14-Day Family-Friendly China Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Beijing Introduction

Morning: Arrive in Beijing and check into your family-friendly hotel. Take some rest to adjust to the time zone.

Afternoon: Visit Tiananmen Square for a gentle introduction to the city's history and culture.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed stroll and dinner at the Wangfujing Night Market, sampling local snacks and exploring the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Beijing Historical Highlights

Morning: Explore the iconic Forbidden City with its vast palace grounds, perfect for kids to marvel at ancient architecture.

Afternoon: Walk through the nearby Jingshan Park to enjoy panoramic views of Beijing.

Evening: Attend a family-friendly performance such as the Peking Opera or a traditional acrobatics show.

Day 3: The Great Wall Adventure

Morning: Head to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a section known for its scenic beauty and cable car access, making it easier for children.

Afternoon: Picnic and explore the Wall, taking it at a gentle pace suited for the family.

Evening: Return to Beijing and relax at the hotel or enjoy a casual family dinner nearby.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Train

Morning: Visit the Summer Palace to enjoy boat rides and gardens, a fun outdoor experience for children.

Afternoon: Transfer to the train station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an.

Evening: Arrive in Xi’an and settle into your accommodation, with dinner at a family-friendly restaurant offering local flavors.

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors Exploration

Morning: Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, an awe-inspiring site that fascinates both adults and children.

Afternoon: Explore the Huaqing Hot Springs nearby with its beautiful gardens and historical significance.

Evening: Stroll the Muslim Quarter, sampling street food and experiencing the lively atmosphere.

Day 6: Ancient City Wall and Cultural Activities

Morning: Rent bikes and cycle around the well-preserved Xi’an City Wall, a fun family activity offering great views.

Afternoon: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum for interactive exhibits suited to kids.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty Dinner Show featuring music, dance, and costumes.

Day 7: Xi’an to Chengdu

Morning: Fly from Xi’an to Chengdu, the home of adorable giant pandas.

Afternoon: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where the family can see pandas up close.

Evening: Try a relaxed family dinner with Sichuan cuisine at a mild-flavored restaurant to suit children.

Day 8: Chengdu Cultural Day

Morning: Explore Jinli Ancient Street, packed with shops and snacks, and entertainment for kids.

Afternoon: Visit the Wuhou Shrine to learn about Three Kingdoms history in an engaging environment.

Evening: Relax with a family walk in People's Park, where you can see local life and possibly enjoy tea at a teahouse.

Day 9: Chengdu to Guilin

Morning: Fly to Guilin, famous for its stunning karst mountains and rivers.

Afternoon: Explore the Reed Flute Cave, a colorful limestone cave that delights children.

Evening: Walk along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area with beautiful night views and gentle boat rides.

Day 10: Li River Cruise

Morning: Take a family-friendly Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, enjoying spectacular landscapes.

Afternoon: Arrive in Yangshuo and explore the countryside by bike or on foot.

Evening: Attend the Impression Liu Sanjie light show, an outdoor performance set on the river.

Day 11: Yangshuo Exploration

Morning: Visit Moon Hill for an easy hike and family photos.

Afternoon: Try a cooking class suitable for children or a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River.

Evening: Relax in Yangshuo’s town center, enjoying local snacks and open spaces for kids to play.

Day 12: Return to Guilin and Flight to Shanghai

Morning: Travel back to Guilin and visit the Elephant Trunk Hill, a symbolic Guilin landmark.

Afternoon: Fly to Shanghai and check in to a family-oriented hotel.

Evening: Take an evening walk along The Bund to see Shanghai’s illuminated skyline.

Day 13: Shanghai Family Highlights

Morning: Visit the Shanghai Natural History Museum with hands-on exhibits for children.

Afternoon: Explore Yu Garden and the adjacent bazaar, an engaging area for the whole family.

Evening: Enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise to see the city's lights from the water.

Day 14: Departure Day

Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, take a gentle walk or visit a local park such as Century Park.

Afternoon: Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure.

Evening: –

Time and Cost Estimates

• Tiananmen Square / Forbidden City: 3-4 hours, approx. $15 per adult, $5 per child
• Great Wall at Mutianyu: 5-6 hours, approx. $30 per adult, $15 per child
• High-Speed Train Beijing to Xi’an: 5-6 hours, approx. $80 per adult, $40 per child
• Terracotta Warriors Museum: 3 hours, approx. $25 per adult, $12 per child
• Flight Xi’an to Chengdu: 1.5 hours, approx. $60 per person
• Chengdu Panda Base: 3 hours, approx. $20 per adult, $10 per child
• Flight Chengdu to Guilin: 2 hours, approx. $70 per person
• Li River Cruise: 4-5 hours, approx. $50 per adult, $25 per child
• Flight Guilin to Shanghai: 2.5 hours, approx. $80 per person
• Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise: 1 hour, approx. $20 per adult, $10 per child

Total Estimated Cost: $635 per adult, $297 per child

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding an extra day in Yangshuo for more outdoor activities or spend an additional day in Shanghai visiting Disneyland, which is great for families. To reduce the trip duration, remove the Chengdu and Guilin segments and focus on Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, concentrating on key highlights to minimize travel time and costs.