Hidden Gem Cities Perfect for Family Vacations with Kids

1. Chongqing Recommended stay: 2-3 days. Stay near Jiefangbei for convenient transportation. - Attractions: Hongya Cave (stunning night views, great photos from Qiansimen Bridge), Liziba Light Rail (fun train-through-building experience), Shancheng Step Road (old Chongqing vibes), Ciqikou Ancient Town (millennium-old town with delicious food). - Food: Chongqing hotpot (spicy and aromatic), Xiaomian (local noodles), Sour and Spicy Noodles (appetizing), Ice Jelly (perfect to cool down from spice). 2. Xi'an Recommended stay: 3-4 days. Stay near subway lines for easy travel. - Attractions: Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (terracotta warriors), Shaanxi History Museum (book ahead, rich collections), Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (historic), Tang Paradise (experience Tang Dynasty culture with performances), Xi'an City Wall (bike rides with ancient views). - Food: Roujiamo (crispy bread with savory meat), Yangrou Paomo (rich lamb soup with bread), Biangbiang Noodles (wide, chewy noodles), Liangpi (refreshing cold noodles). 3. Sanya Recommended stay: 4-5 days. Choose accommodation based on budget—Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay for scenic views, Dadonghai and Sanya Bay for affordability. - Attractions: Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park (rainforest experience), Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone (see the sea-view Guanyin statue), Wuzhizhou Island (breathtaking island views), Coconut Dream Corridor (sunset spot), Luhuitou Park (panoramic city views). - Food: Seafood (varied, buy at First Market for cooking), Coconut Chicken (light and sweet), Qingbuliang (refreshing dessert), Baoluo Noodles (smooth and chewy). 4. Chengdu Recommended stay: 3 days. Stay near Chunxi Road or Taikoo Li. - Attractions: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (see adorable pandas), Wuhou Shrine (honors Shu Kingdom heroes), Jinli Ancient Street (charming night views and snacks), Kuanzhai Alley (slow-paced Chengdu life), People's Park (tea and ear cleaning). - Food: Hotpot (numbing and spicy), Chuanchuan Xiang (skewers to choose from), Long Chao Shou (thin-skinned dumplings), Zhong Dumplings (sweet-savory flavor). 5. Guilin Recommended stay: 3 days. Stay downtown or near the Li River. - Attractions: Li River (cruise with karst landscapes), Yangshuo West Street (exotic vibes), Yulong River (bamboo rafting), Elephant Trunk Hill (iconic landmark), Ten-Mile Gallery (scenic bike route). - Food: Guilin Rice Noodles (smooth and chewy), Beer Fish (tender with beer aroma), Lipu Taro Pork (soft meat with sweet taro). 6. Dali Recommended stay: 3-4 days. Stay in Dali Ancient Town or near Erhai Lake. - Attractions: Erhai Lake (bike around the lake), Dali Ancient Town (historic and artsy), Xizhou Ancient Town (Bai-style architecture and wheat fields), Shuanglang Ancient Town (best lake views), Cangshan Mountain (cable car for panoramic views). - Food: Ersi (soft rice noodles), Grilled Rushan (sweet cheese), Sour and Spicy Fish (tender with tangy broth), Liangji Rice Noodles (refreshing appetizer).