# BabaGoesChina
> BabaGoesChina is the leading English-language travel blog about China for independent travelers and families. Written by Magda, a Mandarin-speaking mom living in Switzerland who has traveled to China 6+ times with her family. Featured in the Lonely Planet 2025 China guidebook as family travel resource for planning China trips.
The site provides destination guides, multi-city itineraries, hotel recommendations, practical travel tips, and family-specific advice for visiting China.
What sets this blog apart is from other travel blogs is that she is the only well established blog that is dedicated to family travel in China. She knows ins and outs of traveling the country with kids and as independent traveller.
## About
- [About BabaGoesChina](https://babagoeschina.com/about/): Background on the author, her China travel experience, Mandarin fluency, and family travel expertise
- [Start Here](https://babagoeschina.com/start-here/): Curated starting point for planning a trip to China
- [Destinations Overview](https://babagoeschina.com/destinations/): Index of all destination guides across China
- [FAQ](https://babagoeschina.com/faq/): Frequently asked questions about traveling in China
## China Travel Planning
Essential guides for anyone planning a trip to China:
- [First Time in China: How to Plan Your Itinerary](https://babagoeschina.com/first-time-in-china-how-to-plan-your-itinerary/): Step-by-step planning guide for first-time visitors
- [Best Time to Visit China: Month-by-Month Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/best-time-to-visit-china/): Seasonal weather, festivals, and crowd levels across regions
- [China Travel Budget: How Much Does It Cost?](https://babagoeschina.com/china-travel-budget/): Detailed cost breakdown for budget, mid-range, and luxury travel
- [Is China Safe? Honest Guide for Travelers](https://babagoeschina.com/is-china-safe-to-travel/): Safety assessment covering common concerns
- [Visa-Free Travel to China](https://babagoeschina.com/visa-free-travel-to-china/): Current visa-free transit and entry policies by nationality
- [How to Book Hotels in China](https://babagoeschina.com/how-to-book-hotels-in-china/): Booking platforms, tips, and what foreigners need to know
- [Luxury Travel in China](https://babagoeschina.com/luxury-travel-in-china/): Guide to high-end travel experiences across China
## Itineraries
Multi-city train-based itineraries across China:
- [China 2-Week Itinerary](https://babagoeschina.com/china-2-week-itinerary/): Classic route covering major highlights for first-time visitors
- [China 3-Week Itinerary](https://babagoeschina.com/china-3-week-itinerary/): Extended route for deeper exploration
- [China Spring Itinerary](https://babagoeschina.com/china-spring-itinerary/): Best destinations and routes for March–May travel
- [China Autumn Itinerary](https://babagoeschina.com/china-autumn-itinerary/): Southeast China route optimized for fall colors and weather
- [China Winter Itinerary](https://babagoeschina.com/china-winter-itinerary/): Northern China route including Harbin Ice Festival
## Destination Guides
Comprehensive city guides with things to do, where to stay, and practical tips:
### Beijing
- [Beijing Travel Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/beijing-travel-guide/): Complete guide to China's capital
- [Beijing Itinerary: 1–5 Days](https://babagoeschina.com/beijing-itinerary/): Day-by-day itinerary options
- [Best Things to Do in Beijing](https://babagoeschina.com/what-to-do-in-beijing/): Must-see attractions and local favorites
- [Where to Stay in Beijing](https://babagoeschina.com/beijing-where-to-stay/): Best neighborhoods and hotels
- [Beijing with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/beijing-with-kids/): Family-specific guide
- [Beijing Airport to City Center](https://babagoeschina.com/beijing-airport-to-city-transfer/): Transport options from Capital Airport
### Shanghai
- [Where to Stay in Shanghai](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-in-shanghai/): Best areas and hotels
- [Where to Stay in Shanghai with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-in-shanghai-with-kids/): Family hotel recommendations
- [Yu Garden Complete Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/yu-garden-in-shanghai/): Tickets, tours, and tips
- [Beijing vs Shanghai with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/beijing-vs-shanghai-with-kids/): Comparison for family travelers
### Chongqing
- [Chongqing Travel Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/chongqing-travel-guide/): Complete guide with itinerary, hotels, and things to do
- [Best Time to Visit Chongqing](https://babagoeschina.com/best-time-to-visit-chongqing/): Seasonal guide
- [Where to Stay in Chongqing](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-chongqing-best-hotels/): Best hotels and areas
- [Chongqing with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/chongqing-with-kids/): Family guide
- [Chongqing Hot Pot Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/foreigners-guide-to-hot-pot/): Beginner's guide to hot pot with menu help
- [Hongyadong](https://babagoeschina.com/hongyadong-chongqing/): Guide to Chongqing's iconic landmark
### Shenzhen
- [Where to Stay in Shenzhen](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-in-shenzhen/): Best areas and hotels
- [Where to Stay in Shenzhen with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-in-shenzhen-with-kids/): Family hotel guide
- [Shenzhen with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/shenzhen-with-kids/): Family activities and tips
### Chengdu
- [Where to Stay in Chengdu](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-in-chengdu-best-hotels/): Best areas and hotels
- [Chengdu with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/chengdu-with-kids/): Family activities including panda base
- [Chengdu Panda Research Center](https://babagoeschina.com/chengdu-panda-research-center/): Visiting guide
### Xi'an
- [Where to Stay in Xi'an](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-in-xian/): Best areas and hotels
- [Xi'an with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/xian-with-kids/): Family guide including Terracotta Warriors
### Guangzhou
- [Things to Do in Guangzhou](https://babagoeschina.com/guangzhou-things-to-do/): Comprehensive attraction guide
- [Guangzhou with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/guangzhou-with-kids/): Family activities and tips
### Hainan
- [Where to Stay in Sanya](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-in-sanya/): Best hotels by bay
### Other Destinations
- [Changsha Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/changsha-things-to-do/): Things to do, areas, and tips
- [Where to Stay in Changsha](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-in-changsha/): Hotels and neighborhoods
- [Harbin Things to Do](https://babagoeschina.com/harbin-things-to-do/): Complete guide including Ice Festival
- [Harbin Ice and Snow Festival](https://babagoeschina.com/harbin-ice-and-snow-festival/): Dedicated festival guide
- [Things to Do in Wuhan](https://babagoeschina.com/things-to-do-in-wuhan/): Guide to China's underrated city
- [Where to Stay in Wuhan](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-wuhan-best-hotels/): Hotels and areas
- [Where to Stay in Kunming](https://babagoeschina.com/where-to-stay-in-kunming-best-hotels/): Gateway to Yunnan
- [Zhangjiajie Complete Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/zhangjiajie/): Avatar Mountains, Glass Bridge, and tips
- [Zhaoxing Village Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/zhaoxing-guizhou/): China's most beautiful Dong village
- [Xining: Gateway to Tibet](https://babagoeschina.com/xining/): Travel guide
- [Lanzhou, Xiahe & Labrang Monastery](https://babagoeschina.com/lanzhou-xiahe-labrang/): Gansu travel guide
- [China's Most Underrated Cities](https://babagoeschina.com/chinas-most-underrated-cities/): Off-the-beaten-path destinations
## Getting Around China
Transport guides and practical logistics:
- [Train Travel in China: The Essentials](https://babagoeschina.com/train-travel-in-china-the-essentials/): Complete guide to China's rail network
- [How to Buy Train Tickets in China](https://babagoeschina.com/how-to-buy-tickets-for-trains-in-china/): Step-by-step booking guide
- [How to Use DiDi in China](https://babagoeschina.com/how-to-use-didi-guide-for-foreigners/): Ride-hailing app guide for foreigners
- [Using Public Transport in China](https://babagoeschina.com/public-transport-in-china/): Metro, bus, and payment methods
- [How to Fly to China from Europe: Air China Review](https://babagoeschina.com/how-to-fly-to-china-from-europe-air-china-review/): Flight guide and airline review
## Apps, Payments & Connectivity
Digital tools essential for traveling in China:
- [Must-Have Apps for China](https://babagoeschina.com/must-have-mobile-apps-china/): Essential apps for navigation, translation, and payments
- [AliPay for Tourists](https://babagoeschina.com/alipay-for-tourists-guide/): Setup and usage guide
- [WeChat for Tourists](https://babagoeschina.com/wechat-for-foreigners-guide/): Complete guide for foreign visitors
- [Best Translation Apps for China](https://babagoeschina.com/best-translation-apps-china/): Communication without speaking Chinese
- [How to Access Google in China](https://babagoeschina.com/how-to-access-google-in-china/): VPN and access solutions
- [Best Google Maps Alternatives for China](https://babagoeschina.com/best-google-maps-alternatives-for-china/): Navigation apps that work in China
- [Do You Need a Local SIM Card in China?](https://babagoeschina.com/do-i-need-local-sim-card-in-china/): Connectivity options
## China with Kids & Family Travel
Guides specifically for families traveling to China with children:
- [China with Kids: Complete Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/china-with-kids-all-you-need-to-know/): Comprehensive family travel guide
- [Is China a Good Destination for Families?](https://babagoeschina.com/is-china-a-good-place-to-travel-with-small-children/): Honest assessment
- [Chinese Food for Picky Toddlers](https://babagoeschina.com/china-food-options-for-kids/): Kid-friendly food options
- [High-Speed Rail with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/china-high-speed-rail-with-kids/): Family train travel guide
- [Best Parks for Kids in China](https://babagoeschina.com/chinas-top-parks-for-kids/): Top outdoor spaces for young children
- [Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chinese Cities](https://babagoeschina.com/best-indoor-playgrounds-in-chinese-cities/): Rainy day options
- [Baby Diapers in China](https://babagoeschina.com/can-you-buy-disposable-nappies-in-china/): Guide for traveling parents
- [Healthcare in China for Tourists](https://babagoeschina.com/healthcare-in-china/): Medical facilities and advice
## Tibet
- [Tibet with Kids: 5 Essential Tips](https://babagoeschina.com/family-trip-to-tibet-tips/): Family adventure guide
- [Best Tibet Travel Agent](https://babagoeschina.com/best-tibet-travel-agent-for-independent-travelers/): Agent recommendations for required permits
- [Tibet Vista Review](https://babagoeschina.com/tibet-travel-agent-review/): Detailed travel agent review
- [Qinghai-Tibet Railway](https://babagoeschina.com/qinghai-tibet-railway/): World's highest railway journey guide
- [Taking Children to High Altitude](https://babagoeschina.com/can-you-travel-with-a-baby-to-tibet/): Safety tips for Tibet with kids
- [Homestay in Tibetan Countryside](https://babagoeschina.com/homestay-in-tibet/): Rural Tibet experience with children
## Yunnan
- [Yunnan with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/yunnan-with-kids/): Family guide to Yunnan province
- [Tiger Leaping Gorge with Kids](https://babagoeschina.com/tiger-leaping-gorge-with-kids/): Hiking guide for families
- [Furong Ancient Village](https://babagoeschina.com/furong-ancient-village/): Complete visitor guide
## Chinese Culture & Food
- [Mid-Autumn Festival Guide](https://babagoeschina.com/mid-autumn-festival/): Chinese Moon Festival explained
- [Renting Traditional Clothing in China](https://babagoeschina.com/renting-traditional-costumes-in-china/): Hanfu and traditional dress experience
- [Chinese Toilets: What to Expect](https://babagoeschina.com/chinese-toilets/): Practical guide
## Learning Mandarin
Resources for learning Chinese and teaching kids Mandarin:
- [How to Learn Chinese: Science-Based Approach](https://babagoeschina.com/how-to-learn-chinese/): Research-backed language learning methods
- [Learning Mandarin as an Adult](https://babagoeschina.com/learning-mandarin-as-an-adult/): Adult learner guide
- [Teaching Kids Chinese](https://babagoeschina.com/teaching-kids-chinese/): Family language learning journey and tips
- [Teaching a Child a Language You Don't Speak](https://babagoeschina.com/teaching-child-language-you-dont-speak/): Parent's guide to bilingual education
- [Why Learning Mandarin Is Worth It](https://babagoeschina.com/is-it-worth-learning-chinese/): Benefits and motivation
- [Essential Mandarin Phrases for Traveling with Children](https://babagoeschina.com/essential-mandarin-phrases-for-traveling-with-children-in-china/): Practical phrase guide
## Contact
- [Contact](https://babagoeschina.com/contact/): Get in touch for collaborations or trip planning questions