10 Best Things to Do with Your Kids when Visiting China

Being the 3rd largest country in the world, China features 3,747,879 sq. miles of vast landscapes, grassland, mountains, desert, rivers, coastline, and many other amazing wonders. It is also a home to some of the world’s most famous historic sites, attractions, and modern architecture.

If you’re headed to the East with your kids, don’t forget to include China in your travel bucket list! Below are some of the best things to do with your kids on your trip to China:

1. Explore the Great Wall.

You can’t leave China without visiting its world-famous historical site. Even your kids most probably know about it! The Great Wall of China near Beijing is a must-visit attraction where families can hike together. It was built mainly during the three dynasties as a way to protect the people from “Barbarians”. If you have very young kids, take the gentler yet exhilarating sections of the Mutianyu down to the bottom. Don’t forget to take a family selfie!

2. Take a tour at Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom.

Covering 3,000 square meters, the Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom is a popular science exhibition hall featuring many different insect species of live insects, mammals and reptiles. Not only will they learn about the beauty of ecology and how to protect and conserve the environment, your kids will also be amazed of the thousands of animals in the zoo, including 80 species of rare turtles, such as the tortoise, mud turtle, and box turtle. They can even catch fish and feed small animals for a more fun, interaction up close.

3. Interact with Real Pandas at the Chengdu Panda Base.

There’s no doubt – pandas are Chinese national treasure. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was built to imitate the natural habitat of Pandas to give them the best possible environment for rearing and breeding, and at the same time, raise public awareness about the protection of wild creatures and the environment. You will be amazed with the ten thousand clumps of bamboos and other plants cultivated at the Base as these gentle bears’ food.

4. Visit China’s Super Skyscraper: Shanghai World Financial Center

After a series of trip to the nature, it’s time check out some of the finest architectures in the world. The World Financial Center is the highest building in Shanghai, with a total of 104 floors. Take your children to the viewing areas on 94^th, 97^th and 100^th floor for an epic sightseeing experience. For your thrill-seeking teens, the Sky Walk 100 is going to be fun. FYI: it’s the world’s highest observation deck, spanning 55 meters.  

5. Ski at the Harbin Ice and Snow World

Did you know that the largest ice and snow art exhibition in the world can be found in China? Yes, that’s right. If you love skiing, a trip to the Harbin Ice and Snow World should be on your itinerary. It also houses some of the world’s most beautiful ice art collections and masterpieces.

6. Shanghai Disneyland Park

Needless to say, this world-famous theme park is one of the best treats for your kids! Let them embark on a magical journey through Disneyland’s fun themed parks that are filled with world-class attractions and fun activities. Here are the 6 themed lands you shouldn’t miss: Fantasyland, Treasure Cover, Tomorrowland, Gardens of Imagination, Disney Town, Mickey Avenue and Avenue Isle.

7. Dive in at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

Can’t get enough of themed parks? Head to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom for a one-of-a-kind underwater exploration. It’s one of the world’s largest ocean-themed amusement parks, with a 68-metre-high Whale Shark Aquarium (largest in the world). They’ve used cutting-edge technology to create a viewing dome that gives guests an unparalleled exploration of the marine life.

Photo by Trifonneke / CC by 4.0

8. Take a splurge at Shanghai Dino Beach

The Dino beach spans 85,000 square meters (which makes it one of the biggest open-air water parks in Asia). Try the “Storm Beach” – an artificial wave pool and the "Blue Sea" where you can emerge in lots of activities like water skiing, banana riding, jet skiing and of course, surfing.

9. Try China’s oldest crafts at Shadow Puppetry and Paper Cutting.

Get your children to try Chinese entertainment and crafts of over 2,000 years old. It may be interesting for kids to try the shadow puppetry, which is something different from TV or the decorative Chinese handicrafts, featuring cool Chinese designs.

10. Have a fun, fulfilling gastronomical experience.

Lastly, after all those fun and tiring activities, it’s time for a sumptuous meal. Your kids will surely love the authentic taste of Chinese dumplings, chow mein, spring rolls, roasted duck, noodles, and so much more. Don’t miss their hot pots too!

Have you been to China, particularly in some of these world-famous destinations? What was your favorite attraction? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your comment below.

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