China rewards curiosity. From Beijing’s emperors and marble bridges to Xi’an’s subterranean army and Hong Kong’s neon harbors, the country bundles 5,000 years of history with modern-day thrills. Families will find clean metros, parks designed for strolling, and world-class museums beside sizzling street food and serene temples.

Food is a journey of its own: hand-pulled noodles in Xi’an, Peking duck in Beijing, and bamboo baskets of dim sum in Hong Kong. You’ll sample halal specialties in the Muslim Quarter, nibble egg tarts fresh from the oven, and taste your way through hutong alleys and wet markets.

Practical notes for March 2025: most attractions are open with timed-ticket systems for top sights (book early). China’s trains are fast and family-friendly; tap-to-pay is common, though carrying a little cash helps. In Hong Kong, an Octopus card simplifies transport. Pack layers and good walking shoes, and bring sun protection for Great Wall and island hikes.

Beijing

China’s capital is a living timeline: imperial palaces, hidden hutongs, and Olympic-era icons. It’s terrific for families—big parks, excellent subways, and plenty of kid-pleasing snacks. Plan on early starts, afternoon breaks, and one great day on the Great Wall.

Getting there: Fly into PEK or PKX. Compare fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights). Airport express trains and subways make transfers easy and cheap.

Days 1–4: Forbidden City, Hutongs, Great Wall, Summer Palace

• Forbidden City + Tiananmen + Jingshan Park: Start at Tiananmen Square, then step into the Forbidden City’s courtyards and throne halls. Finish with a short climb up Jingshan for a panoramic palace view—great photo and snack break.
• Temple of Heaven & park life: Go early to watch locals play shuttlecock, dance, and do tai chi. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests dazzles; the surrounding cypress groves are stroller-friendly.
• Hutong wandering: Explore Yandai Byway and the lakes around Shichahai. Look for shadow-puppet shops and try a sesame “shaobing” or jujube pastry from street bakeries.
• Great Wall (Mutianyu): The most family-friendly section, with a cable car up, broad ramparts, and an optional toboggan down. Go early; wear grippy shoes and bring water.
• Summer Palace: A royal retreat of pavilions, painted corridors, and a lakeside promenade. Rent a pedal boat if the weather’s fair.

Food & drink (kid-approved and budget-friendly):

• Siji Minfu (Qianmen): Beloved for Peking duck with crisp skin, plus duck bone soup and simple sides; reserve or go off-peak.
• Qing-Feng Steamed Dumpling Shop: A local chain serving buns, congee, and veg-friendly options; quick and cheap breakfast or lunch.
• Mr. Shi’s Dumplings (Baochao Hutong): Pan-fried or boiled dumplings with fillings kids can choose, plus colorful dessert dumplings.
• Huguosi Snacks: Old-school Beijing bites—mung bean jelly, fried dough twists, and savory crepes—ideal for a low-cost tasting.
• Coffee: Metal Hands Coffee Co. near Nanluoguxiang for expertly pulled espresso; Voyage Coffee in a sleek, airy space for pour-overs.

Family-friendly tours (choose 1–3):

• Beijing Full Day Tours: Tiananmen Sq, Forbidden City, Great Wall — small-group pacing, skip the tourist traps, and Mutianyu for your Wall day.

  

• Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour — go at your own pace, choose cable car or chairlift/toboggan; perfect with younger kids.

  

• Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants — off-the-beaten-path eateries where locals dine; introduces classic flavors in bite-size stops.

  

Where to stay (budget-first, with options):

• 365 Inn Beijing — wallet-friendly private rooms and a sociable lounge near Qianmen; walkable to the subway.
• Novotel Beijing Peace — dependable midrange in Wangfujing with family rooms and pool access.
• The Opposite House or The Peninsula Beijing — splurge options if you want one “treat” night.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Beijing | Hotels.com Beijing

Onward travel to Xi’an (morning departure): The high-speed G-train from Beijing West to Xi’an North takes ~4.5–6 hours; second class typically US$70–100 for adults, half-fare for kids. Check schedules on Trip.com (trains). Flights run ~2 hours from PEK/PKX to XIY—compare prices on Trip.com.

Xi’an

Ancient Chang’an, the Silk Road’s eastern gateway, hides time capsules everywhere—from city walls you can cycle to steam rising off street grills in the Muslim Quarter. Kids love the Terracotta Army’s lifelike details and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda’s storytelling murals.

Days 5–7: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall Ride, Muslim Quarter Bites

• Terracotta Warriors & Horses: See thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots unearthed from Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum. Start with the museum film, then visit Pits 1–3 in order.
• Xi’an City Wall: Rent bikes or tandems and cruise the ramparts (~14 km loop). Views of old gates and modern skyline make this a family favorite.
• Muslim Quarter: Snack along Beiyuanmen—roujiamo (Chinese “burger”), cumin-spiced kebabs, pomegranate juice, and sticky rice cakes. Swing by the Great Mosque for quiet courtyards.
• Pagodas & museums: The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda square has evening fountain shows; Shaanxi History Museum provides a kid-friendly arc through dynasties (go early for entry).

Food & drink picks:

• Tongshengxiang: Classic yangrou paomo (crusty bread soaked in mutton broth); staff can help crumble bread for kids.
• Lao Sun Jia: Another beloved paomo house with mild broths and pickled garlic on the side.
• First Noodle Under The Sun: Famous for wide, chewy biangbiang noodles with tomato-egg or chili oil (ask for “less spicy” for children).
• Fan Ji Roujiamo: Tender braised pork in a crackly bun; easy handheld snack while exploring.
• Coffee: Seesaw Coffee (inside malls) for reliable brews and pastries; indie cafes cluster near the South Gate.

Easy, value-focused tour:

• Mini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar — efficient routing, expert guide, and family pacing.

  

Where to stay (centered near Bell Tower/Drum Tower): Browse family rooms and budget picks on VRBO Xi’an or Hotels.com Xi’an. Look for properties near Zhonglou metro for easy transit.

Onward travel to Hong Kong (morning flight): Fly XIY–HKG in ~2.5–3 hours; typical economy fares are ~US$120–220 depending on season. Compare on Trip.com. Overland is possible via high-speed rail to Shenzhen and onward to Hong Kong, but it’s longer for families.

Hong Kong

Skyline glamor, mountain trails, and bamboo steamers—Hong Kong is a city of contrasts that keeps families delighted from ferry rides to island day trips. The MTR is spotless, English is widely spoken, and there’s a snack for every palate.

Days 8–10: Kowloon & Hong Kong Island Highlights

• Victoria Peak: Ride the historic Peak Tram, then stroll the Peak Circle Walk for stroller-friendly views of the harbor and outlying islands.
• Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: Evening skyline photos and the light show. Pop into the Cultural Centre piazza for buskers.
• Central & Sheung Wan: Escalators, street art, and temples. Quick ferry hop between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central is a kid-pleasing budget cruise.
• Beaches or playgrounds: Hong Kong Park’s aviary and fountains, or shallow sands at Repulse Bay (lifeguards in season).

Days 11–13: Lantau, Easy Hikes, Markets & Dim Sum

• Lantau Island: Take the Ngong Ping cable car to the Big Buddha and explore Tai O’s stilt houses by boat. Keep eyes peeled for pink dolphins (seasonal).
• Dragon’s Back hike: A family-friendly ridge with sea breezes and big views; aim for a morning start and end at Shek O or Big Wave Bay.
• Kowloon markets: Fa Yuen Street for sneakers, Goldfish Market for curious window-shopping, and Temple Street at dusk for souvenirs and snacks.

Food & drink (great value):

• Tim Ho Wan (Sham Shui Po): Budget dim sum legend—BBQ pork buns and steamed sponge cake are musts.
• Australia Dairy Company: Lightning-fast cha chaan teng with scrambled eggs, thick toast, and milk tea; go during off-peak hours.
• Mak’s Noodle or Tsim Chai Kee (Central): Wonton noodle institutions; order brisket and giant prawn wontons.
• Yat Lok (Central): Roast goose with lacquered skin; share plates to keep costs down.
• Tai Cheong Bakery: Warm egg tarts that kids devour in two bites.
• Sham Shui Po snacks: Near Mei Ho House—Kung Wo’s silky tofu pudding, cart-noodle shops, and bakeries with pineapple buns.
• Coffee: The Cupping Room and NOC Coffee Co. serve reliable espresso and pastries across town.

Family-friendly tours and tickets (pick 2–4):

• Lantau Island Day Trip Big Buddha & Tai O Includes Cable Car — cable car views, village strolls, and a peek into Hong Kong’s fishing heritage.

  

• Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour — effortless way to cover many sights with kids and rest between stops.

  

• Victoria Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Admission Hong Kong — skip lines and head straight for Hong Kong’s signature view.

  

• Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more — Old Town Central tastings with stories behind each bite; terrific for adventurous eaters.

  

Where to stay (family value to splurge):

• YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel — museum-like hostel with family rooms in Sham Shui Po; unbeatable for budget travelers.
• Hop Inn or Hop Inn on Carnarvon — colorful rooms and friendly staff steps from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR.
• Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel — if a theme-park day is on the cards, staying on-site is convenient with kids.
• The Peninsula Hong Kong or The Upper House — iconic classics if you plan one special night.
• More options: VRBO Hong Kong | Hotels.com Hong Kong

Getting around: Use the MTR for speed and savings; trams and ferries add fun between short hops. Many attractions are free or low-cost, and most hikes are accessible by public transport.

Travel Time & Budget Snapshot

• Beijing → Xi’an: High-speed train ~4.5–6 hrs (US$70–100). Check Trip.com trains.
• Xi’an → Hong Kong: Flight ~2.5–3 hrs (US$120–220). Compare on Trip.com.
• Daily costs (family, budget-conscious): Public transport US$5–10 pp/day; meals US$8–20 pp/day with street food and local eateries; attraction tickets vary (e.g., Forbidden City ~low double-digit USD equivalent; Peak Tram combo ~mid-teens USD).

Family tips: Start early, build in playground or park breaks, and keep snack stashes handy. Carry a scarf or light jacket for breezy hilltops and air-conditioned interiors. For hikes, pack sunscreen and hats; for city days, plan indoor museum breaks mid-afternoon.

Summary: In 13 days, your family will stand on an emperor’s ramparts, meet an underground army, float past the world’s most famous skyline, and taste an atlas of noodles and dim sum. It’s a trip stitched together by fast trains, ferry rides, and easy hikes—memories that will travel home with you.