First trip with kids to China

Question

Hi all,

We’re planning our first trip to China this December for about 3-4weeks. We’re planning to visit some of the obvious locations like Shanghai and Beijing with day trips from those locations. Plus possibly Yangshuo, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Suzhou, Hangzhou. The kids will be 15/13/9 years old and are very well travelled. At some point, my parents will join us for n route. The type of travellers we are: prefer unrushed so we can absorb the destination, with a good mix of some off the beaten track type of travel.

Some questions:

1) Is there an equivalent type of site to Airbnb for China?

2) suggestions of things (especially things we’d miss out on if a local didn’t tell us) given the above very rough itinerary

3) any particular things to keep in mind about travelling China in general

Any advice is much appreciated 🙏🏼

Thanks so much

Answer

For a first trip to China with children and extended family, a 3–4 week itinerary covering major cities and scenic regions is a fantastic way to experience both cultural highlights and natural landscapes. December is winter in most parts of China, so be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in Beijing and Zhangjiajie, while southern areas like Guilin and Yangshuo will be milder.

1) Accommodation options similar to Airbnb:

China has several platforms for short-term apartment rentals, though Airbnb is limited compared to other countries. Popular alternatives include:

Xiaozhu: A domestic platform offering apartments and homes for short-term rental, similar to Airbnb.
Tujia: Often referred to as “China’s Airbnb,” with a wide selection of vacation rentals and family-friendly options.
Fliggy or Booking.com: Both provide listings for apartments, serviced residences, and boutique guesthouses, which can work well for families.

Note: Some of these platforms may require registration with a Chinese phone number or a passport scan, so planning ahead is important.

2) Things to do and off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

For the destinations you mentioned, here are some highlights and insider tips:

Beijing: Beyond the Forbidden City and Great Wall, consider exploring hutongs in the Dongcheng district, watching a Peking Opera performance, or visiting the Beijing Olympic Park for unique architecture.
Shanghai: In addition to the Bund and Shanghai Tower, take a stroll along the French Concession for tree-lined streets and small cafes, or visit Tianzifang for art galleries and boutique shops.
Suzhou: Famous for classical gardens, also explore silk factories or take a boat ride along the canals away from the main tourist streets.
Hangzhou: West Lake is iconic, but renting bicycles to explore smaller temples and tea plantations in the surrounding hills gives a quieter, more immersive experience.
Guilin/Yangshuo: Aside from the Li River cruise, try a bike ride through the karst countryside, visit local villages, or take a bamboo raft along smaller rivers for a less touristy perspective.
Zhangjiajie: Visit Tianmen Mountain and the glass skywalk, but also consider lesser-known trails and local villages to appreciate the scenery without crowds.

Since your parents may join later, it can be helpful to choose family-friendly hotels or serviced apartments that can accommodate larger groups comfortably.

3) General tips for traveling in China:

Language: English is not widely spoken outside major cities, so translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco can be very useful.
Cash and payments: Mobile payments (WeChat Pay or Alipay) are common, but credit cards are accepted in big hotels and tourist areas.
Transport: High-speed trains are efficient for city-to-city travel; domestic flights are also convenient for long distances.
Connectivity: Many Western apps (Google, Facebook, WhatsApp) are blocked; using a VPN is recommended if you need these services.
Weather: December can be cold in the north and foggy in some scenic areas; layer clothing and check local forecasts for outdoor activities.
Food and health: Street food is generally safe, but keep an eye on hygiene. Carry basic medicines and have bottled water available, especially when traveling with kids.
Crowds: Major tourist sites can be busy, so visiting early in the day or late afternoon helps avoid peak crowds.

With careful planning, your trip can balance sightseeing with slower-paced exploration, giving both adults and children a rich and enjoyable experience across China.

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