Beijing is a vibrant city that offers various tourist attractions suitable for families. Start by visiting the Forbidden City, which served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Next, head to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest square, adjacent to the Forbidden City. Finish the day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, one of China's most famous imperial temples.
Begin the day with a visit to the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Move on to the Ming Tombs, a series of mausoleums for Chinese emperors. Keep in mind that the climb to the Great Wall might be a challenge for younger children.
Shanghai is China's modern metropolis that has a variety of options for family fun. Start by exploring the Bund, Shanghai's waterfront that offers a panoramic view of the city's skyline. Take a high-speed elevator to the top of the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck to experience the impressive height of the city. End the day by exploring the various attractions at Disneyland Shanghai.
Spend the day at Oriental Pearl Tower, a TV tower with an observation deck, a revolving restaurant and a glass-bottomed observation deck. Next, visit the Shanghai Natural History Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits suitable for all ages. Head to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in the evening for shopping and dining.
Hangzhou is home to the famous West Lake, which offers picturesque scenery and boat rides. Visit the Lingyin Temple, featuring impressive stone carvings and Buddhist statues. End the day with a visit to Wuzhen Water Town, a picturesque village with a history of more than 1,300 years.
Explore the famous Humble Administrator's Garden, a UNESCO world heritage site that offers traditional Chinese horticulture. Next, visit the Suzhou Museum, which offers a variety of exhibitions on Suzhou's history and culture. End the day with a visit to Tongli Water Town, a well-preserved ancient water town.
Xi'an is the ancient capital of China and offers various historical attractions suitable for families. Start by exploring the Terracotta Army Museum, a UNESCO world heritage site that displays China's first emperor's Terracotta Army. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda with a variety of historical artifacts on display. End the day by taking a stroll on the City Wall of Xi'an.
Guilin is known for its picturesque scenery, and the Li River Cruise offers an excellent opportunity to experience it. Visit the Elephant Trunk Hill, a rock formation that resembles an elephant's trunk. End the day with a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, a set of caves with impressive rock formations.
Guangzhou is known for its culture, heritage, and modern architecture. Start by exploring the Baiyun Mountain, which offers panoramic views of Guangzhou's skyline. Visit the Chimelong Safari Park, a popular amusement park that offers various animal encounters. End the day by shopping and dining at the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street.
Begin the day by visiting the Canton Tower, an observation tower that offers panoramic views of Guangzhou. Next, visit the Guangzhou Opera House, a cultural landmark in Guangzhou with modern architecture. End the day with a visit to the Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou's largest park that offers various attractions, such as the Zhenhai Tower and the Five Ram Statue.
When traveling between cities in China, trains offer a comfortable and convenient option. The high-speed railway stations are well connected, and there are various train options available for different budgets. Taking a flight is also an option, but keep in mind that you need to arrive at airports early to get through security. Taxis and ride-hail services are also available in all cities. Budget CNY 20-30 for 5 km taxi rides and CNY 10-15 for ride-hail services.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Fujian Tulou in Xiamen, known for its unique earthen buildings that are part of the UNESCO world heritage site. Alternatively, consider subtracting one day from Guangzhou and taking a side trip to the nearby Foshan, known for its Kung Fu culture, Ancestral Temple, and local ceramic production.
The main airport that serves Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities in China is Beijing Capital International Airport (BJS), located 32 km from Beijing's city center. Shanghai has two airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), located 30 km from the city center, and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), located 13 km from the city center. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is located 28 km from the city center.