Elizabeth Steiner – My First Dawn in China in 2008 My introduction to China happened by chance. After being let go from a publishing house in Munich, I bought a one-way ticket to Beijing, with only small savings and a phrasebook. During my first week, I stayed in a hostel where I met an elderly Chinese woman named Lin. She invited me to stay in her home, and it was there that I discovered the real China – the familial one, with its rituals and unwritten rules. I remember my first dawn on the Great Wall of China – I got there with a group of local enthusiasts, and that's when I felt this land had become part of my soul. Instead of the planned two weeks, I stayed for a year. I learned the language working as a translator for tourists, and later as a guide. Every penny I earned went into traveling around the country. For 17 years now, I've worked as a China expert. I currently live in Xi'an, and my second base is an estate in the Huangshan mountains, where I host travelers who want to experience the authentic China. Over these years, I've created a library of unique routes, written the book "Beyond the Wall: Unknown China Through European Eyes," and help travelers discover the country I fell in love with many years ago.
China with Kids
Traveling to China with kids can be an incredible experience that is full of cultural wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting attractions for the whole family. This expert guide is here to help you plan the perfect family trip to China. It covers everything from what to see, where to go, what to eat, parks and attractions for kids, the best time to visit, a suggested 14-day travel itinerary, and essential tips for tourists.
What to See in China
- The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu): One of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Great Wall offers convenient options for families, such as chair lifts and cable cars at Mutianyu.
- Terracotta Army in Xi’an: A mesmerizing archaeological site that features thousands of life-size terracotta warriors, built to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor.
- Forbidden City in Beijing: A must-visit site in the Chinese capital, this vast complex includes hundreds of historical buildings and stunning gardens.
- Giant Buddha in Leshan: Carved into a red cliff, this is the world’s largest Buddha statue. It is perfect for a visit with kids due to its impressive size and fascinating history.
Where to Go
- Beijing: The historic capital city is brimming with cultural treasures, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace.
- Xi’an: An ancient city that served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties and was the starting point of the Silk Road.
- Chengdu: Home to giant pandas and a hub for panda research and breeding. Additionally, the local traditional market offers a unique shopping experience.
- Shanghai: The most modern and cosmopolitan city in China. Recommended places to visit include The Bund and Shanghai Disneyland.
What to Eat
- Dim Sum: A variety of small, flavorful dishes served in small portions, perfect for sampling a range of Chinese flavors.
- Hot Pot in Sichuan: A unique culinary experience where you cook your food directly at the table in a spicy and savory broth.
- Tanghulu Candied Fruits: A popular street snack in Beijing made from sugar-coated hawthorn berries on skewers.
Parks and Attractions for Kids
- Shanghai Disneyland: The largest amusement park in China offers a variety of roller coasters, shows, and attractions for the whole family.
- Chengdu Panda Base: A perfect place for kids to learn about pandas and observe them up close in a natural environment.
- Old Town of Yangshuo: A picturesque town offering outdoor activities like biking and bamboo rafting along the Li River.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires. Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation. During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp. Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation. Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
When to Go
The best time to visit China is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and attractions are less crowded.
Approximate Travel Plan for 14 Days
Days 1-3: Beijing
- Day 1: Visit the Temple of Heaven and Olympic Park.
- Day 2: Explore the Great Wall (Mutianyu) and visit the Temple of Heaven.
- Day 3: Visit the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City.
Days 4-5: Xi’an
- Day 4: Take an overnight train from Beijing to Xi’an and explore the city.
- Day 5: Visit the Terracotta Army and explore the local market.
Days 6-7: Chengdu
- Day 6: Visit the Giant Panda Research Base and explore the local market.
- Day 7: Take an excursion to the Giant Buddha in Leshan.
Days 8-10: Shanghai
- Day 8: Explore The Bund and visit the Shanghai Museum.
- Day 9: Spend a day at Shanghai Disneyland.
- Day 10: Explore the city streets and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Days 11-13: Yangshuo
- Day 11: Take a train journey from Shanghai to Guilin and transfer to Yangshuo.
- Day 12: Hike up Moon Hill and enjoy a bamboo rafting trip along the Li River.
- Day 13: Relax and enjoy the rural scenery.
Day 14: Return to Hong Kong and take a flight to London.
Tips for Tourists
- Book train tickets and domestic flights in advance to avoid crowds and traffic jams.
- Your kids may not enjoy all the local cuisine, so it’s advisable to bring some familiar snacks from home.
- A local guide can make navigating easier and provide insights into local culture and history.
- Ensure you have a mobile phone with a local SIM card or active roaming service to stay in touch with family back home.
- Download apps like Google Translate and WeChat for communication and local information.
A family vacation in China with kids is a special and rewarding experience. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can enjoy an unforgettable family adventure in this captivating country.
What we propose Emma Heidi Take all the stress out of planning your trip! With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs. We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey. We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients. Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary. A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide. Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars. We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time. Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go. Want to know if it’s really worth it? Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us. Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection. Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever. How it works
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