Travelling with 18 month old

Question

We are doing the following route with an 18 month old, by train between places:

Chengdu

Chongqing

Zhangjiajie

Hangzhou

Shanghai

We aren’t on a major budget as we want things to be easiest possible. Is it worth getting a car and driver in any of those locations? We are experienced travellers but can we do these places without a guide at all. We would much prefer that as with a small on we need to take breaks and perhaps miss things out and not spend hours on an organised tour.

- In Chengdu I want to see the main sights and Leshan Buddha.

- Chongqing we will stick to main city only.

- Zhangjiajie is my biggest query. We wanted to combine the Skybridge, National Park, Stairway to Heaven, and I’d love to go to Furong too if time allows.

- Not as bothered with Hangzhou and Shanghai. Think those we can figure out.

Answer

Traveling in China with an 18-month-old can be manageable but does require careful planning, especially if you want comfort and flexibility rather than following strict tour schedules. Here’s a breakdown by destination and recommendations regarding whether a private car/driver is worth it.

Chengdu:

If you want to see the main city sights (e.g., Panda Base, Wuhou Temple, Jinli Street) and Leshan Giant Buddha, a private car with driver is highly recommended. Leshan is about 2 hours away, and public transport can be cumbersome with a toddler and luggage.
Using a driver allows you to start early, take breaks as needed, and not worry about navigating trains or buses.
Without a driver, you can do city sightseeing via taxis or metro, but Leshan will be challenging unless you take a guided day tour.

Chongqing:

For a city-only visit, public transport (metro, taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Didi) is sufficient. The city has a good metro system, and attractions like Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave are accessible without a private car.
A driver is optional here; convenience vs cost will depend on your comfort level with navigating crowded metro stations with a toddler.

Zhangjiajie:

This is the most complex destination for a toddler. The national park is spread out, and attractions like the Skybridge, Tianzi Mountain, and the Stairway to Heaven require multiple cable cars and shuttle buses.
A private car with driver (or private tour) is very useful if you want to maximize time and flexibility. It allows you to tailor your pace, carry snacks and breaks, and reach Furong Village, which is off the typical tourist trail.
Public transport inside the park exists, but with an 18-month-old, the logistics of transfers, queues, and walking can be exhausting.

Hangzhou & Shanghai:

Both cities are very well-connected by metro, taxis, and ride-hailing apps. With a toddler, you may prefer a private car for some sightseeing (like West Lake in Hangzhou), but overall it’s easy to navigate on your own.
Shanghai’s main attractions like the Bund, Yu Garden, and museums are accessible by metro and don’t require a driver unless you want door-to-door convenience.

Overall Advice:

Chengdu: Driver highly recommended for Leshan; optional for city only.
Chongqing: Driver optional; metro and taxis usually sufficient.
Zhangjiajie: Driver or private tour strongly recommended due to park complexity and toddler needs.
Hangzhou & Shanghai: Driver optional; metro is efficient and easy to use.

Using a private driver in China can significantly reduce stress, especially when traveling with a toddler. You can control your pace, take unscheduled breaks, and handle luggage easily. For most major cities, it’s optional, but for day trips outside the city (Leshan, Zhangjiajie), it is highly recommended.

Travelling with 18 month old

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