9 Cities I Recommend for Family Summer Trips

Yangshuo, Guangxi: Yangshuo is a beautiful town nestled in the embrace of Guilin's landscapes, surrounded by the scenery of the Li River. Its scenery is magnificent and graceful, hailed as "the finest landscape under heaven." For family trips, you can take a bamboo raft to drift along the clear Li River, enjoying the green hills and clear waters; you can also climb mountains and hike with your children to explore the wonders of nature. Besides natural scenery, Yangshuo boasts rich ethnic culture—you can visit local willow weaving art and handicrafts, experiencing unique ethnic charm.

Zhangjiajie, Hunan: Zhangjiajie is one of China's first national forest parks. It is famous for its peculiar stone peaks and canyons, described as "a pillar in the south, a beam in the north, a cave in the west, and a peak in the east." Family trips can involve exploration and hiking, admiring natural wonders along suspension bridges and plank roads. Within the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, there are many waterfalls, lakes, and streams, making it an excellent place for children to get close to nature.

Gulangyu, Fujian: Gulangyu is a small island in Xiamen, known for its long history and exotic architecture. The island retains a large number of Western-style buildings with a strong European flavor. Strolling on Gulangyu with your children, you can appreciate various unique architectural styles and taste local food. On this artistic island, families can experience an unconventional travel adventure.

Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan: Jiuzhaigou is a famous natural scenic area, renowned for its blue lakes, waterfalls, and colorful ponds. Its scenery is unique, displaying the wonders of nature. In summer, the grasslands and forests inside the valley are lush and green, making it a great destination for families to enjoy natural beauty. Visiting Jiuzhaigou not only allows you to experience the grandeur of nature but also teaches children about the importance of environmental protection and conservation.

Dali, Yunnan: Dali is one of the starting points of the ancient Silk Road, with rich history and culture. In Dali, you can cycle around Erhai Lake with your children, enjoying the magnificent mountains and lake views; you can also visit the ancient city to learn about local history and customs. Here, families can participate in local handicraft making and experience traditional culture firsthand.

Qingdao, Shandong: Qingdao is a beautiful coastal city, famous for its beer and seafood. In summer, bring your children to Qingdao to play on Golden Beach and feel the refreshing sea breeze; you can also visit the Tsingtao Brewery to learn about the beer-making process. Additionally, explore the Badaguan historical architecture area to immerse your children in a strong historical atmosphere.

Xitang, Zhejiang: Xitang is an ancient water town, preserving Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and canal scenery. In this town, you can take a boat ride with your children to enjoy the scenery along the banks; you can also stroll on the ancient streets, experiencing the tranquility and antiquity of Jiangnan water towns. Xitang also has rich folk culture, allowing families to appreciate the charm of this ancient town.

Lushan, Jiangxi: Lushan is one of the famous mountains, boasting many magnificent mountain views and waterfalls. Here, you can climb the mountain with your children to explore the unique peaks and strange rocks; you can also relax in a hot spring resort at the foot of the mountain, enjoying the comfort of hot springs. Lushan is not only a natural beauty but also has a long history and culture, providing families with diverse experiences during the trip.

Lijiang, Yunnan: Lijiang is a city full of ethnic charm, with attractions such as the Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Shuhe Ancient Town. In Lijiang, you can visit the Old Town with your children to learn about the traditional culture and history of the Naxi people.

All these cities have their unique features and landscapes, suitable for families to explore and experience together. No matter which destination you choose, it will add unforgettable memories to your family trip.