China’s Top 8 Family-friendly Winter Activities

China in winter isn’t all about coldness and darkness, instead, it turns to be one of world’ best countries for travelling with children. The various winter activities in China will keep both the parents and kids occupied and happy during the ‘gloomy’ season.

1. Shanghai Ice Town 

One of the country’s most popular destinations, dynamic Shanghai seldom sees the snowfall, yet it boasts a fantastic artificial ice town offering fun-filled winter activities such as making snowman, joining the snowball fights and other winter games, experiencing the life at the poles, watching the cartoon characters parade and dining at the snow and ice restaurant. Address: Italian Center, the Shanghai Expo Mart, Pudong District

2. Hello Kitty Theme Park in Anji

Open in early 2015, it is the world’s biggest Hello Kitty Park, and consists of six theme lands, with 11 themed facilities, including performance venues, amusement rides, a luxury castle resort and Asia’s first giant skywheel with slides. Anji Hello Kitty Park is easily accessible from Hangzhou and Shanghai. 

3. Chimelong Safari Park

Guangzhou enjoys a warm and short winter. 

The Safari Park of Chimelong is known as the best safari park in China, and the biggest safari park with the largest number of species throughout the world. Here children will have the chances of getting very close to many rare animals and even touch them. 

Chimelong Paradise and Chimelong International Circus are also available in winter. 

4. Snow and ice tour in Harbin

Harbin has its most beautiful and happiest time in winter. Have fun with kids in the magic world made up of all kinds of ice and snow sculptures and ice lanterns during the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. 190km southeast of Harbin, Yabuli International Ski Resort is ideal for family skiing.  

5. Snow Town

Approximately 280km away from Harbin, Snow Town has a snow-covered period lasting for seven months. The snow is as high as one meter and decorates the folk houses into the different shapes of mushrooms and various animals 

6. Sea beaches in Sanya

Get some winter sun in China’s biggest tropical island Hainan, with a beach-fringed playground. Enjoy a stress-free family holiday by lying on the sunny beach, basking in the sunshine, and playing with the kids, as well as having a relaxing time at some hot springs.  

 

7. Sightseeing tour in the warm Yunnan

For families fascinated with beautiful natural scenery, travel with your kids to the Spring City Kunming to explore the colorful flower markets and then have a relaxed, fun-filled boat trip in heavenly Bamei or Puzhehei.

8. Yellow Mountain 

If the children are not pleased with hiking, take the cable car up to the top, then enjoy the snow fairyland. Go further to the nearby Hongcun or Xidi Village for the old streets, old Huizhou style dwellings and experiencing the unique local life. 

Find the Best Peking Duck Restaurants in Beijing

As a royal dish in the Imperial Age of ancient China, Peking Duck is now available to everyone inBeijing and making up a superior dinner after travelling around Palace Museum, Summer Palace or the legendary hutongs – but where to have the tastiest and most authentic Peking duck?

Here are Beijing’s top 8 Peking roast duck restaurants waiting for all foodies, especially the Chinese food lovers.

 

#1 Quanjude (全聚德烤鸭店)

Founded in 1864, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious Pecking Duck restaurants. Roll the thin, crisp skin with pancakes together with scallion, cucumber and sweet bean sauce or hoisin sauce. Savor it! You can also try its all-duck banquet and over 400 special dishes.

Quanjude Qianmen Restaurant (Flagship Restaurant)

Address: 32 Qianmen Street, Chongwen District

Quanjude Hepingmen Roast Duck Restaurant

Address: 14, Qianmen West Street, Xuanwu District

Quanjude Wangfujing Roast Duck Restaurant

Address: 9, Shuaifuyuan Hutong, Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District

#2 Da Dong Roast Duck (大董烤鸭店)

It is named after the restaurant’s owner and main chef Dong Zhenxiang (nicknamed Da Dong), who is a legend in the dining industry of China and has innovated the cooking method of roast duck and taken health perspective into consideration. The guide book on each table introduces different ways to consume the delicacy.

Da Dong Peking Duck Tuanjiehu Branch

Address: Southeast corner of Changhong Bridge on East 3rd Ring Road, Bldg 3 Tuanjiehu Beikou, Chaoyang District

Da Dong Peking Duck Nan Xin Cang Branch

Address: F1-2, Nanxincang International Mansion, A 22 Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District

#3 Bianyifang Roast Duck (便宜坊烤鸭店)

The restaurant of Bianyifang is around 600 year ago, and keeps its own roasting methods and secrets. Apart from Peking Duck, there are also duck delicacies and Shandong-style dishes and snacks.

Bianyifang Hademen Restaurant

Address: Glory Plaza 4/F, 18 Chongwenmen Outer Street, Dongcheng District

Bianyifang Roast Duck New World Center Branch

Address: Beijing New World Shopping Center 3/F, 5 Chongwenmen Outer Street, Dongcheng District

Bianyifang Roast Duck Anhua Branch

Address: 6-6, North 3rd Ring Road (M), Haidian District

#4 Made in China (长安壹号)

At the Grand Hyatt Beijing on Chang'an Avenue, Made in China stands out for the mix of the latest fashion design elements and the traditional Chinese decoration ideas. With the stylish open kitchen, visitors can see the whole process of duck roasting.

Address: Grand Hyatt Beijing 1/F, 1 East Chang'an Avenue, Dongcheng District

#5 Hua's Restaurant (Huajia Yiyuan) (花家怡园)

In a beautiful, traditional courtyard setting, Huajia’s specialty is Yongzheng Dynasty Roast Duck, cooked based on the recipe in the "Notes of Imperial Court Food" written centuries ago.

Hua's Courtyard Restaurant at Guijie Street

Address: 235 Dongzhimen Inner Street, Dongcheng District

#6 Liqun Roast Duck Restaurant (利群烤鸭店)

Hidden in a narrow hutong southeast of Qianmen, Li Qun features no gaudy decorations but looks like a run-down neighborhood hangout. However, it has gained worldwide reputation and offers a courtyard experience with unique atmosphere while dining.

Address: 11, Beixiangfeng Hutong, Dongcheng District

#7 King Roast Duck (鸭王烤鸭店)

Favored by local Beijingers, the roasted ducks are delicious and inexpensive. The restaurant also offers more than 300 different dishes. 

King Roast Duck Jianguomen Branch

Address: 24, Jianguomen Outer Street, Chaoyang District

#8 Dayali Roast Duck Restaurant (大鸭梨烤鸭店)

It serves Peking Duck, as well as the foods of Sichuan, Guangdong, Hunan and Hangzhou cuisines.

Dayali Roast Duck Jinsong Branch

Address: 1/F Tiankelong Mansion, 34 South Mofang Road, Chaoyang District

Langmusi: An Unknown, Distinctive Tibetan Town in South Gansu

Hidden in the mysterious Gannan Amdo Tibetan Area, at the juncture of Zoige County, Sichuan Province and Luqu County, Gansu Province, Langmusi (郎木寺) is a primitive, solitary Tibetan town. 

It is unknown to the world, but another should-not-missed destination for Tibet culture chasers - here, Amto Tibetans and Muslims live together peacefully, great stretches of mountains, meadows, rivers and gorges remain to be discovered…

It's worth hiring a local guide to explain you the two Tibetan monasteries (Sertri Gompa and Kirti Gompa) and the great Hui Mosque, the grand Buddhist festival of Sun Buddha, the sky burial - the traditional Tibetan ritual in which vultures consume the bodies, and escort you by horse trekking to the White Dragon River and Langmusi Gorge for the really breathtaking landscape. It is also possible for you to stay with the friendly Tibetan nomads.

Getting around Langmusi

A trip to South Gansu is somewhat like cleansing spirit, as you are likely to slow down and acquire peace of mind by visiting the Buddhist Institute Labrang Monastery and exploring around the aloof Zhagana village, Sangke Grassland and Gahai Lake.

Recommended West China tours to Langmusi and South Gansu:

8-day China Adventures to Gansu and Sichuan Provinces

9-day Southwest Gansu Tibetan Buddhist Culture Tour

12-day Wild West China Exploration

11 Cool Things to Do in Guilin and Yangshuo: Li River Cruise and More!

With the rarely-seen breathtaking natural landscape, China’s off-the-beaten-track destination Guilinwith Yangshuo is a curious and compelling place to visit. For the first-timer to Guilin or Yangshuo, here is a list of top 10 fun activities to do, no matter you’re families with kids or looking for relaxing vacations. 

1. An exterior visit of Elephant Trunk Hill

It is for saving money and having a full view of the huge elephant trunk.

2. Reed Flute Cave

A wonderland of Karst terrain, the cave is a must-have attraction for visitors. You ought to be impressed by the oddly-shaped stalagmites, stone screens, stone flowers and stone pillars Illuminated by the colorful lighting. Or you can try the Silver Cave in Yangshuo.

3. Li River Cruise (or Bamboo Raft)

Sailing on one of the world’s most beautiful rivers, from Guilin to Yangshuo, the cruise trip offers a wall of Karst peaks in various interesting shapes, as well as the serene Chinese rural scenery of farms, trails, water buffalos and little houses.

 

4. Ancient Town exploration

Guilin is a famous cultural city in China, and boasts several ancient towns, such as Xingping, Daxuand Fuli, each of unique characteristics. It’s a great fun to hike or bike from Yangshuo or Guilin to these small towns. 

5. Yulong River bamboo-rafting

One of the highlights of Yangshuo, the Yulong River is best seen as we ride on a bamboo raft, and flow through limestone hills, bamboo groves, houses, stone bridges, markets, and rice paddies.

6. Cormorant Fishing

The local fisherman still keeps the traditional fishing skill - cormorant fishing on Li River.

7. Yangshuo Rock Climbing

Yangshuo is a paradise for outdoor activities, and committed to promoting rock climbing in China. Rock climbers of all levels are encouraged to challenge the Moon Hill, Muzhi (Thumb) Peak, Leipi (Thunderstruck) Hill, etc. The annual Yangshuo Rock Climbing Festival is held around late October and early November.

8. Cycling around

Guilin and Yangshuo are endowed with unparalleled scenic biking trails that cater to people of all ages. It is a delight to bike along the rivers, past the peaceful primitive villages, through the hills, and lost for while in the wild.

 

9. Night Show of Impression Liu Sanjie

An important part of Yangshuo nightlife, it is a grand open-air performance with the platform set in the real mountains and waters, offering both audio and visual feast!

10. Yangshuo Helicopter tour

It’s a great idea to have a chopper ride tour in Yangshuo, and have a bird’s-eye view of this picturesque land including Xingping Town, Li River, Yulong RIver from the air.

11. Longji Rice Terraces and local ethnic minority culture