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9-Day Family-Friendly China Tour
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Beijing | Imperial and historical landmarks including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall |
| 4–6 | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors, traditional shadow puppetry, and immersive Xi’an food experiences |
| 7–9 | Shanghai | Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower, and the Bund Tunnel experience |
From
$1,829.00 USD
TravelTidesChina: Your Personalized Journey Through China
Discover China with TravelTidesChina, a specialist in customized inbound China tours designed by experienced local travel experts. We create thoughtfully curated itineraries that showcase China's iconic landmarks, rich history, and authentic local life-crafted entirely around your interests, travel pace, and budget.
Highlights
- Kid-Friendly History Discovery: Explore the Forbidden City beyond the main palaces as kids learn Chinese history through fun games about the Nine Dragon Sons and auspicious beasts.
- Iconic Beijing Cuisine: Savor authentic Beijing Roast Duck, famous for its crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.
- Great Wall Thrill Ride: Descend the Great Wall by toboggan for an exciting ride with spectacular mountain views.
- Hutong Childhood Experience: Step into a traditional Beijing hutong where children experience how local kids study, play, and enjoy their favorite snacks.
- Hands-On Archaeology Adventure: Visit the Terracotta Warriors and create your own miniature warrior at a countryside family workshop.
- Traditional Storytelling Art: Learn Chinese shadow puppetry by dyeing and operating a puppet, then tell a Chinese tale or your own family story.
- Xi'an Food & Culture Walk: Discover the vibrant Muslim Quarter while tasting local favorites like roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, liangpi, and lamb soup with pita bread.
- Futuristic River Crossing: Cross Shanghai's Huangpu River through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, surrounded by colorful, ever-changing light displays.
- Sky-High City Views: Challenge yourself on the glass observation deck of Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, and enjoy breathtaking skyline views.
- Please note: From USD1,829 per adult USD 1,539 per child (2-11 years old)
Based on a private tour for a family of 4 people with 1 child below 12 years old. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel.Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
Private Airport Transfer
Welcome to China! Upon arrival in Beijing, your TravelTidesChina private guide and driver will be waiting to greet your family at the airport. You'll be transferred directly to your hotel in a comfortable, non-smoking private vehicle. Your guide will assist with check-in and help your family settle in, ensuring a smooth and relaxing start to your journey.
Day 2: Beijing
Forbidden City Discovery & Hutong Life
Begin the day at Tian'anmen Square before stepping into the heart of imperial China - the Forbidden City. In addition to the main palaces along the central axis, your guide will introduce specially selected areas designed to spark children's curiosity. Through interactive games, kids will learn about the Nine Sons of the Dragon and the Four Auspicious Beasts hidden in palace architecture.
Enjoy lunch at a renowned Beijing roast duck restaurant, famous for its crispy skin and succulent, flavorful meat.
In the afternoon, wander through traditional hutongs and visit a local courtyard home. Children can try Chinese calligraphy, play with traditional yo-yos, and sample classic Chinese sweets while gaining insight into everyday life in old Beijing.
Day 3: Beijing
Temple of Heaven & Great Wall Adventure
This morning, explore the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Today, it's a lively gathering place where locals practice tai chi, sing, and exercise-offering a fascinating glimpse into modern Beijing life.
In the afternoon, head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its breathtaking scenery and fewer crowds. Take a cable car up to the wall and explore its watchtowers. Weather permitting, enjoy an exciting toboggan ride down - an unforgettable highlight for the whole family.
Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an
Summer Palace & High-Speed Train
Spend a relaxed morning at the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. Stroll through elegant landscapes, cruise across the lake by boat, and explore the Garden of Virtue and Harmony for deeper insight into imperial leisure life.
Later, your guide will escort your family to the train station and assist you all the way to the boarding gate for your high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the platform and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle.
Day 5: Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors & City Wall Cycling
Bring history to life at the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand in formation beneath the ground. With engaging explanations, films, and exhibits, your children will discover the mysteries behind this archaeological wonder.
Visit a local family workshop before returning to the city, where everyone can create their own terracotta figurine to take home as a meaningful souvenir.
In the afternoon, enjoy a bike ride along the ancient Xi'an City Wall, one of the best-preserved city defenses in China, complete with gates, ramparts, and watchtowers.
Day 6: Xi'an to Shanghai
Shadow Puppetry & Street Food
Admire the graceful Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark that stands elegantly against the city skyline.
Next, visit a traditional Chinese shadow puppetry studio. Learn about the origins of this folk art, dye your own puppet, and work together as a family to perform a short story behind the curtain under the guidance of a local artist.
Later, dive into Xi'an's vibrant food scene at the Muslim Quarter. Take on a fun tasting challenge with local favorites such as lamb skewers, roujiamo (Chinese-style burgers), cumin-spiced flatbread, hand-pulled noodles, and more.
In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Day 7: Shanghai
Modern Skyline & Historic Gardens
Discover the contrast between old and new Shanghai. Start with a visit to Shanghai Tower and ascend to the 118th-floor observation deck for sweeping views over the city - an impressive introduction to modern China.
Travel beneath the Huangpu River via the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, enjoying colorful lights, music, and visual effects along the way.
In the afternoon, step back in time at Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved Ming Dynasty classical garden. Wander through the nearby market streets filled with local snacks, handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs.
Day 8: Shanghai
Free Day at Your Leisure
Enjoy a full free day in Shanghai, tailored to your family's interests. Previous families often choose shopping, a visit to Shanghai Disneyland, or an excursion to nearby water towns known for traditional architecture and canals. Your guide will be happy to assist with arrangements.
Day 9: Departure
Farewell from China
After a leisurely buffet breakfast, your TravelTidesChina guide and driver will escort your family to the airport, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure. Say goodbye to China and take home unforgettable memories of a journey shared together.
Made to order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Flights/trains between itinerary cities
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
What's not included
- Your international airfare - please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
We listen: Share your travel goals and preferences, and we bring them to life.
We plan: Every detail of your itinerary is carefully arranged by our travel experts.
We refine: We collaborate with you to perfect your trip, even if plans change while traveling.
To help us create your personalized itinerary, please provide:
- Planned travel dates
- Number of travelers
- Duration of your trip
- Special interests or requests
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