8 Family-friendly Activities on China Trip

Forbidden City? historical museums? Or Buddha temples? Actually there are few children fond of these when visiting China. If you travel with kids, you’d better try others. For your sake, we have a list of 8 delightful destinations and activities to try in China that should satisfy both you and your “difficult” kids.

1. Riding up and down Great Wall

Given the wonder’s historical significance and magnificent construction, Standing atop the Great Wall is a lifetime experience. To flee from the noisy crowd, Mutianyu Great Wall, 70 km northeast of Beijing is the best choice with kids. Yet it is hard for kids to climb up. Luckily Mutianyu has a 723-meter-long cable car that helps take kids to the top (640 meters above sea level) and a toboggan ride down to the valley via a 1,580-meter track, which will surely bring kids fun.

2. Hug with panda

Animal is a classic theme for family travel. And when touring China, try giant panda – the country’s rare treasure. Sichuan is home to this lovely creature and several Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centers, where you and your kids can observe the animals, or pay extra fee to be a panda volunteer feeding and taking care of them, or even hugging a panda and take a picture with it！

3. Bamboo rafting in Yangshuo

Yangshuo resembles a Chinese landscape painting, a perfect blend of misty mountains and tranquil waters. If you are in Yangshuo with children, go for a lively bamboo rafting along Li River or Yulong River. Encourage your youngster’s imagination to name for the fantastically shaped limestone mountains on both banks, watch the quaint villages along slowly fade out. Why not rent a water gun? Kids are most likely to have fun with it.

4. Acrobatics in Shanghai

Like magic tricks, acrobatics can always fascinate children. While Chinese acrobatics, a gem of China traditional performing arts will amaze even the hard-to-impress teenagers. Shanghai's main show, "Era, Intersection of Time", uses the fantastic acrobatic skills to combine the present and future, the oriental China and the Western World, the fashion and Nostalgia, culminating with motorcyclists zigzagging upside-down and all-around inside an on-stage globe.

5. Learning Chinese Kung-Fu

Children visiting China deserve a Kung-Fu class. Many places in China including some hotels, Hulongs in Beijing can arrange a Kung-Fu class with a large selection of subjects, from Tai Chi to Shaolin Martial Arts. However, if the older children or teenagers want a high-level practice or learning, try the training course taught by master in Shaolin Temple - the cradle of Chinese martial arts.

6. Kites flying

Another delightful family activity when touring China is kite flying. People usually fly kites in the central parks, where children can run and play with their peers, while the parents will have an opportunity to meet local people, watching them dancing, playing cards and chess. Recommended parks for kites flying are Temple of Heaven or Ritan Park in Beijing, and Fuxing Park in Shanghai.

7. Playing with funny street food

Whet your appetite with tasty, interesting street food in China. It is also a quick source of entertainment for children. The snack street is never shortage of bizarre patents, such as scorpions, centipedes and even sea horses, apart from “plain-looking” Baozi, dumplings and noodles. In Beijing’s temple fair, you can see another funny food - Sugar Painting, a traditional street food made of sucrose and maltose into figures, animals, flowers and other shapes. Take photos with these cute things!

8. Riding a bike to the countryside

If you're in China with children and looking an opportunity to burn off kids' energy, go for a bike ride. Tourists in Yangshuo of Guilin can cycle to explore the countryside, watching the farmers plowing by hand, which is something children won’t forget. Or ride around Xian’s Old City Wall to enjoy a good view of this ancient capital, comparing its past and nowadays.

Contact us for more info on family-friendly activities in China.

Top Ideas for Weekend Excursions outside Shanghai

Standing on the estuary of Yangtze River, Shanghai is the economic, international trade, cultural, science and technology center of East China and a top tourist destination, hence attracting various talents and countless tourists abroad. And yet, many of them desire to explore some areas close to Shanghai as well. Here are seven choices within half a day (except Mountain Huangshan) from Shanghai for best weekend getaways.

Click here for the best Shanghai tours.

(Night Shanghai)

Zhujiajiao Water town

About 50 kilometers away from the city center, Zhujiajiao is the closest water town to Shanghai, featuring both historic sites and natural scenery. Take a fantastic cruise down through the rivers to glimpse at its 36 ancient bridges and more than 1000 ancient houses dating back to Ming and Qing Dynasties on the banks. Some time-honored temples are also worth a visit.

(Zhujiajiao Water town)

Xitang Ancient Town

Xitang finds itself about 90 kilometers from Shanghai, but looks like a completely different world: cobbled streets, old buildings, arching bridges, crisscrossed rivers, rowing boats and overall slow-paced lifestyle. It maintains many well-preserved architectural structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties and is known as one of the six ancient towns in southern China.

(Xitang Ancient Town)

Suzhou City

The high speed train takes only half an hour from Shanghai to Suzhou (100 km apart), which is well known for resplendent gardens and beautiful scenery. Among the over 100 surviving ancient gardens, Humble Administrator's Garden, Garden of the Net Master, Lingering Garden and Lion Grove are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Grand Canal passes through the city and make it "Venice of Orient".

(Garden of the Net Master in Suzhou)

Hanghzou City

About 200 km away from Shanghai, Hangzhou is also a metropolis reputed as "paradise on earth". Marco Polo described it as “the most beautiful and elegant city in the world” in 13th century. West Lake ranks the top among all attractions in Hangzhou. Besides, it is also famous for the production of tea and silk.

(West Lake in winter)

Nanjing City

Nanjing finds itself 300 Km or so from Shanghai. It is a nice and modern city yet teeming with amazing historic sites, as it ever served as the capital of 6 dynasties.

(Ancient Gate in Nanjing)

Wuzhen Water Town

Ancient docks, waterside pavilions and corridors, stone railings and bridges, arched gates across the street, imposing dwellings and spacious courtyards typify the elegant water town of Wuzhen. It is located at the center of the triangle formed by Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing.

(Wuzhen)

Mountain Huangshan

It will take a 6-hour driving from the city center of Shanghai to Mountain Huangshan, as they are 672 km apart. Mountain Huangshan is widely recognized as the most beautiful mountain in China with breathtaking landscape. Hiking up the mountain by different trails. Besides, the two traditional villages of Xidi and Hongcun nearby are also worth a visit.

(Mountain Huangshan)

Our Weekend Getaway in Huangmei Village in July, 2013

What’s your plan for this hot summer time? As for Easy Tour China team, we took a delightful weekend getaway to a small COOL village named Huangmei near Guilin in mid-July. In Huangmei, which was seemingly a world away, we had so much fun and were so relaxed, by swimming, dabbling in water and water fighting with all green mountains surrounding. It was just great to have such a break after one week of intense work schedules. 

(Water fighting to cool off)

Huangmei Village is located in the valley of Dongjiang River in Lingchuan Country, about 50 km away from downtown Guilin. The Dongjiang River is actually a cool stream that twists through rolling mountains and dense forests. Residential houses and wood bridges scatter here and there. Given its advantageous landscape, many people from the nearby areas also like to drift here along the stream. After escaping the crowds, we were quickly revived by the fresh air, tranquil ambience, as well as the singing birds and the pleasant murmur of creeks.

(This place is sheer beautiful.)

Moreover, for such an enthusiastic group like us, it's no surprise that we took a series of exciting outdoor activities, such as swimming competition, hiking, reflex games and so forth, which offered so much joy and attracted everyone of us to participate. It’s also worth mentioning that the food we had in the local restaurant was so good! All those cuisine materials and ingredients were virtually home grown, fresh and delicious!


(Have a rest on the suspension bridge after hiking)


(Exciting activities)


(Cheers!)


(Let's take a picture!)


(Look at the clear green water)

8 Tips for Travel Couples

Someone joked that a man and a woman can be husband and wife provided they can travel together, which in some ways really make sense. Travel with your partner can be more intensive and stressful than life at home, yet the payoff is also huge with delight and romantic affection when heading the same direction. These expert tips from seasoned travel couples will help you overcome the difficulties and ensure a funny and comfortable journey.

Click here for fantastic China honeymoon tours

1. Start small. The length of your travel time depends on the amount time that you have been dating. Therefore, start small and plan long-term trips only if you have been together for years. If you have been seeing each other less than 12 months, consider trips limited to 10 days.

2. Plan ahead and talk about the budget. Trips without planning ahead may result in adventures. so take the time to master your budget, assemble the perfect itinerary, and of course make the important decisions together.

3. Communicate and be humble. Always remember that you are not travelling alone, hence, communicating is the most important thing. It is great to hear opinions from your partner and also share yours. In case that you are annoyed by each other, try best to cool off and let it go.



4. Respect and take care of each other. Respect your partner’s opinion, decision and most import – habits and privacy, especially when you are sharing a bathroom. Meanwhile, don’t forget you are a team. Watch each other's back, as you two are travelling in the wild world. And your partner is coming home with you.

5. Be flexible. Even if you have made all arrangements for this trip, still things can change. That might be food, transport or hotels. If something unexpected happens to you, work together to find the solution, as we say hope for the best, but expect the worst.

6. Find time to travel separately. Spending that much time with anyone is tough, even though it is the one you love. Both of you will need a break and venture out on your own. That can be one or two hours, or half of day, which is likely to make you more appreciate the time you spend together.



7. Keep it Romantic. A trip between couples should be romantic. Pick the right location (for older couples, go back to places you love) and prepare a romantic surprise. On even the most budget trip, use your imagination to do something special for your partner.

8. Don’t Talk About Work. Travel couples are suggested not to talk about work or any serious topics, for those can lead to stress and frustration. Just keep a sense of humor and enjoy your journey with your partner.

The Great Wall of China – Ancient Legacy for Kids

Travelling is an excellent way to experience life, by broadening your horizons and learning things, which applies to both adults and kids. Therefore, at the rest of year, why not thoroughly plan and take your kids on a vacation they'll never forget? The Great Wall of China, known as one of the Seven World Wonders bearing exceptional testimony to the ancient Chinese civilizations is always considered as the essential of the best family tour to China. Surely, its grandness and magnificence will impress everyone upon first glance, and furthermore, show children an unparalleled achievement in human history!

Recommended China Great Wall Tours

The Great Wall is a series of defensive fortifications built against the nomadic groups from the north, some of which can be traced back to the 7th century BC during the Spring and Autumn, and Warring States Periods. Later Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, had these earlier walls joined together and extended. At this point, the Great Wall made its debut as a whole. Ever since then, it has on and off been rebuilt and enhanced, until to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. When facing a great defensive structure like the Great Wall, Children will be excited to learn about its function, military strategy status and the legendary history, as well as be marveled at the building and engineering skills 2000 years ago.

The Great Wall is indeed an architecture of curiosities. The children may wonder how this great project was built? Who built it? And many more interesting questions. The Great Wall stretches 21,196 km (13,171 mi) through deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus from east to west of China (some walls are now in ruins or have disappeared). It is mainly made of rammed earth, stones and wood in the early times, and adopted bricks in the Ming Dynasty. The construction demonstrates the wisdom and perseverance of the ancient Chinese. However, to build it, the human cost was huge, as hundreds of thousands of workers died.

Strolling on the Great Wall, the horse tracks, watch towers, garrison stations, shelters, and fortresses and passes along the Wall can still remind us the cries of battle. When children are encouraged to explore it, what is likely to come to their mind?

The Wall better preserved and most famous were mainly built in Ming Dynasty, many of which are located in the north of Beijing including Juyongguan Pass, Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling and Simatai. Badaling Great Wall is the most well-preserved but with daunting crowds. So we suggest the family with kids go to the remote Jinshanling section with striking mountain views, or Mutianyu section, an hour north of Beijing, featuring delightful pastoral scenery. Simatai section is more authentic, as It reminds what it looked like 500 years ago. Consider visiting the Great Wall in winter, Children will definitely love this magnificent construction in snow!

15 Chinese Members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (Part II)

Tengchong Hot Spring Spa Villas ResortLocation: Tengchong, YunnanTengchong in Yunnan province is a true oasis of hot springs, embraced by stunning volcanoes and volcanic lakes, where there stands Tengchong Hot Spring Spa Villas Resort. Guests will be revived by a superb selection of spa villas complete with rejuvenating hot spring pools. This exclusive retreat also offers two restaurants, therapeutic spa treatments, a fitness centre, 24-hour butler service and Chinese medical consultations. You might as well visit the National Geological Park with over 90 volcanoes, hot pools and lakes, or Heshun old town nearby.

  (Tengchong Hot Spring Spa Villas Resort)

Sheng He ClubLocation: Nantong, Jiangsu
Sheng He Club is a small boutique hotel on the northern banks of the scenic Hao River in central Nantong city. Sheng He Club distinguishes itself by focusing on elegance and tranquil atmosphere. Here, contemporary designs blends beautifully with stylish chinoiserie. With 20 striking rooms and suites each featuring panoramic river views, all-day dining, nine private dining rooms, a cinema room, a bar and butler service, and a superb collection of art works, Sheng He Club offers a highly appealing base for guests seeking a more personal and sophisticated urban hideaway.

  (Sheng He Club)

Regalia Resort & Spa NanjingLocation: Nanjing, Jiangsu
Regalia Resort & Spa Nanjing is designed with a fusion of traditional Chinese style and Asian Concept in mind. With a Zen-like Thai spa, restaurant with Western and Thai fusion cuisine, fabulous suites and magnificent villas with Jacuzzis or a private pool , amazing views of Qinhuai River and other contemporary luxurious amenities, Regalia Resort & Spa Nanjin will make your stay an exclusive one. Located along Qinhuai River and close to the ancient Zhonghua Gate, the boutique hotel is just a place full of romance.

  (Regalia Resort & Spa Nanjin)

Pudi Boutique Hotel Fuxing ParkLocation: ShanghaiPudi Boutique Hotel Shanghai is ideally located in the heart of the former French Concession area, near Xintiandi and Fuxing Park, and just a few minutes walking distance to Huihai Road, busting with shopping malls, boutiques and bars. This magnificent 5-star hotel is regarded as a perfect combination of contemporary European and Chinese styling, creating an calm and peaceful atmosphere. It provides 52 spacious rooms (the smallest is over 50 square meters), round-the-clock butler service, in-room spa services, an inviting roof terrace and a gourmet restaurant.

  (Pudi Boutique Hotel Shanghai)

Pingjiangfu Suzhou HotelLocation: Suzhou, Jiangsu
Situated in the beautiful water town of Suzhou famous for its serene canals and numerous beautiful ancient gardens, Pingjiangfu Suzhou Hotel is a traditionally styled courtyard building with smart and elegant amenities including comfortable rooms, a health club, a sauna, a fitness facility, tennis courts, two pools and a great choice for your stay. Nearby points of interest include Lion Grove Garden, Humble Administrators Garden, Suzhou Museum, canals and Xuanmiao Temple.

  (Pingjiangfu Suzhou Hotel)

Lanson Place HotelLocation: Hong KongLocated at 133 Leighton Road in the Causeway Bay, the Lanson Place Hotel is the heart of Hong Kong, but a really tranquil urban hideway as well. This boutique hotel combines a classic 19th-century Parisian style and modern interior design to create a sophisticated and elegant ambience. Lanson Place Hotel welcomes guests with 194 rooms, each with a kitchenette, an elegant lounge and cocktail bar, fully-equipped gym and full business services. Have a visit to the nearby exclusive designer shopping centers and experience Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife.

  (Lanson Place Hotel)

Hotel Éclat BeijingLocation: BeijingWith a gleaming glass pyramid envelopes appearance, Hotel Éclat Beijing is an essential part of Beijing’s Parkview Green teeming with designer boutiques, restaurants and cinemas. This 100-room boutique hotel features 26 luxurious rooms and suites with Jacuzzis in bathroom, of which 20 suites boast private outdoor pool, fabulous works of contemporary art, and personal and friendly service. Hotel Éclat Beijing is close to Ritan Park, Wangfujing Street and Dong Yue Miao and Silk Street Market.

  (Hotel Éclat Beijing)

15 Chinese Members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (Part I)

There are totally 15 Chinese member-hotels of SLH in China, including Hotel Éclat Beijing, The Luxe Manor Hong Kong, WH Ming Hotel Shanghai etc. which ensure guests highly appealing experience around beautiful landscapes such as the forbidden city and the Great Wall.

Pins De La Brume HotelLocation: Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Pins de la Brume is a supreme boutique hotel, located in the tranquil West Lake area of Hangzhou, just a few steps away from Lingyin Temple and charming West Lake. The 42 elegant rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, two restaurants, a fabulous spa and the gorgeous glass-fronted outer wall are embraced by a lovely tea garden dotted with lush pines and cherry trees. Complimentary bicycles are offered for guests’ own exploration. It is a place of comfort, perfect rest and great beauty, and a perfect getaway from bustling city life.

  (Pins de la Brume)

Brilliant Resorts and Spa KunmingLocation: Kunming, Yunnan
Standing at the bank of rippling Yang Zong Lake on the highlands of Yunnan, Brilliant Resorts and Spa Kunming is an ideal retreat set in Zen gardens and the perfect place to admire the stunning Emerald Hill. Each of the 23 spacious villas offers unobstructed lake views and an outdoor pool or hot spring pool. Here, you should not omit the brilliant Spa, 25 themed hot spring pools, private pool, Jacuzzi, Yoga, Tai-chi, banqueting, and its Pu’er Tea Club.

  (Brilliant Resorts and Spa Kunming)

Brilliant Resort & Spa ChongqingLocation: ChongqingThe Brilliant Resort & Spa Chongqing locates within the 1600-year-old North Hot Springs Park of Chongqing, surrounded by green mountains and facing the Jialing River. The designing principles reflect the ideas of harmony among traditional aesthetics, man and nature, ensuring guests serenity and peace. Guests are coming here for 31 spa suites and villas endowed with private plunge pools, hot spring gardens and private terraces, Chinese and Japanese restaurants and bars, tea house, gym, yoga and so much more.

  (Brilliant Resort & Spa Chongqing)

Beijing Han's Royal Garden HotelLocation: Beijing
If you search for a true oasis of peace in the noisy downtown Beijing, consider Han's Royal Garden Hotel. Built based on the residence of an historical Chinese noble’s family home, blending modern glamour with deco chic, Han's Royal Garden Hotel, with its traditional Chinese Suites and European style Deluxe rooms and comfortable modern amenities embodies elegance and luxury. Why not take a Beijing tour to the surrounding famous hutongs and Tiananmen Square nearby?

  (Han's Royal Garden Hotel)

Wuzhen ClubhouseLocation: Tongxiang City, Zhejiang
In Wuzhen, China’s most beautiful water town, alongside the river, stands Wuzhen Clubhouse. It consists of three separate ancient timber manor houses set in ornamental courtyards first built in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This stunning boutique hotel welcome guests with elegant architecture, striking rooms, cosy services, various activities, as well as peaceful surroundings, and traditional Chinese culture. Try wandering through the delightful town and have fun with the waters.

  (Wuzhen Clubhouse)

WH Ming Hotel ShanghaiLocation: ShanghaiTo find a place of both tranquility and elegance in bustling Shanghai, you would like to visit WH Ming Hotel Shanghai. It is located in the center of Yangpu district, just overlooking the green areas of Huangxing Park. This luxury hotel ensure guests a unique and extraordinary experience here, by offering 188 Art-deco-inspired rooms and suites endowed with sweeping park and river views, luxury amenities, innovative Spa experience, romantic stylish chapel…For a memorable Shanghai tour, visit some Shanghai highlights, among which, Yu Garden in the Old City of Shanghai are the most engaging ones.

  (WH Ming Hotel Shanghai)

The Luxe Manor Hong KongLocation: Hong KongThe Luxe Manor Hong Kong -  it is an outstanding design hotel in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, full of the charm of character. Here, visitors will be seduced by its delightful surreal twist perfectly reflected in the imaginatively themed suites, Dalinesque décor, a striking collection of art, odd bar…it is indeed a highly appealing base for both leisure and business travelers. Make time for the myriad of boutiques, museums, restaurants, markets nearby, immerse yourself in Hong Kong's vibrant lifestyle.

  (The Luxe Manor Hong Kong)

The EmperorLocation: BeijingThe Emperor Beijing is ideally located on the eastern side of the Forbidden City, the city’s most striking historic landmark. The Emperor offers 55 rooms and suites integrating traditional cultural quintessence with modern glamour of minimalist chic and a range of cosy services and facilities to make your stay truly memorable and distinct. Be sure to visit the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Tiananmen Square, Beihai Park, as well as Wangfujing Street providing you would like to go shopping.

  (The Emperor)