Planning a family trip to China a couple of years in advance can actually be an advantage. You don’t need to decide every hotel, train and attraction now.

For a family of four, the better starting point is deciding how long you want to travel, what experiences matter most and roughly how much you want to save.

The Traveler’s Question

Hi! I’m new to this group. I recently joined because planning a trip in a couple years, but need start saving and planning.

Any advice be great. 2 adults, 2 kids disney and zoo a need. Thanks

This question was adapted from a real traveler question shared in an online China travel community. Personal identifying details have been removed.

AI Travel Planner Answer

You’re doing exactly the right thing by starting early. For 2 adults and 2 kids, I’d first decide roughly how many days you can realistically afford rather than trying to choose every city now.

Since Disney and a zoo are priorities, Shanghai is an obvious fit for Shanghai Disneyland, and I’d strongly consider Chengdu for the pandas. If this is your first China trip, Beijing could then give the family the Great Wall, Forbidden City and a very different side of China. With kids, I’d keep the trip to 2–3 main bases rather than moving hotels every couple of days. Families generally have a better trip when there’s time for parks, food, wandering and rest between the big attractions.

For saving, I’d create separate pots for international flights, hotels, transport within China, attractions/Disney, food and spending money. You don’t need exact prices yet—especially if you’re travelling in a couple of years. Start with the total amount you’re comfortable spending, then work backwards into a monthly savings target.

One thing I wouldn’t do yet is worry about detailed train schedules, attraction tickets or apps. Those can change. Get the big decisions right first: when you want to travel, how long you can stay, and the children’s ages when you go.

If you tell me roughly how old the kids will be and whether you’re thinking 1, 2 or 3 weeks, I can suggest a sensible first family route without cramming too much in.

Further Reading

A First Time Family Guide to Beijing and the Perfect Side Trip: 8 Days in Beijing With Kids

Useful for getting a feel for how much time a family might actually want in Beijing.

A note about this AI Travel Planner answer: This answer is shown as originally generated, without editorial rewriting. Because this trip is still a couple of years away, attraction prices, ticketing procedures, transport arrangements and other practical details are likely to change. Use current information when you eventually make bookings.

Related China Travel Reading

China With a 7-Year-Old and 2-Year-Old: Is Independent Travel Realistic?

Useful for understanding what independent family travel in China can actually feel like with younger children.

How Many Cities Should You Visit on Your First Trip to China?

Especially relevant before choosing between Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and other possible stops. For families, limiting hotel changes can make a major difference.

How Many Days Do You Need in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai & Chongqing?

Helpful once you start turning your wish list into a realistic one-, two- or three-week itinerary.

Planning your family’s first China trip and don’t know where to begin? Try the ChinaTravelBUG AI Travel Planner for free and tell it your children’s ages, approximate trip length, interests and travel pace.