Family-Friendly Destinations in China

If you are planning to visit China with your family then I have some of the top family-friendly destinations to consider visiting on your trip. Also, these are only a few destinations that you can visit with your family. Most of China’s destinations are family-friendly, but the ones that I’ve chosen to introduce to you are the destinations that kids love the most. 

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is the first Disney resort in mainland China. It was opened in June 2016. It is located in the Pudong District of Shanghai, this enchanting theme park blends classic Disney charm with unique Chinese cultural elements. Spanning 963 acres, it offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages. One of the top rated family-friendly destinations in China.

• Location: Chuansha New Town, Pudong District, Shanghai
• Size: 963 acres
• Tickets: Monday to Friday ¥1,199.00/ ¥1,512.00;  Weekend ¥1,815- These are prices for two parents and one child
• Chinese Name: 上海迪士尼乐园 (Shànghǎi Díshìní Lèyuán)

What to See and Expect

• Mickey Avenue: The entrance area, featuring shops, eateries, and character meet-and-greets.
• Gardens of Imagination: Beautiful gardens with whimsical landscapes, hosting the iconic Disney castle shows and parades.
• Fantasyland: Home to the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest Disney castle in the world, along with classic attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
• Adventure Isle: Offers thrilling attractions such as Roaring Rapids and Soaring Over the Horizon, providing an adventurous experience.
• Treasure Cove: Themed around pirates, featuring the popular Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure ride.
• Tomorrowland: A futuristic area with high-tech attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue.
• Toy Story Land: Themed around the beloved Toy Story movies, featuring rides and interactive experiences for younger visitors.

Tips from experienced tour guide

• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays, particularly during the off-peak seasons (spring and autumn), to avoid large crowds and long wait times.
• Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance to secure entry and avoid queues. Consider getting a two-day pass to explore all the attractions.
• Plan Your Day: Arrive early and use the Disneyland app to check wait times, show schedules, and dining options. Make use of the FastPass system to maximize your time.
• Dining: The park offers a range of dining options, from quick snacks to full meals. Try local favorites at the Wandering Moon Teahouse or enjoy international cuisine at Lumière’s Kitchen.
• Parades and Shows: Don’t miss the daily parades and evening fireworks show at the Enchanted Storybook Castle for a truly magical experience.

• Getting There:
• Metro: Line 11 to Disney Resort Station, then a short walk to the park entrance.
• Bus: Several bus routes, including routes 50, 51, and 52, service the resort area.
• What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. An extern al battery pack for your phone can also be helpful.
• Accessibility: The park is fully accessible, with services available for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair rentals and accessible restrooms.

Good to know

• Chinese Cultural Elements: The park incorporates unique Chinese cultural elements, such as Chinese zodiac murals in the Gardens of Imagination and traditional Chinese food options in the dining areas.
• Largest Disney Castle: The Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest and most interactive Disney castle, offering a boat ride, character meet-and-greets, and a restaurant.

Chimelong Safari Park

Chimelong Safari Park is located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. It is one of China’s largest and most impressive wildlife parks. Part of the Chimelong Tourist Resort, the park spans over 1,333 acres and is home to over 500 species and 20,000 rare animals. Opened in 1997, the park aims to combine wildlife conservation, research, and public education, offering visitors an immersive experience with a wide range of animals from around the world.

• Location: Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
• Established: 1997.
• Area: 1,333 acres.
• Species: Over 500.
• Animals: More than 20,000.

What you will see there

• Safari On Wheels: An exciting feature where visitors can drive through different animal habitats in their own cars or take the park’s guided tour buses. This experience brings you up close to animals like lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos roaming freely.
• Walking Safari: A pedestrian section where visitors can walk through various themed zones to see a diverse range of animals in naturalistic enclosures. Key areas include the Panda Village, Koala House, and the Rainforest Zone.

• Animal Shows and Performances: The park hosts several entertaining and educational animal shows, including elephant, sea lion, and bird performances, which showcase the animals’ natural behaviors and talents.
• Interactive Experiences: Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences such as feeding giraffes, elephants, and other animals. There are also opportunities to take photos with certain animals under the guidance of park staff.
• Rare and Endangered Species: The park is home to some of the world’s most endangered animals, including giant pandas, white tigers, and South China tigers. It is a key site for breeding and conservation programs.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan Your Visit: Allocate a full day to explore the park, as it is vast and there are many attractions to see. Check the schedule for animal shows and plan your day around them.
• Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen, as you will be spending a lot of time outdoors.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring water bottles to stay hydrated for you and your kids, especially during the hotter months. There are also various food and drink stalls throughout the park.
• Use the Park’s Transportation: Take advantage of the park’s shuttle services and safari buses to cover more ground and see more animals without getting too tired.
• Respect the Animals: Follow all park rules regarding animal interactions. Do not feed the animals unless permitted, and avoid loud noises that might disturb them.
• Visit the Panda Village Early: The giant pandas are most active in the morning, so visiting the Panda Village early in the day increases your chances of seeing them move around.
• Check Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast before your visit, as some activities and shows might be affected by bad weather.
• Purchase Tickets in Advance: To avoid long lines, buy your tickets online in advance. The park also offers combo tickets for other attractions within the Chimelong Tourist Resort, which can be a good deal.

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ocean Park Hong Kong is another wonderful family-friendly destination in China. It is major theme park and marine mammal park located in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. It is one of Hong Kong’s premier attractions, blending entertainment, education, and conservation. The park covers an area of 91.5 hectares and is divided into two main sections: the Waterfront and the Summit, connected by the Ocean Express funicular railway and a scenic cable car ride.

• Location: Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan, Southern District, Hong Kong.
• Established: 1977.
• Area: 91.5 hectares.
• Sections: Waterfront and Summit.
• Annual Visitors: Over 5 million.

What to See/Expect

Marine Life Exhibits:

• Aqua City: Home to the Grand Aquarium, showcasing over 5,000 fish from 400 species. The aquarium features a massive viewing dome and a panoramic underwater tunnel.
• Pacific Pier: A coastal habitat housing sea lions, seals, and various other marine animals.
• Shark Mystique: A thrilling exhibit with over 100 sharks and rays from different species.

Animal Exhibits:

• Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures: Home to the park’s giant pandas, red pandas, and Chinese giant salamanders.
• Amazing Asian Animals: Features a variety of Asian animals, including the endangered Chinese alligator, Asian small-clawed otters, and various bird species.

Rides and Attractions:

• Thrill Mountain: Home to exhilarating rides like the Hair Raiser roller coaster, the Flash, and the Whirly Bird.
• Adventure Land: Features attractions like the Raging River and the Mine Train.
• Rainforest: Offers a river rapids ride and interactive exhibits showcasing the biodiversity of tropical rainforests.

Shows and Performances:

• Ocean Theatre: Hosts spectacular dolphin and sea lion shows, emphasizing marine conservation and animal behaviors.
• Whiskers Theatre: Offers entertaining and educational performances featuring a variety of animals.

Interactive Experiences:

• Animal Encounters: Opportunities to get up close and personal with animals, such as feeding penguins or meeting dolphins.
• Interactive Exhibits: Engaging displays and touch pools where visitors can learn about marine life and conservation efforts.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan Your Visit: Ocean Park is vast, so allocate a full day to explore. Check the show schedule and plan your visit around the performance times to maximize your experience.
• Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially during the hot summer months.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated. There are various dining options throughout the park, from quick snacks to full meals.
• Use the Transportation: Take advantage of the Ocean Express funicular and the cable car to move between the Waterfront and the Summit sections of the park. The cable car offers stunning views of the South China Sea.
• Buy Tickets in Advance: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance. Consider seasonal passes if you plan to visit multiple times.
• Arrive Early: Arrive when the park opens to beat the crowds and have the best chance of seeing popular exhibits and shows.
• Check the Weather: Ocean Park is an outdoor attraction, so check the weather forecast and bring appropriate gear. Some attractions may close in adverse weather conditions.
• Respect the Animals: Follow all guidelines regarding animal interactions. Do not feed the animals unless part of a supervised activity, and be mindful of noise and behavior to avoid disturbing them.

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

If you are visiting China in winter with your family, than you must visit the Harbin Ice and snow Festival. It is one of the world’s largest and most spectacular ice and snow festivals. The festival typically starts in late December and lasts until late February, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. It showcases stunning ice and snow sculptures, vibrant light displays, and a variety of winter activities, transforming Harbin into a winter wonderland.

• Location: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
• Established: 1985.
• Duration: Late December to late February.
• Main Venues: Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Scenic Area, and Zhaolin Park.

What you will see there

• Ice and Snow World: The most famous part of the festival, features massive ice structures, replicas of famous landmarks, ice castles, and intricate sculptures illuminated by colorful lights. Visitors can explore ice slides, ice mazes, and ice skating rinks within this frozen cityscape.
• Sun Island Scenic Area: Known for its impressive snow sculptures, Sun Island hosts large-scale snow art created by artists from around the world. The snow sculptures range from mythical creatures to scenes from Chinese culture, providing a breathtaking visual experience.
• Zhaolin Park: This venue is famous for its ice lanterns and smaller ice sculptures, creating a magical atmosphere with intricate designs and artistic craftsmanship. The park features ice pavilions, bridges, and various themed displays.

• Winter Activities: The festival offers a wide range of winter sports and activities, including ice skating, sledding, snowboarding, and ice fishing. Visitors can also enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiles, and ice sailing on the Songhua River.
• Cultural Events: The festival hosts various cultural performances, including traditional Chinese dance, music, and fireworks displays. Ice swimming competitions and winter swimming shows in the Songhua River are also popular attractions.

Tips for Visiting

• Dress Warmly: Harbin experiences extremely cold temperatures during the festival, often dropping below -20°C (-4°F). Wear thermal clothing, a good-quality winter coat, gloves, hats, and warm boots.
• Plan Ahead: The festival can get very crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. Plan your visit on weekdays and arrive early to avoid the peak crowds.
• Stay Hydrated and Energized: Bring hot drinks in a thermos and snacks to keep yourself warm and energized while exploring the festival grounds.
• Photography Tips: The ice and snow sculptures are especially beautiful at night when illuminated. Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities and extra batteries, as cold weather can drain battery life quickly.
• Explore the City: Harbin itself has much to offer, including the historic St. Sophia Cathedral, Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie) with its Russian-influenced architecture, and the Siberian Tiger Park.
• Accommodation: Book your accommodation well in advance, as hotels fill up quickly during the festival period. Choose a hotel close to the festival venues for convenience.
• Transportation: Harbin has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and taxis. Consider using ride-sharing apps for ease of travel.
• Health Precautions: Keep yourself warm to avoid frostbite. Take breaks indoors to warm up, especially if traveling with children or elderly family members.