Documents and visas
Children need their own passports and visas/entry documents. If you are applying for a visa, include the child’s birth certificate and consent from the other parent if travelling alone. Check whether your child needs a separate visa or can be included in a family application.
Transport and hotels
High-speed rail is family-friendly; children under a certain height/age may travel free or at a discount, but rules change. Book seats together. Hotels usually provide cribs on request; confirm. Keep a stroller lightweight for metro stairs and crowded streets.
Food, health and safety
Bring familiar snacks, a thermometer, children’s medicine and insurance details. Chinese hospitals can treat children, but international clinics are easier for English. Watch for traffic, scooters and hot food; carry hand sanitizer and water.
Reality check
Children need their own documents, and “family friendly” hotels may still lack cribs.
Local tip: Pack medicine, snacks and a change of clothes in your day bag.
Step by step
- Get passports/visas for children.
- Book family-friendly hotels/seat reservations.
- Pack medicine/snacks.
- Save a pediatric clinic contact.
- Plan shorter days and rest breaks.
- Keep ID copies for each child.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Child visa | Varies |
| Train child ticket | Free/discounted depending on height/age |
| Family hotel | US$80–200+ |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Child passport/visa
- Birth certificate
- Consent letter if single parent
- Insurance
- Vaccination record
Common mistakes
- Assuming children travel free without ID
- No child medicine
- Overpacked itinerary
- Not confirming crib/extra bed
If things go wrong
- If a child gets lost, alert staff and police immediately; use a recent photo.
- If a child is ill, go to a pediatric hospital/international clinic.
FAQ
Do children need a visa?
Yes, each child needs a passport and the appropriate visa/entry document. Check the visa centre.
Are car seats available?
Taxis generally do not provide them; bring a portable seat if needed or use trains/metro.
Health and safety: the field guide
China is generally safe, but medical care is not uniform. Save an English-speaking clinic, understand your insurance and know the emergency numbers before you need them.
Hospitals and clinics
International clinics and the international departments of major public hospitals usually have English-speaking staff and shorter waits, at higher cost. Local public hospitals are cheaper but crowded and Chinese-language-heavy. For emergencies, call 120 or go to the nearest hospital; do not wait for an appointment.
Insurance and payment
Many international clinics require payment upfront and reimburse later. Keep every receipt, diagnosis and prescription. Check whether your policy covers China, pre-existing conditions and evacuation. For chronic conditions, bring enough medicine and a doctor’s letter; some medicines have different names in China.
Safety and scams
Use normal city precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, watch your bag in crowds, and do not follow friendly strangers to a “special” tea house or tour. Keep passport/visa copies in the cloud. If something goes wrong, call 110 for police, 120 for ambulance and contact your embassy for document emergencies.
Quick checks
- English-speaking clinic saved
- Insurance card and policy offline
- Medication list/prescriptions
- Emergency numbers and embassy contact
- Passport/visa copies in cloud
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Child passport/visa
- Birth certificate
- Consent letter if single parent
- Insurance
- Vaccination record
- Get passports/visas for children.
- Book family-friendly hotels/seat reservations.
- Pack medicine/snacks.
- Save a pediatric clinic contact.
- Plan shorter days and rest breaks.
- Keep ID copies for each child.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.