Four Cities Every Child Must Visit in Their Lifetime

Beijing

• Recommended Attractions: The Palace Museum offers a grand royal palace experience; remember to book in advance. Tiananmen Square is perfect for watching the flag-raising ceremony. The Badaling Great Wall is a must-visit spot to experience the heroic spirit. Beijing Universal Resort provides an immersive entertainment experience. The National Museum of China showcases many national treasures. You can also visit the Summer Palace to enjoy the beauty of the royal gardens.

• Transportation Guide: The subway network is extensive, and you can get a transportation union card for convenience. To get to the Badaling Great Wall, take bus 877 from Deshengmen.

• Food Recommendations: Try the roast duck at Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant, Zhajiangmian at No. 69 Fangzhuanchang, and local snacks like the century-old stewed dishes at Menkuang Hutong and snacks from Huguosi.

• Accommodation Recommendations: The Mandarin Oriental Qianmen Beijing, located on the central axis, is full of Beijing charm. The Universal Studios Grand Hotel is right at the park entrance, ideal for family trips.

Xi’an

• Recommended Attractions: The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Terracotta Warriors) is a world wonder; remember to buy tickets in advance. You can bike on the Xi’an City Wall to feel the historical atmosphere. The "Song of Everlasting Regret" performance tells the love story of Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. The Tang Paradise offers a glimpse of the former royal garden, with beautiful night views. The Shaanxi History Museum has rich artifacts; remember to book free tickets in advance.

• Transportation Guide: The city subway is very convenient. To get to the Terracotta Warriors, take Metro Line 9 and transfer to bus 5.

• Food Recommendations: Try the stir-fried paomo at Ma Hong Stir-fried Paomo Restaurant, oil-splashed noodles at Ai Hua Noodle House, and the old Shaanxi gourd chicken at Zui Chang’an.

• Accommodation Recommendations: The Xi’an Huaqing Hot Spring Hotel offers views of the "Song of Everlasting Regret" performance and hot springs like those enjoyed by the imperial consort. The Xi’an Sheraton Hotel (Dayan Pagoda Tang Paradise Branch) is close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise, very convenient for travel.

Chengdu

• Recommended Attractions: The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding lets you see adorable giant pandas. The Dujiangyan Scenic Area showcases a 2,000-year-old water conservancy project. The Du Fu Thatched Cottage is the former residence of poet Du Fu. Kuanzhai Alley offers a taste of Chengdu’s slow life. Jinli Ancient Street is great for sampling local delicacies. The Chengdu Museum has a rich collection.

• Transportation Guide: City transportation is very convenient, with buses and subways reaching major attractions.

• Food Recommendations: Try Leshan’s fresh-flavored Bobo chicken, Houtang old hotpot, as well as unnamed spicy hot pot dishes and Gan Shiji’s Chengdu-style pork intestine noodles.

• Accommodation Recommendations: Qingcheng Mountain Six Senses Hotel focuses on green and eco-friendly concepts with complete facilities. The InterContinental Paradise at Chengdu Global Center is right next to the water park, perfect for family trips.

Shanghai

• Recommended Attractions: The Bund offers views of international architecture and the beautiful Huangpu River. Shanghai Disneyland Resort is full of joyful childhood fun. The Oriental Pearl Tower provides 360-degree views of the city. Shanghai Legoland Resort is great for family fun. The Shanghai Astronomy Museum lets you explore the mysteries of the universe. The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium features an underwater tunnel to observe marine life.

• Transportation Guide: The subway is the main mode of transportation, covering most attractions.

• Food Recommendations: Try the crab roe xiaolongbao at Lailai, pan-fried buns at Dahuchun, and crab roe mixed rice at Renheguan.

• Accommodation Recommendations: The J Hotel at Shanghai Tower offers a cloud-living experience. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong faces the Huangpu River and the Oriental Pearl Tower, with beautiful night views.