Caitlin Manicom
Get On Your High Horse
Saddling up in Chaoyang Nothing best takes advantage of those lingering days of summer like a quiet horseback ride through the wilderness. And though Ascot it is not, Beijing nevertheless has its fair share of equestrian options for kids and adults.
Campus Cuisine
Eating your way to a college degree
Unhealthy college eating is an issue that troubles both parents and their hungry children. Tales of the “freshman 15,” gaining or losing 15 pounds due to unappetizing cafeteria slop, abound and mini-fridges are frantically stocked with alternatives. Unfortunately, beer and instant noodles are not much healthier than the meals piled onto plastic trays at the dining hall.
Shanghai
Shanghai
Where the Past Meets the Future
Taking a trip to Shanghai is less like traveling in China than it is being transported into another world. While the glitzy shopping malls and high-rises attest to the city being one of China’s fastest growing modern metropolises, a visit to the French Quarter or the Bund, with its stone facades and grand architecture, takes you back an entire century. Turn the corner and pass the old residence of some famous leader or former diplomat. Hip cafes and trendy restaurants serving international cuisine line the blocks everywhere you go, but be sure to try the xiaolong bao – steamed buns filled with pork and a tasty, piping-hot broth. Take a turn in People’s Square, shop till you drop along Huaihai Lu, visit the Shanghai Museum (which holds one of China’s finest collections of classical art), then stroll down Nanjing Road and end the day wandering the Bund.
The Travelers: Chinese/Japanese couple Shiqiang Liu and Akiko Yamashita and their daughter Yoko (7).
Sanya
Sanya
A South China Island Adventure
This famous beach resort destination is the summer haven your family has been seeking. Sanya is easy to navigate and has a wide choice of beach resorts. Of the two main beaches, Yalong Bay generally has fewer tourists and a more peaceful setting. If the relaxing beach life becomes too monotonous, families can take advantage of the snorkeling and hiking trips available. Day trips to and from Sanya can also help add a little spice to the experience. Most notable are Nanwan Monkey Island, the extensive Jianfengling Nature Reserve (which shows off the jungle that once covered Hainan) and the Nantian Hot Spring Resort – a veritable oasis of relaxing hot springs and gardens.
The Travelers: British couple Nick and Sally Mulvenney, and their son Max (3).
Where to Stay: An ocean-view room at the Marriott in Yalong Bay. The landscaped gardens and hammocks on the hotel beach provided never-ending fun for Max.
Qingdao
Qingdao
Soft Sand and Open Sea
You don’t have to leave the country to enjoy some fun in the sun. Qingdao, just a train ride away from Beijing, is one of China’s best options for a seaside holiday, and with its six beaches children won’t be disappointed. If you are a seafood lover, visiting the local fish market is a must! The winding cobblestone streets of the old town are the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll in search of interesting architecture among the red roofs, blue sea and white sand. Qingdao began as a small fishing village, and the local cuisine attests to these authentic roots. The city emanates a very modern and European feel due to its Germanic legacy and fresh seaside appeal.
Pingyao
Pingyao
Journey Back to the Ming Dynasty
Visiting Pingyao is a real step into China’s past: The ancient city walls and picture-perfect red lanterns recall an era that has been lost in many of China’s modernizing towns. Pingyao is best explored on foot, and the sights possess enough charm to keep antsy children entertained. Just after Chinese New Year is a good time to go, as Pingyao hosts a lively Lantern Festival. If you wish to leave the brick walls of the Ming dynasty, you can visit Buddhist temples and traditional family courtyard homes that lie on the outskirts of the city.
The Travelers: Australians Peter and Maxine Hewitt, and their kids James (10) and Bethany (7).
The Plan: Wanting to see more of China, the Hewitt family chose this ancient market town, taking the overnight train on Friday night and arriving early Saturday morning. On Sunday they drove to Taiyuan via other sightseeing spots before taking another overnight train home.
Nanjing
Nanjing
An Old Capital with a Modern Edge
Upon entering the city it is immediately obvious that Nanjing has twice served as the country’s capital. A wealthy and chic city, Nanjing is replete with lovely rivers, parks, boulevards and shopping malls, where families can combine a cosmopolitan holiday with a vacation rich in history, while still being surrounded by nature. The luxurious aspects of Nanjing ensure that a stay is pleasant and generally devoid of stress, even if traveling with small children. With a history of over 5,000 years, Nanjing’s attractions include prehistoric sites and original Ming city gates. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, which is situated on the bordering Zijin Shan, or “Purple Mountain,” is accessible by cable-car. What better way to observe a beautifully forested mountain peak than with a birds-eye view from above?
Lijiang
Lijiang
Wander Through an Ancient Town
Lijiang’s Old Town, the best preserved ancient town in China, is overwhelmingly beautiful. Pedestrian-friendly, its narrow cobblestone roads, canals and arched bridges promote hours of slow meandering. With high numbers of tourists, there is no shortage of friendly cafes and hostels. For an “authentic” experience stay in a traditional Naxi guesthouse. Souvenir shopping – Naxi trinkets in particular - is also plentiful here. The area provides a wealth of natural beauty; the nearby Tiger Leaping Gorge is impressive, and if the family isn’t up for a long hike, there are inexpensive buses that leave from Lijiang. At peak times the old town can feel a little overwhelmed with tourists, but it’s not difficult to avoid the heavily visited areas, and the volume of visitors speaks of the appeal of Lijiang, an important stop on the China tour.
Kashgar
Kashgar
Life on the Silk Road
Kashgar – a true desert town – is located in the center of Uighur country and is one of the most remote cities in China. For the culturally adventurous, Kashgar presents an array of exciting activities. Once a prime stop on the Silk Road, it has retained fairly authentic bazaars and livestock markets. Nomads, farmers and traders of all types convene to sell their traditional wares as well as an array of tourist goods. Children will be fascinated by the chaos of the livestock market, while adults can take the opportunity to buy fairly inexpensive and well-made carpets at the Sunday Market. A trip to the old town reveals small adobe homes, winding streets and the scents of traditional Uighur cuisine. Though Kashgar is a vibrant experience on its own, it is also a convenient stop on the way to Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan or more remote destinations.
The Travelers: French/Dutch Alex and Noëlle Smulders and their children Ivar (14), Etoile (13) and Asia (12).
Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou
Valley of Enchantment
Blue lakes, waterfalls, green landscape – Jiuzhaigou (or “Nine Village Valley”) is a nature lover’s paradise. Located in Northern Sichuan, this area is home to a UN-approved nature reserve, as well as nine Baima Tibetan villages. The local Tibetans and Qiang people consider many reserves on this land holy, and mysterious legends surround the landscape. Children will love the variety of “wild animals” – the reserve houses monkeys, pandas and an array of other forest dwellers – set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and clear lakes. A long hiking trail allows visitors to view all the park’s major sites. Temples, lakes and waterfalls line the route and, as the reserve is massive, bus tours are available for the weary. Although the reserve can be happily explored for days, visiting the Tibetan villages in the area is a good option for those desiring something more culturally stimulating.
