Top Attractions for Kids in China

1. Great Wall of China

Out of all the tourist attractions found in China, the Great Wall of China is perhaps the most popular and a representation of the country. In fact, it’s so massive that many believe it’s the only structure you’ll ever see in space (of course, that’s already been debunked). For many, the Wall represents a lot of walking, something that the kids won’t enjoy—but it’s a completely different experience when you’re in Mutianyu. This section of the Great Wall is less crowded, so you can have the wall more to yourself. Moreover, you can reach the area through a cable or enjoy a ride on a toboggan

• Address: Mutianyu Great Wall Travel Area, Huairou District, Beijing, China
• Operating Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (April to October), 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (November to March)
• Admission Fees: RMB 45 (general admission), RMB 25 (children 12 years old and below)
• How to Get There: ride a bus that takes the Jingcheng Expressway

2. Panda Breeding and Research Center in Chengdu

China is home to a lot of rare animals, including pandas. Because they don’t reproduce as often as other mammals and that they’re vulnerable to a lot of things, they are currently being taken care of, managed, and bred in various facilities such as the research base in Chengdu. Once in a while, they also accept volunteers, and if your children are quite old enough, they can help in feeding and taking care of the center. Also in the park are the other types of animals and serene scenery that make the area a very conducive place to live in for the giant pandas.

• Address: 1375 Xiongmao Avenue, Chenghua, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
• Operating Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Admission Fees: Free (children no more than 6 years old and less than 1.3 meters), RMB 58 (regular price)
• How to Get There: Bus 9 toward the zoo bus stop of the zoo; move to either 198 or 87 to the base of the research facility

3. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

The name may say “aquarium,” but this actually feels like the entire wilderness of the earth all condensed in several thousand square meters. Indeed, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium shall be a delight for the senses of the kids as they see some of the endangered marine species of China, as well as those of the rest of the world. The aquarium is currently divided into many zones, such as China, South America, Australia, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Polar. There’s also a section for the deep oceans and species found near the shore. Special exhibitions are also regularly held in the venue.

• Address: 1388 Lujiazui Road, Pudong, Shanghai, China
• Operating Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Admission Fees: RMB 110 (between 1 to 1.4 meters in height), RMB 160 (adult)
• How to Get There: Bus nos. 85, 583, 971, 996, 82, and 583

4. Xi'an Terracotta Warriors

Ever since they were discovered in 1974, the Terra Cotta Warriors have never stopped receiving visitors all over the world. These are people curious about the thousands of warriors that were buried together with the emperor, who believed he would need those warriors and chariots made from terra cotta to rule in the afterworld. What was left, however, are warriors of different faces and designations, and a large excavated area where families can see the magnificence of this discovery.

• Address: Lintong, Xian, Shaanxi, China
• Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Admission Fees: CNY 120 (December to February), CNY 150 (March to November)
• How to Get There: Tourism bus 5 from downtown Xian

5. Huangpu River Cruise

There are many ways to see some of the best sides of Shanghai, and one of these is through a cruise. The Huangpu River Cruise has become one of the most popular activities for families in the country for several reasons. One, it provides them with an excellent view of the Bund and the old, colonial European-inspired buildings located near the waterfront. Second, they get to experience one of the most important rivers in the country. Third, whether you’re cruising day or night, it’s always a lovely ride.

• Address: The Bund, Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, China
• Operating Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Admission Fees: CNY 12
• How to Get There: Lines 2 or 10 toward East Nanjing Road Station

6. Xian City Wall

The City Wall is one of the best places to be in when you’re in Xian. It’s simply rich in culture and history—plus there are plenty of activities you can enjoy with your family, such as kite flying, riding the battery car, or biking in tandem or in a trio. The park near the city wall is also where most locals would practice their tai chi or spend their summer afternoons.

• Address: Lianmeng Alley, Lianhu, Xian, Shaanxi, China
• Operating Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (April to October), 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (November to March)
• Admission Fees: CNY 54 (adult), CNY 27 (free for children below 1.2 meters)
• How to Get There: double-decker bus to South Gate

7. Hong Kong Disneyland

This is quite surprising to be found on the list, but Hong Kong actually belongs to China as a special administrative region. Although it’s a small country, it offers excellent attractions for families, one of which is Disneyland. Who isn’t familiar with the name? Definitely, your kids are familiar with the popular Disney characters such as Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse. There are also a lot of great and exciting rides in the theme park.

• Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
• Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; 8:00 p.m. (fireworks)
• Admission Fees: HKD$450 (12 to 64 years old)
• How to Get There: MTR line to Disneyland Resort

8. Yuyuan Garden

If you can get to choose only one garden to visit, then make it the Yuyuan Garden. It’s situated right smack in the center of the busy streets of Shanghai, which then makes it very accessible. Nevertheless, as soon as you walk in the garden, you’re transported back in time with its quietness, pavilions, temples, and rockeries, including the Exquisite Jade Rock.

• Address: 218 Anren Street, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
• Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Admission Fees: CNY 30 (July to August, December to March), CNY 40 (April to June, September to November)
• How to Get There: Bus nos. 11, 64, 801, 920, 930