Winter break to broaden your kids' horizons | Four high-speed rail lines directly connect to the study tour city, making learning and play a worry-free experience.
Don't want your kid stuck at home scrolling on their phone during winter break? We've handpicked four hidden gem cities directly accessible by high-speed rail, rich in educational resources, and offering diverse activities. Covering history, culture, marine science, and nature exploration, each day features one core educational destination plus one fun-filled activity. The pace is relaxed, allowing kids to learn while having fun, and parents can easily accompany them without straining their backs. ✨
🌿 Changzhou, Jiangsu | Dinosaur-Themed Educational Study + Fun-Filled Activities
🚄 High-speed rail: Changzhou Station/Changzhou North Station (1 hour from Shanghai Hongqiao/40 minutes from Nanjing South), direct access to attractions via subway and bus, with comprehensive mother-and-baby facilities at the attractions.
Core Activities (3-day Educational Study + Fun-Filled Activities):
1. China Dinosaur Park: A must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts! 1. **Dragon Train Through the Jurassic Forest:** Take a ride on a miniature train through a "Jurassic Forest," watch a 4D dinosaur movie, visit the dinosaur fossil museum, and enjoy fun and engaging dinosaur knowledge explanations from professional guides. The children's play area features a carousel and a miniature train for endless fun.
2. **Changzhou Museum:** Free admission. The prehistoric biology exhibition hall displays a large number of dinosaur fossils. Kids can make dinosaur fossil rubbings (30 yuan/person, finished product can be taken home) – a super fun interactive experience.
3. **Yancheng Spring and Autumn Park:** Stroll along the ancient Spring and Autumn Street in Hanfu (traditional Han clothing), ride in an antique horse-drawn carriage, experience movable type printing and the game of pitch-pot, and watch the live performance "The Legend of Yancheng," immersing children in the culture of the Spring and Autumn Period. Food, Accommodation & Tips:
✅ Food: Changzhou silver noodle soup, sesame cake, dinosaur-themed meals, around 30 RMB per person, light and soft, suitable for children's tastes;
✅ Accommodation: Family-friendly hotels near Dinosaur Park, 180-280 RMB/night, with children's play areas, picture book corners, some include breakfast;
✅ Highlights: Dinosaur theme throughout the entire trip, combining study and play, children actively learn without resistance, parents have peace of mind.
🌊 Zhuhai, Guangdong | Marine Science Study Tour + Seaside Stroll
🚄 High-speed rail transportation: Zhuhai Station (1 hour from Guangzhou South/1.5 hours from Shenzhen North), city buses + ride-hailing services directly to the attractions, the scenic area is all flat, easy to push a stroller
Core Activities (3-day study tour + free play):
1. Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom: One-stop marine study tour! 1. **Watch beluga whale and dolphin shows, visit the whale shark and polar aquariums, and observe penguins and polar bears up close; take your kids to the "Marine Mini-Class" to learn about marine life conservation – highly interactive!**
2. **Huitong Ancient Village:** A free-admission Qing Dynasty village where you can stroll through ancient houses, see watchtowers, and experience DIY Cantonese dim sum (40 RMB/set). Learn to make shrimp dumplings and egg tarts with the villagers – freshly made and incredibly delicious!
3. **Xiangshan Lake Park:** The city's green lung. Enjoy family bike rides (30 RMB/hour), feeding koi, admiring lotus flowers, and a children's playground by the lake where kids can run freely; in the evening, visit the Sun and Moon Shell Grand Theatre and take photos of the seaside night view. Food & Accommodation & Tips:
✅ Food: Cantonese dim sum, seafood congee, shrimp dumplings, around 35 RMB per person, fresh and delicious without being greasy, suitable for children's tastes;
✅ Accommodation: Family-friendly hotels in Hengqin, 200-300 RMB/night, close to Chimelong Resort, some with children's pools; Guesthouses in the city center, 160-220 RMB/night, convenient transportation;
✅ Highlights: Professional and fun marine-themed educational programs with complete facilities, easy for young children to participate in, allowing parents to enjoy a relaxed seaside lifestyle.
❄️ Changchun, Jilin | Ice and Snow Study Tour + Northern Chinese New Year Atmosphere
🚄 High-speed rail transportation: Changchun Station/Changchun West Station (1.5h from Shenyang North/1.5h from Harbin West), city buses and subways provide direct access to attractions; the scenic area has ample heating.
Core Activities (3-day study tour + fun-filled fun):
1. Jilin Provincial Museum: Free admission; the Goguryeo artifacts and Liao-Jin bronze mirror exhibition halls are particularly unique. Children can make bronze mirror rubbings (20 RMB/person) and listen to guides tell stories of Northeast China's history.
2. Jingyuetan National Forest Park: Transformed into an ice and snow paradise in winter; ride snowmobiles (children's models are super safe), take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, and see ice and snow sculptures; hike through the forest oxygen bar and learn about Northeast China's coniferous forests.
3. Changchun Ice and Snow World: A large-scale ice and snow theme park where you can enjoy ice slides (with soft mats for protection), explore ice and snow castles, watch light shows, and experience the festive atmosphere of a Northern Chinese New Year. There are also hot drink stalls and snack shops within the park, offering warm and cozy accommodations.
Food, Accommodation & Tips:
✅ Food: Iron pot stew, sauerkraut with pork belly, frozen pears, approximately 35 RMB per person – delicious, warming, and can be prepared in a lighter version;
✅ Accommodation: City hotels, 160-260 RMB/night, with ample heating, some with children's play areas;
✅ Highlights: Ice and snow educational activities combined with the festive atmosphere of a Northern Chinese New Year, a unique experience for children, offering a different kind of winter vacation, and allowing parents to experience the charm of Northeast China.
🍵 Sanming, Fujian | Hakka Culture Study Tour + Nature Exploration
🚄 High-speed rail transportation: Sanming Station (1.5h from Xiamen North/2h from Fuzhou South), then transfer to bus/shared ride to the attractions. The scenic trails are gentle, making it easy to take children.
Core Activities (3-day study tour + free play):
1. Guifeng Ancient Village: A Ming and Qing Dynasty Hakka village. Explore ancient houses, admire couplets, and let children experience Hakka traditions such as making glutinous rice cakes and Lei Cha (a type of tea). Listen to villagers tell stories of Hakka migration. Dragon and lion dances are performed during the Spring Festival, creating a festive atmosphere.
2. Castanopsis fargesii Forest Park: The world's largest natural Castanopsis fargesii forest. Hike along gentle trails, see towering ancient trees, feed squirrels and peacocks, and learn about plant science. Breathe in the oxygen-rich forest – a truly therapeutic experience.
3. Shaxian Snack City: A great place to eat and explore during your study tour. Enjoy wontons, noodles, and steamed dumplings for around 20 RMB per person – eat your fill! Bring your kids to learn about Shaxian snack culture and experience making snacks (30 RMB/person).
Food & Accommodation Tips:
✅ Food: Hakka stuffed tofu, Lei Cha (pounded tea), Shaxian snacks, around 25 RMB per person – light and flavorful, suitable for the whole family;
✅ Accommodation: Ancient village guesthouses 100-180 RMB/night, with views of tea plantations, some include farm-style breakfast; City hotels 120-180 RMB/night, convenient transportation;
✅ Highlights: Hakka culture + nature exploration, down-to-earth study tour content, no high-cost items, excellent value for money.