• Family Attractions In China

  China is a very good option for family holidays in that it is such a huge country that pretty much any interest can be catered for somewhere. This page looks at some of the most popular family attraction in China, with an explanation of the factors that make these so - and with pointers to further information where relevant. If you need any other specific advice then feel free to contact us.

  The downside of this same feature is that different sites can be some distance from each other requiring expensive flights or overnight trains. Trains can be fun for children of the right age but can also give parents a few issues to deal with. An ideal family itinerary therefore concentrates on just a few locations (perhaps three ) and looks to maximise the opportunities close to these rather than add more travel sectors. Of course, much depends upon the family and their sense of adventure but most experienced travellers will know their capabilities well enough.

  Most sites are best visited with private transport. You could arrange a taxi but often a car and guide from a local travel service makes the excursion more convenient, especially as that then makes toilet and meals stops easier and because that opens up the possibility of visiting other sites on the same day (sleep patterns permitting).

  The sites below are listed in a rough order of popularity though there is no need to follow the crowd:

  Giant Pandas

  Number one on most lists of family attractions in China must be the Giant Pandas. These can be seen in many large city zoos but most visitors prefer to visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre for a more open environment. This site has the added advantage that in its ground there are also Red Pandas (which many find to be at least as interesting) and many exotic birds.

  The panda centre is located in the outskirts of Chengdu and is best visited early in the morning whilst the animals are most active. A visit normally lasts for about 3 hours.

  Great Wall of China

  This iconic site is a classic for any age and really deserves to be in every China Holiday. The issue is more about which part of the Great Wall to visit.

  The Great Wall sections closest to Beijing have been covered elsewhere. These are very general sites and, therefore, easily accessible and with well-developed facilities. That's good to know if you have very young children (and perhaps even grandparents) to consider.

  With the Great Wall stretching all the way from the East China Sea at Shanhaiguan to the desert at Jiayuguan, there are plenty of other less popular sections to choose from. These require more effort to reach and can also be harder to appreciate as the wall can often look far from impressive.

  If you plan to visit these sections then it is probably also worth including one of the more developed sections too - for comparison and to satisfy expectations. You can then all agree that the other less-spectacular site was more worthwhile after all.

  Hong Kong

  Hong Kong has so many sites suitable for families there is no point trying to list them all here. You can start the fun by exploring the Hong Kong Tourism site with its interactive maps etc.

  The highlights must be:

  • Disneyland, for those who like that sort of thing;
  • Ocean World, the largest entertainment centre in South-east Asia;
  • Kowloon Park Swimming Pool;
  • Hong Kong Wetland Park;
  • Ngong Ping 360, a cable car ride with a difference; and
  • Repulse Bay, for the beach.

  Hong Kong is not just a city though and it is well worth taking the family off to somwhere in the New Territories to enjoy a bit of wilderness for balance. The area around Sai Kung is a good starting point.

  4D Cinemas

  Since many sites in China have been developed only recently they have been more able to incorporate modern technology. 4D cinemas are popular with locals as well as with visiting families and there are a growing number around China including:

  • Tianjin Museum of Science & Technology;
  • Changying Century City Futurescope;
  • Dalian Peace Plaza Shopping World;
  • Shenzhen Children's Palace;
  • Jiang Xi Science & Technology Museum;
  • Shenyang Science Palace;
  • China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing; and the
  • Jinsha Ruins Museum in Chengdu

  The 4D experience varies with the venue; those in museums having their more serious aspects though not without their moments too. In the Jinsha Ruins Museum you had better watch out whenever you see a snake approaching.

  The 4D cinema experience is usually an option meaning that it can be a substantial additional cost but, since it could well be the highlight of a parental-choice educational day, this is a fair pay-off.

  Fossils & Dinosaurs

  China has many world-class fossil sites from Liaoning in the north-east to Yunnan in the south-west, with the pick being in Shandong, Sichuan and Inner Mongolia. Any of these could provide a worthwhile distraction for anyone with an interest - and several sites could link a whole program if the whole family enjoy such things.

  As with many other 'themes', any fossil-based tour should include a visit to Beijing where many of the best finds are exhibited in the Natural History Museum.

  Other names to play with are then: Zhucheng (Shandong), Yixian (Liaoning), Zigong (Sichuan) and Lufeng (Yunnan).

  Other activities

  Some backpacker hotspots such as Yangshuo, near Guilin in Guangxi Province, are well developed in terms of activities for visitors of all ages and are therefore well worth a visit for families even if some other visitors think of them as 'too touristy'. The convenience makes life so much easier for the parents and that usually outweighs any negative feelings about crowds or prices.

  Taking Yangshuo as an example, the following are some of the 'other activities' most popular with families:

  • Bike rides;
  • Hikes;
  • Cooking lessons;
  • Bamboo rafting;
  • Visiting caves (muddy or paved);
  • Kayaking;
  • Kung Fu or Tai Chi; and
  • Painting or calligraphy

  Bike rides and hikes are easily arranged and can fill a whole day with a picnic lunch or a meal at a local 'Farmer Food' restaurant - and perhaps even a swim in the Li River or one of its tributaries.

  Choosing the right family attractions in China for you

  Remember, this list is compiled without knowing any details of you and your family. It is, therefore, by nature very general. If you have special interests or other factors to take into consideration, or would just like some friendly advice on your plans, then let us know which attractions in China interest you most and we will suggest ways to make a trip more enjoyable for all.

  Return to Attractions in China

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