include:
- Walk along the Great Wall of China and toboggan back down.
- Visit Chengdu’s Panda Breeding and Research Base to meet these cuddly creatures.
- Get outdoors in the magical Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar.
- Immerse yourselves in ancient history at Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors.
- Visit the winter wonderland of the Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin.
Get inspired for your family holiday to China by the articles below:
(apologies our website is currently being updated, more articles will re-appear shortly!)
Family-friendly accommodation in China
In general, children are welcome everywhere in China. However, it can sometimes be hard to book online if you have more than one child, with room limits of three people. This doesn’t mean they can’t do it; you may just need to reach out to the hotel directly or book at large International Chain hotels such as ACCOR or IHG.
Outside of major cities, language can become a barrier, so staying in an international hotel is often easier if you do not speak Chinese. Although, it’s often not easy on your wallet.
Our top picks for a family holiday to China:
- Beijing – Beijing Le Zai Nan Luo Gu Xiang Wang Fu Jing Forbidden City Courtyard Hotel: It’s only a five-minute taxi ride from the Forbidden City and has a few rooms large enough for families.
- Beijing – Novatel Beijing Peace: It’s only around a two-minute taxi ride to the Forbidden City and backed by a trusted brand.
- Xi’an – Crown Plaza Xi-an: An upmarket trusted brand hotel in the heart of Xi-an.
(Apologies, the Family Holiday Destinations website is currently getting a facelift. Family-friendly accommodation reviews in China will be back shortly).
Dining with kids on your China family holiday
Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, and much different to the “Australia-Chinese” or “USA-Chinese” that you may have experienced at home. Peking Duck is 1000% times better in China! If you have a fussy eater, it might pay to stock up on snacks and stay at International hotel chains, which often offer both Eastern and Western food.
- Kid-friendly restaurants: Large cities have international options, and many restaurants provide high chairs.
- Street food and markets: Dumplings, fried rice, and noodles are crowd-pleasers for your family holiday to China. Keep wet wipes handy for messy hands! Markets (particularly wet markets) can be quite confronting for little ones.
- Dietary needs: Vegetarian and allergy-friendly options are becoming more common, particularly in cities.
- Water: Tap water is not safe to drink in China. Drink bottled water with a sealed lid only.
Some standout dishes your kids might enjoy on your family holiday to China include:
- Dumplings (Jiaozi): These are always a hit.
- Sweet and sour pork: A familiar favourite.
- Scallion pancakes: Great for on-the-go snacking.
Itineraries and Day Trips
10-Day Itinerary:
- 4 days in Beijing – Tiananmen Square, The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Aquarium
- 3 days in Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors, day trip to Mt Huashan, Explore Xi’an city
- 3 days in Harbin – International Ice and Snow Festival, Siberian Tiger Park, Explore Harbin city
(We apologise, the Family Holiday Destinations website is currently receiving a facelift. More in-depth itineraries for family holidays to China will be back shortly!)
Budgeting for your family holiday to China
China can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. Like most places, the major cities are more expensive but also offer more options in terms of accommodation.
Cost-saving tips:
- Book high-speed train tickets in advance for discounts.
- Stay in local guesthouses or family-run hotels. This can be a little difficult sometimes with the language barrier but not impossible.
- Many hotels allow kids to stay for free if sharing a bed with an adult.
- Eat at local restaurants for more affordable meals.
Affordable activities:
Many top attractions offer reduced prices for kids, and city parks are free to enter. Regardless of where you find yourself, there are also many nature areas to explore in China and plenty of self-guided DIY tour options if you’re willing to hoof it around the cities.
Additional resources
A China family holiday is an adventure like no other, blending history, culture, and fun into one unforgettable trip. From the ice castles of Harbin to the ancient marvels of Beijing, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to enjoy with your kids.
Useful websites:
- Smart Traveller guide to China
- Visa information
Where to next?
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