Beijing
Explore destinations and travel stories
Welcome to Baba Goes China!
I'm Magda β I share authentic family adventures in China, with practical tips and honest reviews to help you plan your own trip.
AS FEATURED IN
Lonely Planet China 2025 Edition
Lonely Planet about Baba goes China:
"The babagoeschina.com blog also has lots of useful tips for travelling in China with kids."
About this site
Hey, I'm Magda! π
δ½ ε₯½ and welcome! My family and I accidentally fell in love with China during a 5-week trip with our daughters (ages 4 months and 2.5 years at the time).
What started as a COVID-postponed dream became our biggest travel obsession. Now we're learning Mandarin, celebrating Chinese festivals, and planning our next adventure.
Why This Blog Exists
Honestly? Planning that first China trip was scary. I couldn't find practical info anywhere and kept wondering things like "Will we find diapers?" (Yes, everywhere!)
So I created the resource I wish I'd had - real advice from a real family who's been there, done that, and loved every chaotic minute of it.
What You'll Find Here
βοΈ Detailed destination guides with real family experiences
πΊοΈ Practical itineraries tested with kids in tow
π¨ Honest recommendations for hotels, tours, and activities
π£οΈ Mandarin learning resources for the whole family
π¨ Cultural insights to enrich your China experience
Trust me, it's easier than you think!
China Travel Essentials
WeChat for Tourists: All You Need To Know (2025)
Step-by-Step Setup & Tips for Using WeChat in China
How to Use DiDi in China
Complete Guide for Foreigners (2025)
Must-have apps for a trip to China (2025)
All the essential apps to make your trip to China as frictionless as possible
Traveling with Kids
Beijing vs Shanghai: Which Chinese City to Visit First (+ Family Tips)
Beijing or Shanghai β which Chinese city should you visit? An honest comparison of culture, cost, vibe, and family-friendliness from six trips to China.
China with Kids: Yes, You Can Do This β Here's How
All-in-one trip planning advice from a family who keeps coming back (6 times and counting!)
A homestay in Tibetan countryside - with children!
Taking a baby and a toddler to a homestay in a village in the countryside near Lhasa
Plan Your Trip
Latest From the Blog
Shanghai Itinerary: How to Spend 3-5 Perfect Days (2026)
A realistic day-by-day Shanghai itinerary β honest pacing, real restaurant tips, family-friendly alternatives, and what this trip actually costs
Exploring Milan's Chinatown: What It's Really Like
An honest guide to Milanβs Chinatown from someone who has been to China
China Travel: The How-To Guide For First-Timers
All you need to know to have knowledge and confidence to prepare for your first trip to Middle Kingdom
Best Things to Do in Chengdu β Top Attractions & Our Favorites
From pandas to hotpot, tea houses to light shows β best things to do in Chengdu. Honest picks from a family that keeps coming back.
We Were China Maxxing Before It Was Cool
Everyone on TikTok is suddenly in their "most Chinese time." We've been living ours for three years β with Mandarin lessons, regular trips to China, and a five-year-old who thinks she's Chinese.
![Where to Stay in Hong Kong: Best Hotels & Neighborhoods [2026 Guide]](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e0/dc/e0dc285d-c502-4f52-a032-962dec4e4cdc/content/images/size/w320/2026/03/IMG_6462.jpeg)
Where to Stay in Hong Kong: Best Hotels & Neighborhoods [2026 Guide]
Your guide to Hong Kong's best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget β from the harbour views of Tsim Sha Tsui to the local energy of Mong Kok.
![Where to Stay in Harbin: Best Areas and Hotels [2026 Guide]](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e0/dc/e0dc285d-c502-4f52-a032-962dec4e4cdc/content/images/size/w320/2026/03/IMG_1227.jpeg)
Where to Stay in Harbin: Best Areas and Hotels [2026 Guide]
Tested guide to Harbin's best areas and hotels. Central Street for sightseeing and food, Songbei for the Ice Festival β honest recommendations at every budget from someone who's visited twice.
![Where to Stay in Guangzhou: Best Areas and Hotels [2026 Guide]](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e0/dc/e0dc285d-c502-4f52-a032-962dec4e4cdc/content/images/size/w320/2026/03/IMG_4073.jpeg)
Where to Stay in Guangzhou: Best Areas and Hotels [2026 Guide]
Tested guide to Guangzhou's best neighbourhoods and hotels. From Canton Tower luxury to old-town Liwan charm to Chimelong theme parks β where to base yourself for every travel style and budget.
Traveling China with a Baby: Everything We Learned Over 6 Trips (2026)
Can you really travel China with a baby? We did it with a 4.5-month-old β here's everything we learned about feeding, diapers, transport, and what to expect from Chinese people (spoiler: they'll love your baby).
Pimsleur Chinese Review: The Audio Course That Changed How I Learn Mandarin
Pimsleur Chinese is an audio-based Mandarin course that builds speaking confidence fast. After using it across multiple levels before trips to China, here's my honest review β what it does well, where it falls short, and who it's best for.
Shanghai Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip to China's Most International City
Everything you need to know β when to visit, where to stay, what to eat & practical tips for independent travellers
Best Things to Do in Shanghai β Must-See Sights & Local Favourites
Get to know Shanghai beyond The Bund β our guide to the city's best attractions, hidden gems and neighbourhood walks