【Summer Vacation Family Guide】In-depth Travel Strategies for 6 Popular Cities: Enjoy History and Childhood Fun with Kids

1. Core City Recommendations and Trip Highlights 1. Beijing: A Cultural Enlightenment Journey Under the Imperial City Walls ◦ Must-visit for families: Treasure hunt in the Forbidden City (search for ridge beasts, participate in intangible cultural heritage rubbings), China Science and Technology Museum (dome movies + robot interaction), Olympic Forest Park to feed the deer. ◦ Unique experiences: Ride the Qianmen tram through century-old hutongs, stay in a courtyard guesthouse in Nanluoguxiang to experience old Beijing life. ◦ Transportation tips: Metro Line 1 goes directly to Tiananmen and the Forbidden City, Line 4 reaches the Summer Palace, metro lines cover 90% of attractions. 2. Shanghai: A Fairy Tale Adventure in a Modern Metropolis ◦ Top itinerary: Full-day fun at Disneyland (parade + Winnie the Pooh honey pot), LEGOLAND (newly opened on July 5, world’s first Wukong Little Hero themed area), Natural History Museum dinosaur exhibition. ◦ Accommodation picks: Family hotels near Disneyland (with free shuttle) or countryside-style family hotels (pet interaction + children’s pool). ◦ Food highlights: DIY chocolate at M&M’s factory on Nanjing Road, traditional dough figurine making at City God Temple. 3. Xi’an: An Archaeological Classroom Through Millennia ◦ Immersive experiences: Handmade Terracotta Warriors, Hanyangling archaeological blind box digging, cycling on the city wall overlooking the ancient city. ◦ Family-friendly: Inns near the Bell Tower convenient for night visits to Muslim Quarter, treasure hunt activities at Shaanxi History Museum to spark kids’ curiosity. ◦ Heat prevention advice: Best season is August to October; avoid midday heat in summer, carry sun hats and portable fans. 4. Nanjing: A Poetic Childhood Amid Six Dynasties’ Waters and Mists ◦ Special routes: Hongshan Forest Zoo (interact with giant pandas), lantern night tour at Confucius Temple, Zijin Mountain Adventure Park (jungle zipline + insect museum). ◦ Cultural enlightenment: Stamp tour at the Presidential Palace, “artifact excavation” experience at Six Dynasties Museum to cultivate children’s interest in history. ◦ Food recommendations: Kexiang Snack Street (duck blood vermicelli soup, beef potstickers), family apartments near Xinjiekou within walking distance to attractions. 5. Hangzhou: A Natural Classroom in a Landscape Painting ◦ Cool activities: Row boats on West Lake feeding squirrels, playing in Jiuxi Stream, Liangzhu Ancient City Ruins Park (deer park interaction + jade crafting). ◦ Intangible cultural heritage experiences: Handmade oil-paper umbrellas on Xiaohe Straight Street, umbrella culture at the Umbrella Museum, Songcheng Eternal Love show combining education and entertainment. ◦ Accommodation suggestions: Family hotels by West Lake (walking distance to lakeside), Longjing Village guesthouses for tea picking and making experience. 6. Guilin: An Adventure Park of Karst Landforms ◦ Outdoor challenges: Electric bamboo rafts on the Li River, family cycling in Yangshuo (catching small fish in Yulong River), mud loach catching in Longji Terraces. ◦ Unique lodging: Family guesthouses in Yangshuo (with swimming pool), cave exploration requires advance booking with professional guides. ◦ Transportation reminder: High-speed train directly to Guilin Station, private car recommended from Yangshuo to Longji Terraces (about 2 hours’ drive).