Traveling with young children can come with its own set of challenges, from managing logistics to keeping kids entertained in unfamiliar environments. When Theresa, originally from the US, and Ross, from the UK, set out to explore Huangshan in Anhui province with their four children (aged 10 months, 3, 7, and 9), they were not sure what to expect. What they discovered during their family adventure in China was much more than breathtaking scenery; it was an experience that brought their family closer and proved that traveling with kids can be incredibly rewarding.
Here are five key takeaways they shared from their adventure to inspire families considering a similar journey.
1. The value of prioritizing family time
For Theresa and Ross’ family of six, one of the biggest surprises during their trip was how much they could focus on simply being together. “We didn’t need to worry about anything. We just focused on the kids and the experience itself,” Theresa shared. With their transportation, accommodation, and itinerary already arranged, the usual stress of family travel was lifted, allowing them to truly relax. “Usually, we don’t feel like we are on vacation,” Theresa admitted. With everything organized in advance, the family could focus on spending quality time together without getting caught up in the small details of planning.
2. Cultural immersion can be fun for everyone
One of the family’s highlights was how easily they could immerse themselves in Chinese culture, even with young children. One memorable moment was a tea ceremony on a mountain at sunset, with classical music playing in the background. The kids were equally drawn in by the local life, with Mia enjoying dressing up for photos, Mateo eagerly exploring village stairways, and Kai finding joy in nature, holding birds, and catching fish in the ponds. They even tried their hand at traditional ink painting, though the kids could not help but giggle at the “stinky ink,” adding a playful element to the activity. The experience showed that cultural immersion can be enjoyable for all ages, and with a little creativity, can keep children involved and entertained.
3. The joy of going at your own pace
Traveling with young children often requires flexibility, and Theresa and Ross found that adjusting activities to suit everyone made the trip much more enjoyable. While Ross took on a more challenging hike, Theresa and the younger kids explored gentler paths, with each enjoying the beauty of Huangshan at their own pace. By adapting their plans to accommodate everyone, they created a fulfilling trip for the whole family without any pressure.
4. Local food can be part of the adventure
Unsure how their children would react to unfamiliar foods, Theresa and Ross were pleasantly surprised to find that the local cuisine in Huangshan became one of the highlights of the trip. The family enjoyed a 13-course lotus-themed dinner, which made the children feel more grown up, and they loved trying local favorites like fresh fish from the lakes and sesame candy. Rather than seeing food as a challenge, it became part of their shared adventure, proving that kids can be more adaptable than expected when it comes to new culinary experiences.
5. Smooth transportation simplifies the journey
For many families, transportation can be one of the most challenging parts of travel. However, the family discovered that having reliable transportation throughout the trip made everything run smoothly. “There was no need to worry about booking taxis, the car was always ready for us,” Theresa shared. With a private air-conditioned vehicle waiting at every stop, they could move effortlessly from place to place, allowing them to focus on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about logistics.
Theresa and Ross’ family trip to Huangshan demonstrated that traveling with kids can be both meaningful and enriching, providing a special opportunity to bond while discovering new cultures. Having everything thoughtfully organized helped the family balance exploration and relaxation, allowing them to focus on what mattered most: spending quality time together in a beautiful new environment. Whether it was the smooth transportation or the pace of activities, what made the trip truly special were the shared experiences it allowed.
Get in touch to begin planning your own family adventure and create lasting memories amidst China’s stunning landscapes.
By Gabrielle Keepfer
