🐾 Traveling to China with Pets
Pet-Friendly China
China is gradually becoming more pet-friendly, particularly in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. While not as widespread as in Western countries, international hotels and urban parks welcome well-behaved pets. Rural areas and traditional sites may have restrictions, but urban pet culture is growing rapidly.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Import Permit & Health Certificate
All pets need an import permit from China's AQSIQ (General Administration of Customs) applied for 30 days in advance.
Include microchip ID, rabies vaccination (valid within 1 year), and international health certificate issued within 14 days of travel.
Rabies Vaccination & Titer Test
Rabies vaccination required at least 30 days before entry; pets from high-risk countries need a rabies antibody titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) 30 days after vaccination.
Test results must be from approved labs; valid for 1 year with annual booster.
Microchip Requirements
Pets must have ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Bring scanner confirmation; chip must be readable at entry points like Beijing Capital Airport.
Quarantine Rules
Pets from rabies-free countries (e.g., Australia, Japan) may avoid quarantine if documents are complete; others face 30-day quarantine at designated facilities.
Costs ¥2,000-5,000 for quarantine; apply via Chinese embassy for pre-approval.
Restricted Breeds
China bans import of certain breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Tibetan Mastiffs without special permits.
All dogs must be leashed/muzzled in public; check local city regulations for breed-specific laws.
Other Pets
Birds, fish, and small mammals require separate permits; exotic species need CITES documentation.
Cats follow similar rules to dogs but are less commonly imported; consult AQSIQ for specifics.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across China on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Beijing & Shanghai): International chains like Marriott and Hilton welcome pets for ¥100-300/night fee, with nearby parks. Properties in Chaoyang District (Beijing) are more accommodating.
- Urban Apartments & Villas (Guangzhou & Shenzhen): Modern apartments often allow pets at no extra charge, with access to green spaces. Ideal for longer stays in southern cities.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Ctrip listings frequently allow pets, especially in expat areas. Entire homes provide space for pets to move freely.
- Rural Guesthouses (Yangshuo & Yunnan): Some countryside homestays welcome pets and offer outdoor areas. Great for families with dogs exploring karst landscapes.
- Campsites & Glamping: Sites in Zhangjiajie and Inner Mongolia are pet-friendly with designated areas. Lakeside and mountain spots popular for pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end resorts like Amanfayun in Hangzhou provide pet services including walking and gourmet treats for premium travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Mountain Hiking Trails
Trails in Huangshan and Jiuzhaigou National Parks allow leashed dogs in designated areas.
Keep pets leashed near protected wildlife; check park rules at entrances for pet policies.
Beaches & Rivers
Sanya beaches in Hainan have pet-friendly sections; Li River cruises in Guilin may allow small pets.
Look for signage; some areas restrict pets during peak tourist seasons.
Cities & Parks
Beijing's Olympic Forest Park and Shanghai's Century Park welcome leashed dogs; outdoor eateries often allow pets.
Xi'an's city walls permit dogs on leash; respect no-pet zones in historic districts.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Urban pet cafes in Shanghai's French Concession and Beijing's Sanlitun provide spaces for pets.
Many international chains like Starbucks have outdoor seating welcoming dogs; always ask first.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Beijing's hutongs and Shanghai's Bund welcome leashed small dogs.
Avoid indoor sites like temples; focus on open-air historical walks.
Cable Cars & Lifts
Some cable cars in Zhangjiajie allow small pets in carriers for ¥20-50 fee.
Verify with operators; advance booking recommended during holidays like Golden Week.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- High-Speed Trains (CRH): Small pets (under 20cm carrier) travel free in overhead; larger dogs not allowed on bullet trains. Regular trains permit leashed dogs in hard seat with ticket (¥50-100).
- Subways & Buses (Urban): Beijing and Shanghai metros ban pets except guide dogs; buses allow small carriers free. Use Didi rideshares for pet transport.
- Taxis: Most taxis accept pets with advance notice; add ¥10-20 tip for cleaning. Didi app has pet-friendly options in major cities.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Hertz allow pets with deposit (¥500-1,000); book SUVs for space on long drives to sites like the Great Wall.
- Flights to China: Check airline policies; Air China and China Eastern allow cabin pets under 5kg for ¥200-500. Book early and review quarantine rules. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines accept pets in cabin (under 5kg) for ¥300-600 each way. Larger pets in cargo with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics like Beijing International Vet Hospital and Shanghai's PAW Veterinary Center offer English services.
Travel insurance recommended; consultations cost ¥200-500; bring vaccination records.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Chains like Pet Club and Epet store food, meds, and accessories in cities.
International pharmacies carry pet meds; import prescriptions for chronic conditions.
Grooming & Day Care
Urban salons and daycares in Shanghai/Beijing charge ¥100-300 per session.
Book via WeChat; hotels in tourist areas partner with local pet services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Apps like PetBacker and local WeChat groups provide sitters in major cities for ¥150-300/day.
Concierge at international hotels can arrange trusted pet care.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in all urban areas, parks, and tourist sites. Off-leash only in designated private areas.
- Muzzle Requirements: Large dogs (over 25kg) may need muzzles on public transport; carry one for compliance in cities like Beijing.
- Waste Disposal: Carry poop bags; fines ¥50-200 for not cleaning up. Bins available in parks but scarce in rural areas.
- Beach & Water Rules: Pet beaches limited; Hainan allows dogs in off-peak hours. Avoid crowded swimming areas.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor seating may allow pets; indoor rarely. Keep dogs quiet and away from food.
- National Parks: Pets banned in core zones of sites like Zhangjiajie; leashed in buffer areas. Respect seasonal wildlife protections.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly China
China for Families
China offers families ancient wonders, modern theme parks, and cultural immersion. Safe cities, child-focused attractions like panda encounters, and family dining make it engaging. High-speed trains connect regions easily, with amenities for kids throughout.
Top Family Attractions
Great Wall (Beijing)
Iconic hikes at Mutianyu section with cable car and toboggan for kids.
Tickets ¥40-60 adults, free for under 1.2m; family-friendly with picnic areas.
Chengdu Panda Base
World-famous panda reserve with viewing platforms and interactive exhibits.
Tickets ¥55 adults, ¥30 kids; volunteer programs let kids feed pandas under supervision.
Forbidden City (Beijing)
Imperial palace with audio tours and vast courtyards for kids to explore.
Tickets ¥60 adults, free for under 1.2m; stroller-friendly paths available.
Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an)
Ancient army museum with life-size figures and archaeological digs.
Tickets ¥120 adults, ¥60 kids; light shows and family tours enhance the experience.
Shanghai Disneyland
Magical theme park with rides, parades, and character meets tailored for families.
Tickets ¥400-700 depending on date; fast passes and kid zones make it stress-free.
Li River Cruise (Guilin)
Scenic boat ride through karst landscapes with bamboo raft options for kids.
Family tickets ¥200-300; stops at villages for cultural immersion.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across China on Viator. From panda encounters to Great Wall hikes, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Beijing & Shanghai): Chains like Holiday Inn offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for ¥500-1,000/night. Include cribs, kids' menus, and play areas.
- Resort Complexes (Sanya & Hangzhou): All-inclusive beach resorts with kids' clubs and pools. Properties like InterContinental cater to families with entertainment.
- Rural Homestays (Yangshuo): Guesthouses with family suites and outdoor activities for ¥200-500/night. Animal interactions and cooking classes included.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering units on Ctrip with kitchens for family meals. Space for kids in central locations.
- Youth Hostels: Budget family dorms in Xi'an and Chengdu for ¥150-300/night. Clean facilities with communal kitchens.
- Theme Park Hotels: Stay at Shanghai Disneyland Resort hotels for magical family access. Early entry perks for kids.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Beijing with Kids
Great Wall adventures, Summer Palace boating, and 798 Art District explorations.
Hutong rickshaw rides and kite-flying in parks delight children.
Shanghai with Kids
Disneyland thrills, Yu Garden lantern festivals, and Bund light shows.
Science museums and river cruises keep families engaged.
Xi'an with Kids
Terracotta Warriors quests, city wall biking, and Muslim Quarter food tours.
Historical puppet shows and bike rentals for family fun.
Guilin & Yangshuo
Karst mountain biking, cave explorations, and river rafting.
Easy trails and village visits suitable for young adventurers.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- High-Speed Trains: Kids under 1.2m travel free; 1.2-1.5m half-price. Family seats available with space for strollers on CRH lines.
- City Transport: Subways in Beijing/Shanghai have family day passes (¥20-40). Escalators and wide gates for strollers.
- Car Rentals: Child seats mandatory (¥50-100/day); book via apps. Minivans suit family travel to rural sites.
- Stroller-Friendly: Major cities improving accessibility; attractions like the Forbidden City have ramps. Carry lightweight strollers for uneven paths.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Restaurants offer child portions of dumplings/noodles for ¥20-50. High chairs common in urban areas.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Hotpot spots and dim sum houses welcome kids with play areas. Shanghai's Xintiandi has diverse options.
- Self-Catering: Carrefour and Walmart stock baby food/diapers. Wet markets for fresh ingredients.
- Snacks & Treats: Street foods like tanghulu and bubble tea energize kids; hygienic options in malls.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, stations, and theme parks with nursing areas.
- Pharmacies: Stock formula, diapers, meds; English labels in tourist zones.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters (¥200-400/hour) via apps like UrbanSitter.
- Medical Care: Pediatric hospitals in cities; international clinics for expats. Travel insurance essential.
♿ Accessibility in China
Accessible Travel
China is improving accessibility in urban areas with ramps and elevators in subways. Major attractions offer wheelchair services, though rural sites vary. Tourism apps provide accessibility maps for planning inclusive trips.
Transportation Accessibility
- High-Speed Trains: Wheelchair spaces and ramps on CRH; book assistance via 12306 app. Braille signage available.
- City Transport: Beijing/Shanghai subways have elevators; low-floor buses in select cities.
- Taxis: Wheelchair-accessible Didi options; standard taxis fit folding chairs.
- Airports: Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong offer full assistance, priority boarding, and accessible facilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Palaces: Forbidden City has ramps/audio guides; Terracotta site wheelchair paths.
- Historic Sites: Great Wall sections like Badaling accessible via cable car; Xi'an walls elevators.
- Nature & Parks: Panda Base and Shanghai Disneyland fully accessible with adaptive rides.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for mild weather and festivals; avoid summer heat and winter cold in north.
Golden Week (October) busy; shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and blooming landscapes.
Budget Tips
Family combo tickets at attractions; high-speed rail passes save on transport.
Street food and hostels keep costs low; apps like Alipay for discounts.
Language
Mandarin official; English in tourist hubs and with youth. Use translation apps like Pleco.
Locals helpful with families; basic phrases appreciated.
Packing Essentials
Light layers for variable climates, comfortable shoes for walking, pollution masks in cities.
Pet owners: bring food, leash, muzzle, waste bags, and import docs.
Useful Apps
12306 for trains, Didi for rides, Trip.com for bookings, WeChat for payments.
Pet apps like PetBacker for services in English.
Health & Safety
China safe for families; bottled water advised. Pharmacies widespread.
Emergency: dial 120 for medical, 110 police. VPN for internet access.