Where to Take Your Kids in Nanjing? Don’t Miss These Treasure Spots!
Among all types of travel, family trips with kids require especially careful planning – you need great scenery, plenty of activities, delicious food, and ideally opportunities for children to get close to nature and experience a different way of life from the city. Plus, they mustn't get bored! So, where should you take your kids in Nanjing? Don't miss these treasure spots!
Laoshan National Forest Park: Wander in Nanjing's 'green lung'
When heading out with kids, you definitely need a vast, fresh-air destination to connect with nature. If you ask where in Nanjing has the best greenery and freshest air, the Laoshan Forest Park in Pukou is undoubtedly one of them. This lush forest area stretches across Pukou, facing the Yangtze River to the south and nestled against the Chu River to the north, earning it the title of 'Nanjing's green lung.' Even looking across all of Jiangsu Province, it's the largest national forest park.
From downtown Pukou, Laoshan National Forest Park is not far away – having such a forest treasure right on the city's doorstep is a blessing for Pukou residents. The park covers a vast area, stretching over 30 kilometers from east to west and more than 10 kilometers from north to south in a long, narrow shape. Located in the south, Laoshan is lush all year round. It has been famous since ancient times for its 'four wonders: forests, springs, rocks, and caves.' Countless scholars and poets who visited Jinling through history – including Han Xizai, Wang Anshi, Su Dongpo, Qin Guan, and even the Ming dynasty founder Zhu Yuanzhang – came here to explore. The eight poetic scenic spots recorded in historical texts – Dragon Cave Cloud Watching, Phoenix Mountain Snow, Thousand Buddhas at Sunset, Huiji Temple Morning Bell, Hot Spring Mist, Stone Dam Flying Waves, Minister's Former Residence, and Jilao Thatched Cottage – are among the park's legendary highlights.
Today, Laoshan National Forest Park is tranquil and, with its huge area, often feels like you have the place to yourself. Kids won't be bored here – the park has a small zoo with emus, peacocks, azure-winged magpies, and more. It's even said to be the country's largest breeding base for azure-winged magpies. Stroll around, watch the animals, then find a quiet spot for a picnic – it's a perfect day connecting with nature.
Bulao Village: A trendy art village at the foot of Laoshan
If you get tired wandering in Laoshan National Forest Park, head to Bulao Village at the eastern foot of the mountain. Take a short rest or even stay overnight – this is a famous, trendy art village in Pukou and even greater Nanjing. Nestled against the mountain and by the water, with white walls and black tiles, it's far from the city's noise, like a peaceful paradise.
Every little courtyard in Bulao Village is charmingly arranged. There are cafés, restaurants, craft workshops, a fishing garden, and more. You can bring the kids to experience intangible cultural heritage, farm work, fishing, watch open-air movies... the options are endless, and the kids definitely won't be bored! The guesthouses are also full of character, with strong rustic vibes. Staying a few nights and enjoying farm-style meals sounds absolutely delightful.
Speaking of the village's name, it naturally comes from a legend about 'eternal youth' – and it's linked to love! It's said that a young couple's love at the foot of Laoshan moved the heavens, so the old trees never aged, the springs never dried up, and people living there enjoyed long life. That's how this auspicious name, 'Bulao Village' (meaning 'village of eternal youth'), came to be.
On a bright autumn day, strolling through Bulao Village is utterly delightful. Autumn light dances everywhere; the lake is emerald green, the vegetation lush. Smoke curls from chimneys, and every corner is a picture – like a pastoral painting. It's said the village was once selected as one of 'China's Most Beautiful Villages,' and that seems well-deserved.
Have a blast all day at Dragon Valley!
When it comes to places kids most want to visit, theme parks are definitely top-ranked! And just northeast of Nanjing's famous Pearl Spring Scenic Area lies a must-visit park – Dragon Valley. It's said to be one of the largest indoor theme parks in Asia!
As the name suggests, Dragon Valley is a large park with a dragon theme. Huge dragon figures can be seen everywhere. There are many rides and attractions across themed zones like Dragon Valley Town, Fantasy Future, Rainforest Secret Land, Hidden Dragon Valley, and Storm Water World.
Brave kids will likely be fascinated by the Time Tunnel, Space Base, and Journey to the Center of the Earth. Sci-fi attractions like spaceships and speeders, plus a dizzying array of weapons at the National Defense Science Museum, will keep them entertained. My own little 'boss,' who dreams of being a firefighter, absolutely couldn't be dragged away from the fire simulation – where you can operate a real fire hose to put out flames! Put on 3D glasses and board the Star Speeder, and the stereoscopic images and immersive sound effects instantly transport you into the middle of an action blockbuster. Then there are thrilling roller coasters like 'Demon Loop' and 'Dual Dragon Racing' that get your adrenaline pumping!
Dragon Valley also has plenty of 'gentler' but equally fun attractions! The Rainforest Secret Land zone makes you feel like you're in a tropical jungle, with all sorts of animal and plant sculptures. There's the whimsical 'Little Bee,' the colorful 'Forest Carousel,' and the spinning 'Hurricane Flying Chairs.'
Since it's a dragon-themed park, you can't miss 'Dragon Valley Town' and 'Hidden Dragon Valley.' In Dragon Valley Town, the light show 'Soaring Dragon' features a graceful dragon moving on the LED canopy, creating an incredible atmosphere. In Hidden Dragon Valley, hop on an adventure boat for the 'Dragon Quest' drifting ride and enjoy the thrill of plunging down rapids. And don't forget the 'Wonderland Cave' in Dragon Valley – stepping inside is like entering a real limestone cave, with rock formations, artificial stones, and dazzling lights, truly like a fairyland!
