A family trip is a wonderful opportunity to grow closer and share unique moments. If you're ready to experience an unforgettable adventure unlike any other, why not choose China as your next holiday destination? This vast country still intrigues many, yet conceals breathtaking landscapes behind numerous preconceptions, a welcoming people, and countless attractions perfectly suited to children. Like any journey, a family trip to China deserves careful planning to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

The Most Suitable Destinations

China is nowadays accessible to everyone, even the youngest. Nevertheless, when you decide to discover it as a family, some destinations are naturally better suited than others. Ranked as one of the most developed countries, China offers a wide variety of destinations and attractions for a successful family vacation.

Beijing

Beijing, the Chinese capital—grand, historic, and culturally rich—this sprawling metropolis is a must-see destination for families. Between the Great Wall, parks, old quarters, and rickshaw rides, Beijing will delight and satisfy all the curiosities of the little ones.

Shanghai

A modern city par excellence, Shanghai is also nicknamed the Oriental Paris. This highly westernized metropolis hides multiple facets and will perfectly enchant both small and grown-ups alike.

Yangshuo in Guangxi

Famous for its karst peaks, the Yangshuo region is a perfect destination for a family trip. Bicycle rides, cruises on the Li River, illuminated caves, rafting, shows—everything is in place to captivate your beloved children.

Hong Kong

With its Disney park, mountains, beaches, and Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hong Kong will be a perfect destination for a family stay and keep your little ones entertained. A ride on the funicular up to Victoria Peak, a cable car trip to the giant Buddha, or crossing Victoria Harbour by boat will surely spark their imagination.

Precautions to Take Before Departing for China

As mentioned earlier, any trip requires preparation, and this is even more true when children are accompanying you.

Vaccinations

Health and safety are paramount—do not neglect vaccinations! Once you've decided to travel to China for your holidays, schedule an appointment at a vaccination center to learn about the vaccinations necessary for a trip to China. For adults, no vaccinations are mandatory. However, the situation is different for children: The Pasteur Institute strongly recommends vaccinating children against hepatitis B and rabies (in case of travel to rural areas). Children must absolutely be up to date with all their vaccinations. For more information, visit our page Health and Vaccinations.

Luggage

Organizing and packing your luggage must take into account various factors such as climate, your itinerary, your child's age, and the weight limit allowed by the airline. Nevertheless, avoid overloading. Opt for comfortable, lightweight clothing that's easy to clean (especially for children). Don't forget your first-aid kit! Include remedies for stomach troubles, diarrhea, sore throats, and fever. Travel stress or unfamiliar food can upset your digestion. Air conditioning can also wreak havoc and cause unwelcome colds. Traveling while sick or with a sick child can spoil a large part of your stay, so be prepared! Depending on your children's ages, pack some toys or books to keep them entertained at the hotel or during transport. Remember to bring power adapters—See the article on power adapters in China. Most importantly, check the luggage weight limits accepted by your airline to avoid an unwelcome price surcharge.

Visa

Children, like adults, are not exempt from requiring a visa to enter Chinese territory. Visit our dedicated page on Chinese visas for more information. Each child must also have their own passport.

When to Travel as a Family?

China has very different climates depending on the region. Nevertheless, autumn and spring remain the best seasons to visit China, avoiding the stifling heat and humidity of summer and the bitter cold of winter. Before departing, also research the periods of national holidays in China. Traveling during Chinese festivals can become quite challenging with transportation overwhelmed and attractions so crowded that it's impossible to enjoy the views or atmosphere of the place. For more details, discover our guide on When to Travel to China?

Food and Dining

Food in China has often been the subject of rather concerning controversies. Do not drink tap water, as its quality is questionable. Choose bottled water even for brushing your teeth (especially for young children). Baby food in China is not always reliable. If you're traveling with a toddler or baby, plan to bring their own food in case you're traveling in more rural areas. In major cities, favor foreign brands or imported products—more expensive but safer. Prepare yourself for cuisine quite different from ours and especially much spicier. Nevertheless, certain restaurants offer sweet and savory options or more westernized dishes, particularly in major cities. You'll have no trouble finding a fast-food restaurant or eatery to please even the most discerning (or not) young palates.

Transportation

China is well-equipped with transportation options to traverse cities or the entire country. Subways, trams, local buses, long-distance buses, trains, high-speed trains, domestic flights, river transport—all modes are available, and you'll have no difficulty traveling from one city to another. However, China is an immense country, and you sometimes need patience to move from one region to another. Indeed, journeys can sometimes exceed 20 hours by train, which is really not advisable with children. Plan ahead by booking in advance or organizing your trip using different modes of transport. Sometimes, it will be preferable to opt for a domestic flight or bus rather than train. However, the train can be a good option for overnight journeys, for example. Some offer quite comfortable sleeper cabins at very affordable prices. Traveling by sleeper train can be a wonderful experience for the entire family. Once in a city, between taxis, subways, buses, or even rickshaws, you'll have no difficulty finding what suits you and getting around. Note that your children face no risk in China and will often become little stars in the eyes of locals who won't hesitate to observe them, photograph them, and even offer them some treats. Still, keep a photocopy of their identity document and a card from your hotel with its contact information in their pocket, just in case your child gets lost—one can never be too careful!