Are you planning a family trip to China? Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, many destinations in China offer kid-friendly activities, historical learning, and family-centered experiences. In this guide, we’ll highlight top family travel spots in China and include helpful tips for children and multi-generational travelers who need to get the right visas.
Beijing: History Meets Fun
A key family friendly travel spot in China is Beijing! Beijing is rich in culture and surprisingly accessible for families. The Forbidden City offers a walk through history, while the Summer Palace’s boat rides and scenic gardens give kids room to explore.
Family-friendly highlight:
Visit the Beijing Zoo to see China’s most famous animal, giant pandas. Nearby, the Science and Technology Museum offers interactive exhibits great for younger travelers.
Good to know:
Stroller-friendly sidewalks are more common in tourist areas, and English signage is available at major attractions.
Shanghai: A Modern City with Kid Appeal
Shanghai blends urban excitement with child-friendly attractions. The city’s skyline and riverfront offer impressive views, but it’s also home to one of the best amusement parks in China.
Family-friendly highlight:
Spend a day at Shanghai Disneyland, the most modern Disney park in the world. It’s a hit with children and adults alike.
Bonus stop:
Explore the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, which is especially popular with younger kids thanks to its long underwater tunnel and giant sea creatures.
Chengdu: Pandas and Parks
Chengdu is calm, affordable, and full of charm. It’s home to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where your family can observe pandas up close in natural-style enclosures.
Family-friendly highlight:
Visit People’s Park, where paddle boats, snack stalls, and tea gardens welcome kids.
Why it works for families:
Chengdu has a slower pace, family-friendly hotels, and a reputation as one of China’s most relaxed cities.
Guilin & Yangshuo: Nature and Adventure
Guilin’s landscapes, with limestone mountains and scenic rivers, look like something out of a storybook. It’s a peaceful place where kids can connect with nature.
Family-friendly highlight:
Take a bamboo raft ride along the Li River and bike together through the quiet countryside around Yangshuo.
Try this:
A light show on the river created by famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou is kid-friendly and unforgettable.
Xi’an: Where History Comes Alive
Xi’an, once the capital of ancient China, is known for the Terracotta Army. Kids fascinated by ancient warriors and myths will love it.
Family-friendly highlight:
Ride bikes together atop the Xi’an City Wall, or visit the Tang Dynasty Show, which combines costumes, dancing, and music.
Educational opportunity:
Many museums in Xi’an offer exhibits geared toward younger audiences with hands-on experiences.
Tips for Applying for Family and Child Visas
Planning your travel is just the start. Families traveling to China need to make sure they have the correct visas, especially for children under 18.
What Type of Visa Does Your Family Need?
For tourism, you’ll apply for L-type (tourist) visas for each family member, including children.
- Each traveler needs their own passport and visa, including infants
- The visa application may ask for:
- A copy of the child’s birth certificate
- Both parents’ passport copies
- A signed parental consent form if traveling with only one parent
The China Visa Department Can Help Your Whole Family
At the China Visa Department, we work with families weekly to simplify the visa process.
Here’s how:
Personalized Guidance for Families
We walk you through what’s required for each family member and avoid delays due to missing documents.
We Work Virtually
There is no need to visit a consulate. You can submit everything by mail, and we will guide you over the phone or via video.
Support for Complicated Cases
Traveling with only one parent? Blended families? We help gather the right documentation and ensure the consulate accepts your file.
Expedited Service When Needed
We offer rush services for families traveling soon or needing visas at the last minute.
Final Thoughts: Family Travel to China
From giant pandas to ancient cities, China has plenty to offer families looking for both fun and education. With a little planning and the right visa support, your family can enjoy a smooth, memorable trip.
Let the China Visa Department help you start planning your family’s travels to China. We make it easy to apply for family and child visas, no matter where you live in the U.S.