China is surprisingly great for family travel — pandas, the Great Wall, bullet trains, and food that kids actually love (hello, dumplings!). But it does require extra planning.
This guide covers the best kid-friendly destinations, food safety, and logistics for traveling China with children.
Best Destinations for Kids
| City | Why Kids Love It | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Great Wall (toboggan!), Forbidden City (huge!), kung fu shows | All ages |
| Chengdu | GIANT PANDAS — need we say more? | All ages |
| Shanghai | Disney Resort, Science Museum, the Bund | 4+ |
| Guilin | Bamboo rafting, countryside cycling, karst scenery | 5+ |
| Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors (impressive for older kids) | 8+ |
Shanghai Disneyland
Yes, there's a Disneyland in China. And it's genuinely excellent — the Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest Disney castle in the world.
- Tickets: ¥475-799 depending on season
- Best days: Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Pro tip: Book the "Disney Premier Access" to skip lines with kids
Kid-Friendly Food
Chinese food is actually great for kids — if you know what to order.
Safe Bets for Picky Eaters
- Dumplings (饺子 jiǎozi) — universally loved
- Fried rice (炒饭 chǎofàn) — simple, filling
- Noodles (面条 miàntiáo) — ask for plain, no sauce
- Spring rolls (春卷 chūnjuǎn) — crispy and familiar
- Steamed buns (馒头 mántou) — soft, plain bread-like
Foods to Avoid with Kids
- Very spicy Sichuan dishes
- Bone-in fish (choking hazard)
- Raw or undercooked items
- Street food from stalls without visible cooking
Water & Hygiene
- Never let kids drink tap water — bottled water only
- Hand sanitizer before every meal
- Fruit: Only eat fruit you can peel yourself (bananas, oranges)
For more food guidance, see our food guide.
Practical Tips
Strollers
- Cities: Fine in malls, parks, and pedestrian areas. Metro stations have elevators.
- Great Wall / temples: Useless. Bring a baby carrier for toddlers.
- Recommendation: Lightweight, foldable stroller.
Restrooms
- Western-style toilets are available in hotels, malls, and tourist restaurants.
- Public restrooms are often squat toilets — plan ahead.
- Carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
Rest Stops
- Chinese kids love rest areas in scenic spots (playground equipment, snack shops)
- Build in downtime — a 7-day trip with kids should have 2 "light" days
Health
- Travel insurance is essential for families
- Nearest hospitals: International hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou have English-speaking doctors
- Medications: Bring children's ibuprofen, antihistamines, and rehydration salts
Recommended Itineraries by Age
| Age | Suggested Duration | Best Route |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | 5-7 days | Beijing only (pandas via day trip or skip) |
| 4-7 | 7-10 days | Beijing + Shanghai (Disney!) |
| 8-12 | 10-14 days | Beijing + Xi'an + Shanghai (classic route) |
| 13+ | 10-14 days | Full route + Chengdu or Guilin |
For a custom family itinerary, try our AI Trip Planner and specify your kids' ages.
FAQ
Is China safe for kids?
Yes. China is one of the safest countries for families. Child-friendly infrastructure is improving rapidly in major cities. See our safety guide.
What about air quality?
Beijing's air quality has improved dramatically. Check the AQI daily and carry N95 masks for kids on bad days. Shanghai and southern cities have excellent air quality.
Can I get baby food in China?
Yes — major supermarkets (Ole', City Shop, Carrefour) stock imported baby food. Formula from major brands (Aptamil, Nestlé) is widely available.
Planning a family trip to China? Use our AI Trip Planner and we'll build a kid-friendly itinerary with appropriate pacing and attractions.