Taking the high-speed train with kids is a breeze with these direct routes.

01 Manzhouli | Inner Mongolia Take the high-speed train with the kids to Manzhouli and head straight to the Matryoshka Scenic Area for your first stop. ⏰ Arrive at opening time at 9:00 AM to beat the crowds and get great photos without fighting for space. The kids can explore at their own pace. The giant nesting dolls and Russian-style architecture in the Matryoshka Square are fascinating for children—they'll burn off half their energy just running around. 📍 It’s a short, affordable taxi ride from Manzhouli Station to the Matryoshka Scenic Area, so it’s not too much of a hassle even with kids and luggage. I recommend staying in the downtown area near the train station; it’s convenient for catching your train the next day or visiting the National Gate. 🍜 Don't just grab a bite at the scenic area entrance. Head into the city for some Russian-style casual dining. Borscht, rye bread, and grilled sausages are usually hits with kids, and adults can enjoy a hot meal too. ⚠️ It’s windy in Manzhouli in October, and there’s a significant temperature difference between day and night. It’s fine in the sun at noon, but it gets chilly as soon as you step into the shade. Be sure to pack jackets, hats, and scarves. The indoor sections of the Matryoshka Scenic Area are a good backup for windy days—don't try to tough it out. 02 Jining | Shandong The Qufu Ming Ancient City and the "Three Confucius Sites" are the kind of places you read about in textbooks but only truly appreciate once you're there. ⏰ I recommend visiting the Confucius Temple in the morning when the light is soft and before the crowds arrive. Walking the central axis with your kids and sharing a few stories about Confucius is much more engaging than just looking at the buildings. 📍 Enter through the South Gate of the Confucius Temple and exit through the North Gate; this leads directly to the Confucius Mansion, making for a smooth route without backtracking. If your kids are young, you might want to skip the Confucius Forest—it’s a long walk with lots of trees, and it’s not very stroller-friendly. The Weishan Lake tourist area offers a nice change of pace. 🍜 Find a local restaurant near the lake that serves fish. Steamed fish and lotus leaf porridge are mild and kid-friendly. It’s chilly on the lake in October, so remember to bring an extra jacket for the boat ride. ⚠️ Check official announcements for ticket prices and opening hours for the Three Confucius Sites on the day of your visit. Booking in advance is recommended during peak season. There are many stone paths in the Ming Ancient City, so wear comfortable shoes—don't wear new ones. 03 Hengyang | Hunan Visiting Mount Heng (Nanyue) this season is all about the autumn colors and the clouds. ⏰ Head up the mountain in the morning, using a mix of cable car and walking. If the kids have limited stamina, don't force them to hike the whole way—save their energy for the views at the top. 📍 The Nanyue Grand Temple is at the foot of the mountain and is best visited after coming down or the next morning. The red walls, incense, and ancient trees are surprisingly captivating for kids. A walk through takes about 30 minutes to an hour. 🍜 Grab a bowl of Hengshan rice noodles in the town at the foot of the mountain. Add some toppings for a hot, filling meal that’s easy with kids. Stay in the Nanyue town area for easy access to the mountain the next day. ⚠️ Temperatures on the mountain are much lower than at the foot in October, and it’s windy, so pack a light down jacket or fleece. The cable car queue is busiest after 10:00 AM, so starting early will save you a lot of waiting time. 04 Chengde | Hebei The name "Mountain Resort" might sound cool, but in October, it’s all about the autumn foliage. ⏰ Enter the resort in the morning and walk around the lake area. The leaves are starting to change color, and the light on the water makes for great photos without needing filters. Kids can run around in the open spaces, which is better than being cooped up indoors. 📍 The resort is huge, so don't try to see it all with kids. Sticking to the lake and plain areas is enough. The mountain section is far, hilly, and not stroller-friendly, so you can skip it. Save the Jinshanling Great Wall for the second day. ⚠️ The steps on the Great Wall vary in height, so hold your kids' hands. Just pick a gentle section between watchtowers to walk back and forth; there's no need to go too far. The wind on the Great Wall is strong in October, so keep your hat on tight. 🍜 Grab a bowl of lamb soup with a sesame flatbread in downtown Chengde—it’s warming and perfect before heading out in the morning. Stay near the resort to walk into the scenic area and avoid parking hassles. 05 Taiyuan | Shanxi The Jinci Museum is worth setting aside half a day for. ⏰ Go in the morning when it’s relatively quiet. The combination of ancient buildings, old trees, and springs will keep kids engaged as they look at the water, fish, and the little stone animals on the eaves. 📍 Enter through the main gate of Jinci and follow the central axis. You'll pass the Holy Mother Hall and the Fish Pond Flying Bridge—the route is straightforward. Tianlong Mountain is great for families who like to hike, but the mountain roads are winding, so prepare ahead if your kids get carsick. Jinyang Lake Park is a more relaxed option; go in the evening when it’s cool by the lake—perfect for running around. 🍜 For food in Taiyuan, try the noodles—knife-cut noodles or tijian (poked noodles) are kid-friendly. Order a small bowl and don't over-order. ⚠️ Check official announcements for ticket and booking rules for Jinci on the day of your visit. Some venues may be closed on Mondays, so check before you go. 06 Yichun | Heilongjiang The selling point of the Tangwanghe Forest Park in October is the changing colors of the forest. ⏰ Enter the scenic area in the morning. The light filtering through the leaves, with a mix of red, yellow, and green, is beautiful. Kids can have fun just walking and collecting fallen leaves. 📍 The area is mostly boardwalks, with strange rock formations scattered throughout. Pick a core section to walk; don't try to do the whole thing. ⚠️ It’s noticeably cool in Yichun in October, and even cooler in the forest. Pack jackets, long pants, and non-slip shoes for the kids. The wooden boardwalks can be slippery after rain, so hold your kids' hands. 🍜 Find a local Northeast-style restaurant in the city. Dishes like sweet and sour pork (guobaorou) and stews come in large portions, so don't over-order. Stay in downtown Yichun so the drive to the scenic area the next day is manageable. This is a great trip for families who aren't in a rush and enjoy a slower pace. 07 Hezhou | Guangxi Don't try to cram Gupo Mountain, Huangyao Ancient Town, and Dongtanling into one day. ⏰ I recommend Gupo Mountain for the first day. Head into the mountains in the morning; the waterfalls, forest, and high humidity make it a comfortable place for kids to run around. 📍 The trails at Gupo Mountain have both gentle and steep sections. Choose the flatter parts; some sections are stroller-accessible. Save Huangyao Ancient Town for the second day. It’s less crowded in the morning, making it perfect for a slow stroll through the stone paths, old houses, and small bridges. 🍜 Try a bowl of fermented bean curd noodles in the ancient town. The flavor is unique, but kids might not love it, so try a small portion first. ⚠️ The stone paths are uneven, so wear non-slip shoes—no flip-flops. For the sunset at Dongtanling, ⏰ arrive before evening. It’s windy, so bring an extra jacket for the kids. It’s still warm in Hezhou during the day in October, but cool in the morning and evening, so layering is the best strategy. 08 Longnan | Gansu October is the perfect time to see the water and foliage at Wenxian Tianchi and Guan'egou. ⏰ Visit Tianchi in the morning. The lake is quiet, and the mountains are reflected in the water. Walking a section of the boardwalk with the kids is enough; no need to hike the whole way around. 📍 Some parts of the boardwalk are right by the water, so hold your kids' hands. Guan'egou is a long valley, so pick a core section to walk where the waterfalls and colorful forests are concentrated. ⚠️ There’s a large temperature difference between day and night in Longnan in October, and it’s cool in the valley, so a jacket is a must. The paths can be wet after rain, so wear non-slip shoes. 🍜 Try a bowl of pickled vegetable noodles in Longnan—they’re hot, appetizing, and kid-friendly. In terms of transportation, take the high-speed train to Longnan Station and then transfer to the scenic area. It’s a bit of a journey, so don't overpack your itinerary and leave some buffer time. These eight cities all share one thing in common: they are accessible by high-speed rail and allow for a slower pace. When traveling with kids, skipping one spot to save an extra half hour is more effective than any itinerary. Which city do you want to take your kids to first?