China has been divided into 34 province-level administrative. While Shanghai offers attractions for families, there are numerous other activities and destinations that may be of greater interest. Please find below a selection of activities that may be of interest to you and your family during your stay in China.

 

Trip to the birthplace of Kung Fu

A visit to the birthplace of Kung Fu is sure to delight visitors of all ages, regardless of gender or age. A visit to the Shaolin Temple will leave you in no doubt as to the incredible abilities of these monks. The temple grounds are impressive and beautiful and you may be surprised to learn the story of the founding monk, Bodhidharma, and the birth of what is best known today as Zen Buddhism.

 

 

Rafting along the Yulong River

Adults will appreciate the opportunity to relax and enjoy a leisurely float down the Yulong River in China’s southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, set against a stunning backdrop of karst mountains cloaked in green during the summer. Children will enjoy engaging in water gun play with their parents and siblings.

 

 

Admire the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

A visit to Harbin’s renowned Ice and Snow Festival promises an enjoyable winter excursion for the entire family. From early January to early February, the northern city of Harbin is transformed into a snowy and icy paradise for approximately one month. Amazing snow sculptures are created along the Songjiang River. In Zhaolin Park, enormous ice sculptures depicting a variety of architectural styles, from the Forbidden City to the Palace of Versailles, are illuminated at night for you to explore. A variety of ice slides and ice playgrounds are available.

 

 

Sleep together on a Kang Bed

In northern China, the traditional sleeping arrangement is on a kang bed. The platforms are elevated above the floor, furnished with mats and blankets, and heated from below by a wood or coal oven. For families, an overnight stay in an inn with a kang bed could be a memorable experience. This could be an enjoyable experience for the entire family.

 

 

Visit Suzhou Gardens

Suzhou is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting both domestic and international visitors. While visiting Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed gardens may not initially appear to be an ideal activity for children, it is worth considering the possibility of climbing. If your children are of a younger age, we would suggest the Humble Administrator’s Garden as a particularly nice option. While adults can appreciate the aesthetic qualities of a traditional Chinese garden, children can engage in exploration, climbing and play. The rockeries here are suited to children. The structures can be climbed up and through by children.

 

 

Camel riding on the sand dunes

A camel ride through the sand dunes of Gansu Province is a memorable and enjoyable experience that will leave a lasting impression.  Camel riding is an enjoyable activity for all members of the family. However, we would advise carefully considering bringing very young children to the site, as the heat can be challenging for them.

 

 

Trek in the Longji Rice Terrace Villages

The Longji Rice Terraces, located approximately two hours north of Guilin, are renowned for their minority villages and breathtaking scenery. The mountains here are terraced from top to bottom, creating a stunning landscape. We would therefore recommend that you visit in the spring or autumn to enjoy the best weather.

 

 

Enjoy the views from a Skyscraper

It is possible to take children to the top of towers in China. The Shanghai World Financial Center in Shanghai offers a magnificent sky deck with a variety of viewing options. Another excellent option is the Jin Mao Tower. You can enjoy the views from one of Shanghai’s top luxury hotels, such as the Grand Hyatt lobby or Cloud 9 bar, where you can also enjoy a drink while taking in the same view.

 

 

Go spelunking

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, located in the south of China, is renowned for its karst peaks, which have given rise to some of the country’s most iconic landscape images.  For families, the renowned Reed Flute Cave, situated just inside Guilin City, is a popular attraction. However, there are numerous other caves within the city and in the surrounding area that are also worth exploring. The area around Yangshuo offers a variety of caves for spelunking, including some that can be explored on foot and others that feature mud baths.

 

 

Hike in a bamboo forest

Moganshan offers the ideal balance of proximity to urban amenities and a tranquil retreat just two hours outside of Shanghai. It is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway, with easy access to the outdoors and a variety of activities for all ages.

 

 

Cuddle a Pandas

It would be regarded to create a list of children’s activities without including the Chinese panda. The pandas are a much-loved attraction. For those seeking a more intimate experience with pandas, we recommend visiting Chengdu, where you can take photos of your children cuddling pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in the city’s north.

 

 

Have fun at Shanghai’s Lantern Festival

During the Chinese New Year period, it is highly recommended that you take your children to see the impressive lantern display that is created annually at Yuyuan Gardens. The lanterns, which are hung from nearly every building, are arranged around the theme of the zodiac animal. They culminate around a giant figure of the zodiac animal. Children can enjoy traditional forms of entertainment, including shadow puppets and sampling a variety of street snacks.

 

 

Harvest tea

As you all know, tea is an integral part of Chinese culture. One of the most unique experiences for children is the opportunity to engage in the harvesting of tea. Should they be less enthusiastic about picking tea, they may enjoy exploring the hillside while you collect the crop. In any case, the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine is available to all members of your family.

 

 

Tour the Huang Pu River Tour by boat

One of the most enjoyable ways to spend a few hours in Shanghai is to take a Huangpu River Tour. Boats depart from the Bund all day, offering both short and longer tours. The tour boats navigate the river, offering views of the city’s notable architecture and providing insight into the bustling river traffic.

 

 

Food exploration

China boasts a rich and diverse ethnic population, which has contributed to the country’s vibrant culinary landscape. It would be beneficial to consider including food tours with your children during your trip to China. We would suggest that Beijing Duck is an ideal starting point. The creation of a “duck taco” using the pancakes and lean meat is an enjoyable activity for all. Din Tai Fung in Shanghai offers an excellent opportunity for children to observe the dumpling-making process at the restaurant’s open windows.

 

 

Hike the Great Wall of China

Some sections of the Great Wall have been rebuilt and renovated, and now attract large numbers of tourists. Furthermore, there are other areas located to the west that receive minimal visitor traffic. In some locations, you can take a cable car up and slide down, while in others, they can hike on crumbling ramparts for hours without encountering another person.

 

 

For more travel inspiration and more details about your family trip, talk to our travel consultants right away!