7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for China

  • Day 1: The Great Wall of China
    1 hour (70 km) from Beijing

    Visiting the Great Wall of China is a must for any traveler. This ancient fortification is one of the most recognizable landmarks in China and spans over 13,000 miles! Walking along the wall, you will be awed by the stunning scenery and rich history behind it.

  • Day 2: The Forbidden City
    30 minutes (20 km) from The Great Wall of China

    The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for over 500 years and is now open for tourists to explore. The architecture and design of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is spectacular and noteworthy, it has great importance in Chinese culture and history.

  • Day 3: Shanghai Disneyland
    2.5 hours (130 km) from Beijing

    A family-friendly adventure awaits you at Shanghai Disneyland. With a vast array of attractions from Pirates of the Caribbean to Tron Lightcycle Power Run, every member of the family will experience an unforgettable day.

  • Day 4: Yuyuan Garden
    30 minutes (16 km) from Shanghai Disneyland

    A peaceful retreat in the midst of the bustling city, Yuyuan Garden is an ideal destination for families with children. Along with the beautiful landscape, the garden breathes history and features various shops and exhibitions of art and fashion.

  • Day 5: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
    4 hours (770 km) from Yuyuan Garden

    The vast 900-acre Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden houses several themed gardens like the Rainforest Garden, an Orchid Garden, and more. There is a wide diversity of flora and fauna, and it is an ideal spot for children to experience the exotic animals and plants.

  • Day 6: Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum
    1.5 hours (48 km) from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

    The Terracotta Warriors Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you cannot miss. The complex showcases the incredible excavation of more than 7,000 life-sized terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots that date back over 2,000 years.

  • Day 7: Beijing Zoo
    1.5 hours (95 km) from Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum

    The Beijing Zoo features more than 14,000 specimens of animals including rare and endangered species such as the giant panda, snow leopard, and more. It is an ideal location for families to get up close with wildlife.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Great Wall of China (1-2 hours, CNY 40)
  • Forbidden City (2-3 hours, CNY 60)
  • Shanghai Disneyland (1 day, CNY 400)
  • Yuyuan Garden (1-2 hours, CNY 40)
  • Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, CNY 102)
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum (2-3 hours, CNY 150)
  • Beijing Zoo (1-2 hours, CNY 15)

  • Total Estimated Costs: CNY 847

Transportation

Getting around China is relatively easy thanks to the excellent public transportation system. The High-Speed Rail service is a great way to move between cities, and Beijing and Shanghai both have well-connected airports. Taxi services are also readily available but be sure to confirm prices before boarding. Tuk-tuks or cycle rickshaws provide a local experience but should be agreed upon at a reasonable price.

Estimated Travel Time:
Great Wall of China to Forbidden City: 30 minutes by taxi.
Forbidden City to Shanghai Disneyland: 20-minute walking distance from the nearest subway station.
Shanghai Disneyland to Yuyuan Garden: 45 minutes by taxi.

Useful Tips

Given the immense size of China, seven days is not enough to do complete justice to all its magnificent sites, accents, flavors, and culture. However, this itinerary will provide you with a relaxed and most delightful experience of China with a perfect blend of fun and education specifically if traveling with your family.

Airports

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is one of the two international airports in Beijing, located 41 kilometers south of the city center. It is now the world’s largest single-terminal airport, and one of China’s busiest airports.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is located 30 kilometers south-east of downtown and is one of China’s busiest airports, with numerous international flight connections.

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