Where To Go

BEIJING

Beijing is the capital city of China and has remained the capital for the past seven hundred years.

Beijing is located in the north eastern region of China and its former name was Peking. It is the political and cultural centre of China and is the country’s second largest city in population.

 Beijing enjoys four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are short periods of time, but extremely pleasant. Summer with July being the hottest month has an average temperature of 25.2 C or 75F. January in winter is the coldest month with an average temperature of -4C or 18F. The mountains encircling the western, northern and eastern sides of the city help maintain the temperatures.

There are many tourist destinations for the family in and around the city. There is the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. And of course, there is The Great Wall, which is visible from space. Click here to read more...

HAINAN 

Hainan is unlike any other province in China. It is the second largest ocean island, while being the smallest iland province in the country.

Although the tropical scenery on Hainan island lacks the grandeur of the Great Wall and the mystery of he Terra-Cotta Warriors, its lush beauty has gained a good repuation among visitors  and has been widely known around the world. Many people refer to Hainan as the "Oriental Hawaii".

Hainan is located on th south end of China, and occupies an area of  35,000 sq kms. Its administrative regions are Hainan island, Xisha archipelago, Zhinghsa archipelago, and Nansha archipelago. Its closest neighbouring countries include the Philippines (towards the east), Malaysia and Bruei (towards the south), Indonesia, specifically the Natuna islands (towards the southwest) , and Vietnam (towards the west). Click here to read more...

ZHANGJIAJIE

China’s Hunan Province is becoming increasingly popular among international tourists, especially among the adventurous. With its unique landscapes, traditions, people and food, there’s something for everyone in the family.

For the next few years, Hunan will be undergoing massive development and changes to cater for the booming tourism industry - new hotels, shops, restaurants, tourist sites and much, much more.

A major booming tourist destination in West Hunan is Zhangjiajie, in the hinterland of the Wuling Mountain Chain. Its unique geology formations make up the some of the most beautiful sandstone peaks in the world. Importantly, these unusual forms contributed to Zhangjiajie becoming China’s first of forty listings on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.Click here to read more... 

 Beijing was a great city to visit with my (then) 14 year old.  I also know of other families who have taken younger children. 

The Beijing Airport was built for the Olympics and is probably the most amazing airport I have seen anywhere in the world (and I have seen a few!).

Firstly the markets are amazing.  Multi-storey buildings the size of David Jones or Myer with floor after floor of everything you could possibly imagine.  Of course, imitations of designer labels are the big drawcard for tourists.  Sunglasses, jeans, DVDs, jewellery, clothes of all makes and sizes, amazing coats, ski gear, shoes.  You name it – it’s there. 

The most popular markets are the Pearl Markets, the Ladies Market and the Silk Market. They can however be quite overwhelming and as you pass each store, goods are thrust in your face and you are encouraged to buy. We had a lot of fun in the markets bargaining, but it could be overwhelming for kids.

The best way to get around Beijing is either by train or taxi.  Taxis are relatively cheap.  The important thing is to get the hotel to give you a card of the hotel so that you can show it to the taxi driver to get back as they barely speak English! 

Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City are a must see - though a lot of walking is involved.  Crowds are everywhere all the time - be careful of pickpockets like any city in the world. 

Blondes are unique and Rachel was approached many times to have her photo taken with people.  One couple even stopped and asked Rachel to have the photo taken with the boyfriend!  There are two points with which to see the Great Wall.  The best way is take a chairlift to the top and after spending an hour or two marvelling at this amazing structure, you take the bob sled back down!!  Kids love it! There is a market at the bottom waiting for unsuspecting tourists.   

The Hutong is an absolute must when in Beijing as it is the "Old" Beijing (the one we learned about at school).  All tour desks at the hotels can book this tour for you.  It is a guided walking tour of the old town which includes the tower that was used as the clock for the entire village. Also a rickshaw ride and an opportunity to visit a traditional Chinese home and have tea with the owners (one of the highlights) are great too. 

There are many good restaurants serving Peking Duck and this is a box that has to be ticked when in Beijing.  Yes, McDonalds is there if needed too.  The best thing with children is probably to eat in the hotel restaurants where they cater for western tastes.  There are many designer shops in Beijing and many tea shops where you are invited in to sample different types of tea. 

 The Olympic site is another must see and again the tour desk can arrange this for you.  It is also great if you go to one of the traditional Chinese dance shows that are held in various hotels throughout the city. 

I would suggest five days as the appropriate amount of time to spend in Beijing with children.  It is a very hazy and polluted city and the sky is always grey, which gets a bit depressing after awhile.  

Having said that the city is meticulously clean and the gardens in the parks and leading up to the Forbidden City are just beautiful and constantly being tended to. 

In terms of accommodation, there are many options from 5 to 3 stars and all reasonably priced.