The China Chronicles Begin
There’s something poetic about kicking off summer break with a China family trip by flying halfway across the world to listen to your kids complain incessantly, sweat profusely, and eat your weight in dumplings. Guess what? That’s exactly what we did. Three cities, 14 days, and one unforgettable journey through Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. This was no ordinary vacation. It was a family adventure powered by Michelin stars, theme parks, and a whole lot of jet lag.
It wasn’t our first international trip as a family, but it was definitely one for the books. China surprised us in all the best ways. The people were warm and welcoming, the food was next-level, and the blend of ancient history with modern flair made every day feel new. To top it off…the boys were quite the celebrities!
Beijing: Walls, Ducks, and Universal Joy
After a travel day that would impress even the most seasoned nomad (30 hours door to door), we touched down in Beijing. After an hour long queue through customs, the city greeted us with a buzz of activity, thick summer air, and the soothing hum of Mandarin everywhere we turned. Our hotel was perched by the river with sweeping views, and the kids immediately scoped out the buffet like professional food critics. Ni hao!
🏯 The Forbidden City & Great Wall
First up? The Forbidden City. Its sprawling courtyards, ornate gates, and centuries of imperial history captivated all of us. We wandered through the maze of palaces and learned about emperors, concubines, and a lot of things the kids probably forgot by the time we got back in the car. We were originally supposed to follow this up with Tiananmen Square, but the queue was over 2 hours and with the 100 degree heat and no umbrellas (a VERY popular item in China), we decided to skip it.
🦆 Tea and Duck
On our way back from the Great Wall, we made an impromptu stop at a local tea house for a traditional tasting. Now I am a regular tea drinking but to our surprise, the kids actually joined in. Sipping on jasmine and oolong like tiny diplomats. The real star of the show, though, was the Pee Pee Boy. A cheeky little clay figure used to test water temperature. Let’s just say the boys were equal parts fascinated and horrified. It was one of those unexpected moments that became an instant highlight.
After a stop the tea tasting (which the kids totally pretended to enjoy), we dove into one of the trip’s culinary highlights: Peking Duck. We dined at a Beijing staple where the duck was carved table side, the skin perfectly crispy, and the pancakes paper-thin. It takes around 1.5 – 2 hours to cook, so we made sure to let them know ahead of time when we were coming. Between my wife and myself, we took it all down!
🧱 Great Wall of China
Then came the Great Wall of China, and it did not disappoint. We headed to the Mutianyu section, which is known for being a bit less crowded and a lot more scenic. A steep gondola ride carried us high into the mountains, offering sweeping views of the stone wall snaking across the ridgelines like a dragon frozen in place. The climb to the top platform tested our legs and our lung capacity, but once we were up there, the view was absolutely worth it. We stood together, looking out over a landscape that felt both ancient and alive.
Of course, we couldn’t just walk back down. That’s not how this family rolls. Instead, we strapped into the famous toboggan slide, a winding metal track that zigzags its way back to the base. What started as cautious cruising turned into full-on laughter and borderline competitive speed. The boys whooped, my wife screamed (just a little), and I may or may not have tried to pass someone mid-curve. By the time we hit the bottom, the queue was 2 hours long, we were breathless, smiling, and ready to eat lunch!
🎢 Universal Studios Beijing
We closed out Beijing with a visit to Universal Studios – an unexpected gem. Think everything you love about the U.S. parks, but cleaner and with better food. The Transformers ride blew our minds (and mom’s back), we all left sweaty, grinning, and a little sunburnt from walking around all day. The highlight: Kung Fu Panda. The AC was blasting and the rides made the rest of the day all worth it.
Xi’an: Warriors, Walls, and the Great Heatwave
Next stop: Xi’an. As we stepped out of the airport, we were smacked with a heatwave – 105°F and rising. We kept the sightseeing tight and strategic.
🛡️ The Terracotta Warriors
Xi’an’s headliner, the Terracotta Army, did not disappoint. Thousands of life-sized warriors stood in perfect formation, locked in silent battle stances, each one uniquely detailed and slightly intimidating. The scale of it was jaw-dropping. Even the kids fell silent for a moment, which, in our family, is how you know something is truly impressive. Their wide eyes said it all: this was cool history.
Of course, the silence didn’t last long. We were all sweating like dumplings in a steamer basket, fanning ourselves with souvenir brochures while trying to stay upright in the sea of humanity. We somehow added a few extra travelers to our group along the way…some new friends from Scotland and Turkey, plus a familiar face or two from back home who happened to be on the same tour. Suddenly our crew looked more like a small international summit than a family outing.
I’ll be honest. I was not mentally prepared for the other army: the army of tourists. Thousands of them. Shoulder to shoulder. Phones up. Selfie sticks out. I briefly lost sight of our youngest and had a mild panic before realizing he was standing exactly where he was supposed to be…just completely mesmerized by a warrior statue. In the end, the heat, the crowds, and the sweat were all worth it. The Terracotta Army lives up to the hype, even when you’re sharing the experience with a few thousand of your closest strangers.
🕍 Bell Tower & City Walls
We wandered the Ancient City Walls, the Drum Tower, and the Bell Tower, where the history is rich and the shade is…rare. We didn’t do the sunset bike ride due to extreme heat. Dax and the little guy toughed it out, hydrating like champs (and leaving mom and I without any water).
🍜 Local Eats at Lotus Flower
Dinner that night was at Lotus Flower, a local favorite known for hand-pulled noodles and delicate dumplings. We sat at a round table, had food circling in front us constantly, ate like emperors, and managed to get out of there without a single soy sauce stain on anyone’s shirt. That’s a win!
Shanghai: Disney Magic and Fine Dining
By the time we reached Shanghai, we had our rhythm. We knew where to sit on the plane (not near our kids), how to sleep through fireworks, and how to spot the best areas to take pictures in front of the Bund.
🏰 Disneyland Shanghai
Let’s start with the big one: Disneyland Shanghai. This park is no joke and a must-do. From the stunning castle to Zootopia Land and rides like Roarin’ Rapids and the updated Pirates of the Caribbean, it blew our Disney World experiences out of the water (Ha!).
We stayed till closing, dragging our tired bodies through fireworks to grab a taxi back to our hotel.
🧘 Yu Garden & Jade Buddha Temple
The next day was our culture day. We strolled through Yu Garden, a peaceful retreat with koi ponds, weeping willows, and intricately carved bridges. We followed it up with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, where we lit incense, admired the marble statues, and soaked in the peaceful energy.
Later that evening, my wife and I strolled The Bund while the kids rested. The skyline was glowing, boats cruised by on the river, and we capped it off with street food and people-watching on Nanjing Road. I even got some solo attention from curious locals (wink). Hey, travel stardom isn’t just for the kids.
🛶 Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Our final day took us to Zhujiajiao, a beautiful ancient water town where gondolas float between stone bridges and food stalls tempt you every few steps. The perfect exhale before heading home.
The Food: A Michelin-Studded Ride
This trip wasn’t just about the sights – it was also a culinary odyssey. We made reservations in advance and treated ourselves to a few indulgent meals:
- Father’s Day Lunch at Cai Yi Xuan (Beijing):
A two-Michelin-starred meal to remember. Crispy chicken, duck, pork and some Dim sum. The kind of meal where even your picky kid eats and likes it. - Hakkasan (Beijing):
Sleek, modern, and packed with flavor. Their take on Peking Duck with Caviar was AMAZING, and their drinks were on point! Some more crispy chicken anyone? - Mio (Beijing):
Italian fine dining in the heart of China. This one surprised us. Pasta cooked al dente in Beijing? Yes, please. - Da Vittorio (Shanghai):
Worth every yuan. The tasting menu had us all doing a happy dance, and the service was top-tier. (You can book it here)
If you’re planning your own china family trip, don’t overlook the food. Many high-end spots are surprisingly kid-friendly, and the service is top-tier across the board
We used this packing cube set to keep our outfits organized across all three cities. Highly recommend if you’re hopping cities with kids in tow.
Travel Tips for Fellow Pops and Parents
If you’re thinking of doing China with the family, here’s what we learned:
- Download offline maps, payment apps like Alipay, WeChat, and a translator app. Mandarin isn’t optional, it’s essential. Taxi drivers typically do not understand a lick of English!
- Hydrate like you mean it. Every city had filtered water options, but carrying a reusable bottle was key.
- Carry snacks. Not every stop had kid-approved eats. Hangry kids in 105 degree weather is no joke.
- Schedule downtime. Parks are fun, but so is chilling at the hotel with room service and a movie.
- Consider a local SIM or eSIM. China’s internet restrictions are real (aka The Great Firewall of China). An international data plan is a must if you want to Google (or YouTube) anything.
A Trip Worth the Jet Lag
This china family trip was more than a vacation. It was ten days of growth, laughter, and shared wonder. Our kids got to see the world from a completely different perspective. They tasted new foods, learned snippets of Mandarin, and were treated like rockstars by locals (especially in Xi’an and Shanghai).
We bonded over ridiculous things – like who sweated the most, who snuck snacks into their backpack, and who screamed the loudest on Roarin’ Rapids. But we also had moments of quiet awe. Watching the endless miles of the Great Wall. Listening to temple bells in the background. Savoring a Michelin meal as a family, knowing these are the memories that last.
Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. But maybe in the fall next time.
Plan Your Own China Adventure
Want to plan a trip like this? We’re sharing all our itineraries, restaurant bookings, and packing lists right here on What’s Cooking Pops. Start with:
- The Ultimate Multigenerational Travel Guide
- Family Cooking Night: How to Make Dinner Together Without Losing Your Mind
- Global Cuisine for the Whole Family
Bookmark this post, share it with a friend, or just live vicariously through our chaos.
Final Thoughts
China may not be the easiest destination for a family vacation, but it just might be the most rewarding. From stunning imperial landmarks to modern urban skylines, from $2 bao buns to Michelin-starred truffle risotto – this trip had range.
Our china family trip was everything we hoped it would be: educational, exciting, chaotic, delicious, and surprisingly soul-filling. The kids grew in confidence, curiosity, and appetite. And we grew closer as a family in ways that no staycation could ever replicate.
If you’re on the fence about taking your kids to China, don’t hesitate. Start planning. Embrace the unknown. And bring extra hand sanitizer. You’ll thank us later.
Xiéxié.