When traveling to China with kids, you may want to explore things to do in China with kids to avoid the journey being too boring or stressful for children. You can make your adventure in China full of fun by enjoying a variety of unique experiences and activities with your kids. Here are the 13 best things to do with kids in China which show you the diversity of China including exotic culture, long history, natural beauty, various activities, and culinary experience.
1. Hike the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, as the iconic landscape of China, is a must-visit for any family tour to China. The Great Wall is an ancient Chinese military defense project, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the convenience of hiking on the Great Wall with your kids, you can choose a less crowded and gentle section of the Great Wall, such as the Mutianyu Great Wall.
If the kids' energy is not enough to sustain them hiking for too long, a Mutianyu Great Wall toboggan ride can make it easier and fun for you to go down the Great Wall. Having a picnic at the Great Wall is a unique experience. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Great Wall while enjoying your meal. Camping on the Great Wall will make your Great Wall hiking tour more unforgettable.
2. Be a Panda Volunteer
During your family trip to China, it is a must to have a close encounter with the cute pandas. Your kids can serve as panda volunteers to assist the staff in feeding and cleaning the pandas. While taking care of the panda, you can observe the panda's behavior. Chengdu is the hometown of giant pandas and is surrounded by several famous panda bases, such as Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Dujiangyan Panda Base, and Wolong Panda Base. Pandas are most active in the morning, so the morning is the best time to visit. Most panda cubs are born between August and September, so if you visit pandas at this time of year, you may have a chance to see newborn panda cubs.
In addition to Chengdu, pandas can also be seen in other places, such as Beijing Zoo, Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park, and Chongqing Zoo.
3. Learn Kung Fu
In addition to seeing the Great Wall in Beijing and giant pandas in Chengdu, you can also go on a Tai Chi or Kung Fu tour. Learn about kung fu with the guidance of a kung fu master. Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Henan Province is one of the birthplaces of kung fu. Wudang Mountain, located in the northwest of Hubei Province, is the birthplace of tai chi. Learning kung fu can strengthen your body and defend yourself. Even if your China tour doesn't include Henan and Hubei. You can also participate in Chinese kung fu courses at a martial arts school and international kung fu training classes in some cities. Or you can watch a spectacular kung fu show at the Red Theater of Beijing.
4. Cycle in Yangshuo Countryside
Yangshuo is a small county located in Guilin, famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and unique karst landscape. Cycling in rural Yangshuo is an excellent way for families to explore. Cycle through the karst limestone mountains and meet random interesting locals and idyllic views. The scenery on both sides is like a painting. You can see farmers working in rice fields and orchards. Stay along the Yulong River to breathe the fresh air and feel the close contact with nature. From time to time, we stopped to take pictures and document the great family time.
5. Traditional Cultural Activities
As a country with a long history, China has many traditional cultural activities. You can experience Chinese culture and history with your kids by participating in some traditional cultural activities and crafts, such as painting fans, painting a Chinese opera face mask, and making a traditional-style kite. Practice Chinese calligraphy with a brush and write your name, Chinese phrases, and ancient poems in Chinese characters on rice paper. Paper Cuttings are a popular traditional art decoration. You can use scissors to cut out a variety of simple or complex patterns on red paper.
6. Learn to Cook Chinese Food
Cooking is one of the family-friendly activities when traveling to China with kids. There are eight famous cuisines in China. Dishes from different regions in China have their own unique characteristics. Learning to cook Chinese food is an experience to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and way of life. You can take part in cooking classes with your kids and learn how to make simple homemade meals from professional chefs. For example, you can cook Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, and Fish-Fragrant Eggplants. Or visit a local family and delve into the lives of the locals. Make dumplings at a local home and taste the fruits of your labor.
7. Bamboo Rafting in Yangshuo
The Yulong River in Yangshuo, a tributary of the Li River, is famous for its beautiful mountains and rivers and pristine natural scenery. Bamboo rafting in the Yulong River is one of the most popular activities in Yangshuo. You can spend some time with your kids in Yangshuo. Experience the excitement of bamboo rafting and get close to nature in the beautiful scenery of the Yulong River. The Yulong River is crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and karst mountains. Floating down the river on a bamboo raft will make you feel like you are in a beautiful landscape painting. When drifting, the bamboo raft will pass through some small dams. As the bamboo raft rushes through the dams, you can experience the thrill of the dams. The rafts are controlled by experienced boatmen who will ensure the safety of the bamboo rafting.
8. Taste Local Food or Chinese Snacks
A classic family trip to China must taste a variety of Chinese food and snacks. Cantonese cuisine features the freshness of ingredients and the delicacy of cooking. Sichuan cuisine is known for its spiciness. Chengdu Chuan Chuan Xiang (food on a bamboo stick) and Malatang (Spicy Hot Pot) can make you feel the local enthusiasm. Or try authentic Beijing roast duck and copper hot pot in Beijing. Snacks may be more appealing to children. You can discover Chinese snack streets with kids. Here are Chinese pancakes, Sugar Figure Blowing (Sugar people), Sugar Painting, Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Fruit), Stinky tofu, etc.
9. Watch Shadow Puppetry or Acrobatic Show
Take your kids to watch some entertainment shows, such as shadow puppetry or acrobatic shows. You and your kids will feel more excited. Shadow puppetry performs stories through a type of silhouette of characters made from animal skins. These character silhouettes are controlled by lines and bamboo sticks. It seems to come alive in the nimble hands of the artists. You and your kids can learn to control these cut-out shapes to jump and rotate on the screen. Or watch a variety of Chinese acrobatics and marvel at the strength, balance, and flexibility of the performers. Performers show various movements, like flying and spinning on high-altitude steel wires, which create thrilling and exciting scenes. Observe how acrobats balance several or even dozens of bowls on their heads.
10. Hike the Wildness
Wildness hiking allows you to lead your children into nature and experience the joys of hiking. The Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan is famous for its magnificent natural scenery and thrilling hiking trails. Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking routes are suitable for hiking enthusiasts of all levels. You can find a route suitable for your child's level in Tiger Leaping Gorge. During your hiking tour, you can enjoy breathtaking views of canyon landscapes, waterfalls, and snow mountains. The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is the most classic hiking route with relatively complete facilities.
11. Theme Parks
A trip to a theme park provides intimate time for parents and children to spend time together. Experience the wonder of the fairy tale world at Shanghai Disneyland Park with Chinese elements. Take a photo with familiar cartoon characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, etc. Appreciate the mural of traditional Chinese zodiac animals displayed by Disney animated stars in the Garden of the Twelve Friends, and find your zodiac animal. There are also many other theme parks in China providing family-friendly activities, including Universal Beijing Resort, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, Happy Valley Beijing, and Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park.
12. Hutong Rickshaw Ride
One of the best ways to explore Beijing's hutongs is by rickshaw. You can take a rickshaw ride with your kids through the alleys and observe the leisurely and peaceful lifestyle of the locals. This traditional mode of transportation is generally only reserved as an experiential activity in some tourist attractions. In addition to the Beijing Hutongs, you can also find rickshaws ride in other popular destinations in China, such as Shanghai's Town God Temple (Chenghuangmiao), Yuyuan Garden, and Muslim Quarter in Xi'an.
13. Make a Mini Terracotta Warrior
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xi'an are an amazing historical site. Thousands of Terracotta Army figurines were arranged in a huge military array. Each Terracotta Army figurine has different expressions and characteristics. You and your kids can experience making small Terracotta Warrior after visiting. Listen to the craftsman's detailed explanation of the method of making pottery figurines. Experience the exquisite skills of the Qin Dynasty while making them.
Enjoy a Hassle-Free China Family Tour with Us
It’s advisable to book a private tour to China if you are traveling with children. A privately guided China family tour will give you complete flexibility. Here are some of our most popular China family tour packages:
If the above China family tour itineraries don’t fit your requirements, feel free to contact us and tailor make a perfect China family tour itinerary for you and your kids.
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