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Introduction
Before our trip to China, there were few people who were enthusiastic or supportive about the choice of the destination of our first trip as a family of four.
They were at best surprised, or said we were 'brave', sometimes openly or not-that-subtly expressing criticism over our irresponsible decisions about the well-being of our 2 small children - we were traveling with a 2.5 year old and a 5 month old at the time.
We had our concerns - after all China is FAR and our children are small, and we did not plan to take a pram with us. But we did want to use the time when I am on maternity leave to take a longer vacation and China was on our list ever since the Covid pandemic restrained us from fulfilling our plans.
Now after we did it, do I still think China is a good place to travel with a baby or toddler? It can be, but you have to be mindful of certain pitfalls.
Why China
The reasons why it is worth to pick China as a travel destination for children are plenty.
For us, the draw towards China was that it was diverse, with many different landscapes and cultures, with excellent food variety (but also with plenty of rice, plain noodles and breads for the picky toddler, so there is always a backup).
We knew that Hanna would be marvelling at everything she sees.
And people in China love babies and small children, especially with blue eyes like Nina and curly hair like Hann, so they also got a lot of attention.
Magda Sawyer
Best Time to Visit China with Family
Avoid Summer (June-August)
- Extremely hot and humid
- Peak domestic tourism
- Crowded attractions
- Higher prices
Best Seasons
Spring (March-May)
- Comfortable temperatures
- Beautiful blooms
- Festival celebrations
- Fewer tourists
Fall (September-November)
- Pleasant weather
- Clear skies
- Autumn colors
- Lower humidity
15 Reasons Why China is Perfect for Family Travel
Diverse Experiences
When people think of China, they often imagine just big cities or ancient temples. But China offers an incredible variety of experiences that naturally captivate children's curiosity, from modern metropolises to peaceful gardens, from mountain villages to bustling markets.
- Many different landscapes and cultures to explore
- Various food options for every taste
- Children marvel at everything they see
- Each city offers unique experiences
Easy Transportation
One of our biggest surprises was how modern and efficient Chinese transportation is. The high-speed rail network puts European trains to shame, and the metro systems are cleaner and more modern than what you'll find in London or Paris.
- Reliable high-speed train network
- Extensive and modern metro systems in big cities
- Climate-controlled carriages (choice of 'cold' or 'cool' in Beijing)
- Easy to reach almost every corner of the country
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Outstanding Safety
As parents, safety was our top concern, and China exceeded our expectations. The level of public safety we experienced was remarkable, even in the largest cities, making it perfect for families with young children.
- Extremely safe compared to many Western cities
- Streets feel safe even after dark
- Public spaces filled with families at night
- People eating out and having fun in the evenings
Magda Sawyer
Excellent Healthcare
We unfortunately had to test the healthcare system during our trip, but it turned out to be a surprisingly positive experience. The quality of care and efficiency of service was impressive, especially compared to what we're used to in Europe.
- Good quality medical service
- No long queues
- People willing to help foreigners
- Affordable care
Magda Sawyer
Rich Cultural Experiences
Every day in China brings opportunities for children to experience something they've never seen before. The culture is still very much alive and visible in daily life, not just in museums or tourist sites.
- Living history and traditions
- Special festivals (like the lantern festival)
- Whole cities participate in celebrations
- Authentic cultural experiences
Kid-Friendly Food
Even if your children are picky eaters, China offers plenty of simple, child-friendly options. Our toddler never went hungry, and we were constantly discovering new foods that both our children enjoyed.
- Plenty of rice and noodle dishes
- Various types of dumplings
- Steamed buns kids love
- Plain options for picky eaters
Magda Sawyer
Incredibly Friendly People
The warmth and friendliness of Chinese people towards families with children was overwhelming. We experienced more genuine hospitality here than anywhere else we've traveled.
- Some of the friendliest people you'll meet
- Genuinely helpful when you're lost
- Often give small gifts to children
- True hospitality experiences
Special attention towards babies
If you're traveling with babies or young children, prepare for star treatment. Chinese people have a special affection for children, and foreign babies often receive extra attention and care.
- Local people adore babies
- Extra attention for features like blue eyes or curly hair
- People want to interact with children
- Well-intentioned interest in foreign babies
Family-Friendly Hotels
Chinese hotels understand what families need. We were consistently impressed by the thoughtful amenities and services provided specifically for families with young children.
- Dedicated family rooms
- Themed rooms for children
- Child-specific amenities
- Playrooms and children's pools
Budget-Friendly Travel
Despite being an incredibly modern country, China remains surprisingly affordable for family travel. Outside of international flights and visas, daily costs are much lower than equivalent experiences in Europe or America.
- Inexpensive train travel
- Very cheap metro tickets
- Affordable feasts ($2-3)
- Decent hotels for $50
Magda Sawyer
Educational Value
Every day in China is a learning opportunity for children. From language exposure to history, from trying new foods to understanding different customs, the educational value of traveling in China is immense.
- Natural language immersion
- Hands-on history lessons
- Cultural awareness development
- New perspectives on daily life
Modern Conveniences
China's rapid development means you'll find modern amenities everywhere you go. This makes traveling with children much easier than in many other Asian countries.
- Fast internet
- Modern shopping centers
- Public restrooms
- Western conveniences when needed
Amazing Parks and Public Spaces
Chinese cities excel at creating family-friendly public spaces. Every city has beautiful parks where children can run free and families can enjoy outdoor activities together.
- Large, well-maintained parks
- Morning tai chi sessions
- Free outdoor exercise equipment
- Dancing and music in the evenings
Magda Sawyer
Easy Day Trips
Most Chinese cities offer excellent day trip opportunities, making it easy to mix urban experiences with nature and historical sites. The efficient transport system means you can base yourself in one place and explore widely.
- Well-organized tourist infrastructure
- Efficient public transport to attractions
- Various options for all weather conditions
- Family-friendly facilities at most sites
Memorable Family Experiences
Perhaps the most important reason is the unique memories you'll create together. China offers experiences that simply aren't available anywhere else, making it perfect for creating lasting family memories.
- Unique cultural interactions
- One-of-a-kind photo opportunities
- Special moments with locals
- Adventures that bring families closer
Would you like me to expand on any of these points or add more specific examples from your experiences?
Things to Consider Before Your China Trip
Domestic Tourism is Intense
China's growing middle class means 1.4 billion people now have the means and desire to explore their own country. This has a huge impact on popular destinations. Chinese tourism has its own unique style - think large tour groups, synchronized photo sessions, and the latest trend of dressing up in "traditional" clothing for photos. During peak seasons, this can make famous sites feel more like theme parks than cultural destinations.
Summer is Not Your Friend
We learned this the hard way - summer travel in China comes with two major challenges:
- The heat is absolutely unbearable in most regions, especially when wearing a baby carrier
- It's peak domestic tourism season, making it impossible to find quiet spots
Tourist Infrastructure Changes Everything
If you're dreaming of discovering "wild China," you might need to adjust your expectations. Every natural wonder and historic site now comes complete with:
- Large parking lots
- Food stalls and souvenir shops
- Tourist facilities
- Developed pathways and viewing platforms
This isn't necessarily bad, but it's different from what many Western travelers might expect. There's limited hiking and camping culture here - sites are designed for "seeing" rather than "experiencing" at your own pace.
The Real China is in the Cities
Here's the truth we discovered: the romanticized "wild China" where time stands still is largely gone. While you might find that one last "authentic" village, that's not representative of modern China. Instead, we found the real magic in the cities, which surprised us by being:
- Incredibly liveable, especially those with metro systems
- Full of life and energy
- Rich with friendly people eager to chat
- Packed with great food options
- Dotted with beautiful parks and public spaces
Timing is Everything
Consider visiting during shoulder seasons when:
- The weather is more bearable
- Domestic tourist numbers are lower
- You can actually enjoy the sites
Though be warned - completely empty tourist sites can feel a bit eerie too.
The Takeaway
Come to China not expecting to find a time capsule, but rather to experience a dynamic, modern country that still maintains strong connections to its traditions. The magic lies in embracing what China is today, rather than searching for what it used to be.
Ready to Plan Your Big China Adventure?
✈️ Book your flights
🏨 Find hotels
🚂 Reserve train tickets
🎫 Book activities
🚌 Book a tour
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
