Itinerary for 5 day trip to China

Planning a family trip to China sounds like an exciting adventure! With so much to see and do, I’ll create a fun and engaging 5-day itinerary that balances cultural experiences, historical sites, and family-friendly activities. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Morning:

Arrive in Beijing and check into your hotel. Make sure to choose a family-friendly hotel with amenities for kids!
After settling in, grab a hearty breakfast at a local café or your hotel.

Afternoon:

Head to . It’s a great place for the family to stretch their legs and take some iconic photos. Don’t forget to check out the if the kids are up for it!
Next, visit the . This vast palace complex is fascinating for both adults and kids. You can rent an audio guide or join a family-friendly tour to keep everyone engaged.

Evening:

Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a renowned restaurant like Quanjude. The kids will love the crispy skin and pancakes!
If everyone’s not too tired, take a stroll around for some evening snacks and shopping. The night market is a fun experience!

Day 2: The Great Wall and

Morning:

After breakfast, take a day trip to the Great Wall of China. The Mutianyu section is family-friendly with a cable car option, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the stunning views without too much hiking.

Afternoon:

After exploring the wall, head back to the city and visit the . The gardens and lakes are beautiful, and you can rent a paddle boat for some family fun on the water!

Evening:

Have dinner at a local restaurant near the . Try some dumplings or noodles, which are always a hit with kids!
If you have energy left, consider catching a performance. The colorful costumes and music can be quite captivating!

Day 3: Xi’an -

Morning:

Take a morning flight or high-speed train to Xi’an. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and have a quick lunch.

Afternoon:

Visit the . This UNESCO World Heritage site is awe-inspiring and a great way to introduce kids to ancient history. There’s a museum with interactive exhibits that can keep them engaged.

Evening:

Head back to the city and explore the . The vibrant atmosphere and street food stalls are perfect for a family dinner. Try the local specialty, biangbiang noodles!

Day 4: Xi’an to Chengdu - Pandas!

Morning:

After breakfast, take a morning flight or train to Chengdu. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and have lunch.

Afternoon:

Visit the . The kids will love seeing the adorable pandas, especially during feeding time! There are also other animals and a lovely park to explore.

Evening:

Enjoy a hot pot dinner, which is a fun and interactive dining experience. Kids can choose their ingredients and cook them in the bubbling broth!
If you have time, consider watching a performance, famous for its face-changing act!

Day 5: Chengdu to Shanghai - City Exploration

Morning:

Take a morning flight to Shanghai. After checking into your hotel, grab a quick lunch.

Afternoon:

Visit , a beautiful classical Chinese garden that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. The kids can enjoy the intricate rockeries and ponds.
Explore the Old City nearby for some shopping and snacks. Don’t miss trying soup dumplings (xiaolongbao)!

Evening:

Head to for stunning views of the skyline. You can take a river cruise to see the city lights from the water, which is magical!
For your final dinner, treat yourselves to a nice meal at a restaurant with a view, perhaps in the Pudong area.