Jiangsu is a coastal province in eastern China, on the northern side of the Yangtze River Delta and the Yellow Sea. It is one of China's wealthiest and most densely populated provinces, anchored by the capital Nanjing and by Suzhou, the province's largest city, whose classical gardens are UNESCO-listed. Jiangsu is celebrated for its canal-laced water towns, Grand Canal heritage, Taihu Lake, and refined Huaiyang and Jiangnan cuisine.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Slender West Lake, Yangzhou
A narrow, willow-fringed lake in Yangzhou with boat rides, bridges, and pavilions; flat paths are stroller-friendly.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Xuanwu Lake Park, Nanjing
A large lakeside park with islands, playgrounds, boat rentals, and Ming city wall views.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo
A hillside zoo with giant pandas and primates; wear comfortable shoes for the slopes.
Duration: 3-5 hours
Lingshan Grand Buddha, Wuxi
An 88-metre bronze Buddha with a lotus-opening show and a large open plaza.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle), Lake Taihu, Wuxi
A lakeside park with cherry blossoms in spring, boat rides, and lakeside walks.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Suzhou Museum and Humble Administrator's Garden
Bridges, ponds, and koi in a classical garden, with a modern museum next door; go early to beat crowds.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Nanjing Museum
One of China's largest museums, with a children's exhibition area and hands-on displays.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Qinhuai River boat ride, Nanjing
A short, lantern-lit evening cruise past Confucius Temple that suits children who tire of walking.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Jinling Hotel, Nanjing
A landmark five-star hotel on Zhongshan Road in Xinjiekou with large rooms, near metro lines; verify current family-room availability.
Family features: Central location, large rooms, metro access, English-speaking staff
Suzhou Marriott Hotel Taihu Lake
A large resort-style hotel on Lake Taihu's Suzhou shore with big rooms and lake views; verify current rates.
Family features: Large family rooms, pool, lakeside walking paths
Sheraton Wuxi Binhu
A hotel near Lake Taihu and Wuxi's Binhu district with family suites and a pool; verify current rates.
Family features: Family suites, pool, near Lingshan and Lake Taihu
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Chinese restaurants are very welcoming to children; dishes are shared family-style, so order a mix of mild dishes such as fried rice, steamed egg, noodles, and dumplings.
Jiangsu food is typically sweeter and milder than Sichuan or Hunan cooking, which suits many children; Huaiyang and Suzhou dishes are rarely spicy.
Ask for 'bu la' (not spicy) and 'shao you' (less oil) when ordering.
High chairs are uncommon outside chain restaurants and hotels; bring a portable booster seat for babies.
Boiled water and bottled drinks are available everywhere; avoid raw seafood for young children and give crab only if fully cooked and fresh.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.