Top Things to Do in China: From Ancient Wonders to Modern Marvels

A visit to the Great Wall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For a family-friendly trip that’s less crowded than the famous Badaling section, consider Mutianyu. It’s fully restored and surrounded by lush forests, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Here, you can ride a cable car or a chairlift up to the wall and enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride back down, making it a fun and memorable outing for all ages. For those who want a more rugged adventure, the Jinshanling or Simatai sections offer a mix of restored and original segments with impressive hiking.

Located just outside the ancient city of Xi’an, the Terracotta Warriors are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best things to see and do in China! The museum is home to thousands of life-size clay soldiers, archers, and horses, buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang over 2,000 years ago. Visitors can walk around the massive excavation pits and marvel at the scale and incredible detail of the figures. It's a fascinating and family-friendly site that brings ancient Chinese history to life.

Get lost in China’s traditional villages and bustling local markets. Explore the peaceful water towns near Shanghai, such as Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen, with their ancient stone bridges and picturesque canals. In major cities, you can visit vibrant street markets like Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter for delicious food or Beijing's Panjiayuan Antique Market for unique souvenirs. These spots offer a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, providing an authentic glimpse into Chinese daily life and traditions.

China's spirituality and cultural history are best experienced through its temples. In Beijing, visit the majestic Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and the beautiful Lama Temple, a stunning example of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. For a taste of China's martial arts heritage, consider a visit to the Shaolin Temple in Henan province. These sites offer not just historical context but a peaceful vibe and a deep connection to the country's spiritual roots.

A trip to Shanghai is a journey through time! The historic Bund waterfront showcases a stunning collection of colonial-era buildings in diverse architectural styles, from Gothic to Art Deco. Take a stroll along the promenade to admire these historic structures before looking across the Huangpu River to the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Here, neon-lit skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower create a magical scene, especially after dark. This blend of old and new makes Shanghai a unique cultural hub, perfect for leisurely walks, shopping, and taking in the city's energy.

Beijing blends imperial history with contemporary culture. At its heart lies the immense Forbidden City, an unmissable and fascinating look into the lives of ancient Chinese emperors. Just a short journey away, you can immerse yourself in the city’s creative pulse at the 798 Art Zone, a district filled with galleries, studios, and urban art. For a modern marvel of a different kind, you can also visit the iconic Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube, impressive remnants of the 2008 Olympic Games that showcase China’s contemporary global influence.

For a glimpse into the future, China’s cities offer a look at some of the world’s most advanced infrastructure and technology. A ride on a high-speed train is an experience in itself, offering a fast and efficient way to travel between major cities. In futuristic districts like Shanghai's Lujiazui or Shenzhen's tech hubs, towering skyscrapers and modern urban planning demonstrate the nation's rapid development. From advanced transport systems to interactive museums showcasing technological achievements, you can explore the innovations shaping modern China.

Wondering what to do in China with groups of all ages? Head to world-class theme parks like Shanghai Disneyland or Beijing Happy Valley for rides, shows, and family fun. For a dose of marine life, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is one of the best things to see and do in China with kids. Beyond these big attractions, many cities also have interactive museums, large playgrounds, and cultural events designed to engage children, ensuring there are always plenty of kid-friendly options for your family holiday.

The landscapes of southern China feel straight out of a painting. Guilin is famous for its stunning karst landscapes, with thousands of limestone peaks rising from the ground. You can take a peaceful boat cruise down the serene Li River, passing through valleys and traditional rice paddies. For a more dramatic scene, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers breathtaking sandstone pillars that inspired the "Avatar" movie.

These natural parks offer extensive hiking trails suitable for every type of traveller. The Golden Whip Stream trail in Zhangjiajie is a beautiful, easy 7.5-kilometer walk alongside a crystal-clear stream, perfect for families and those seeking a relaxed journey. For a moderate challenge, hiking routes in the Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain areas can be accessed via cable cars and elevators, allowing you to choose your difficulty while still enjoying stunning views. More experienced hikers can tackle the steep climbs and ladders in the less-crowded Yangjiajie area. Beyond hiking, Guilin offers outdoor activities like cycling and rock climbing for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

While many think of China as a summer destination, it's also home to a thriving ski scene, with modern, world-class resorts rivalling those in the West. This makes it an ideal spot for a winter getaway, blending exhilarating mountain sports with a rich cultural experience. Club Med operates premier ski-in, ski-out resorts in China, including at Yabuli, Beidahu, and Changbaishan. These resorts are designed with families in mind, with ski lessons and passes, gourmet dining, and diverse activities all included, providing a completely stress-free winter escape. Whether you're a seasoned skier looking for a challenge or a family trying snow sports for the first time, these destinations offer pristine powder and a magical setting.

Club Med's all-inclusive resorts in China are designed to make family travel effortless.

• Premium Resort Locations: From the lush landscapes of Guilin and Lijiang to the snowy peaks of Yabuli, Beidahu, and Changbaishan, there’s a resort for every adventure.
• Kids' Club & Sports: Enjoy a wide range of activities with the included Mini Club Med program for children. You can also take part in family-friendly sports, from ski lessons at the mountain resorts to Tai Chi classes in Guilin.
• Curated Excursions: Explore local culture and nature on stress-free, expertly guided excursions to nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites and stunning nature parks.
• All-Inclusive Dining: Experience a variety of international and local cuisines with flexible dining options that cater to every member of the family, even the pickiest eaters.

If you’re dreaming of swapping the stress for smiles, here’s how to ditch the endless planning with Club Med.

• Your Budget is Sorted, Upfront: With an all-inclusive package, you pay once for everything, accommodation, meals, snacks, drinks, and activities. This means no surprise bills and no constant worrying about money, leaving you free to simply enjoy your trip.
• A Feast for All (Even Picky Eaters): No more hunting for a restaurant that has a kids' menu. With a variety of dining options available on-site, everyone from toddlers to grandparents will find something delicious to eat, whenever they want it.
• The Freedom to Choose. The best part is the flexibility. While one parent enjoys a relaxing hour by the pool, another can take the kids to the kids' club for a supervised activity. With sports, entertainment, and excursions all included, every member of the family can do their own thing or find a way to enjoy the holiday together.

There are endless things to see and do in China, from witnessing ancient wonders to exploring futuristic cities. But with so much to see, planning a trip can feel a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Club Med's all-inclusive resorts are designed to give you the perfect balance of cultural immersion and stress-free family travel. We handle all the logistics, including accommodation, dining, and even curated excursions, so all you have to worry about is making memories.