China with 3.5 and 1.5 yr olds and pregnant - would you do it?

[Loulee]

dp and I have got a one off opportunity to go to Beijing some time round about Easter. DD1 is 3.5 and dd2 1.5 - a 12 hour flight with these 2 fills me with dread but would probably be bearable - dd2 I imagine being more difficult to keep occupied / entertained / contained....

someone mentioned portable dvd player. Any other tips?

• but being pg too (will be about 5 1/2 months i think). Am i mad? Would you go?

Anyone been there with young kids?

hi Loulee.

We went this past August with DS1 (aged 5) and DS2 (aged 2).

I hope you don't mind but I am going to be honest.

It is not a destination for young children - we detested the food (it's not the same as western Chinese food), the language barrier was all encompassing and the attractions/sights are not geared up for people with young children.

On the plus side the children were absolutely adored by the Chinese people. When I say this I cannot emphasise how incredible the attention was - at some major tourist spots (Imperial Palace, Tianamen Sq, the Great Wall) we had crowds of up to 60 people queuing to take photos of of our kids. They were kissed, touched to the point where my DS1 point blank refused any more photos.

China is an amazing country but best left for those with the freedom to fully explore it. Sadly Beijing is a very polluted city with nothing to attract a young family.

Sorry if I sound negative - we stayed in China for nearly a month and it was really hard - I wish somebody had told me honestly before we went how it is. I deffo would have waited until the kids are older.

do not go

its a tough one. i personally would not do it as it's going to be bloody hard work.

i would go if i was flying first class, staying in 5 star hotel and had DH's help the WHOLE time or nanny ....

i would love to go to china with my kids as i'm chinese but would not even consider it until the youngest is at least 5yrs ... less stuff to take and more chance of them being able to eat something...

No.
And I go everywhere with my kids but frankly this would be unbearable.

Poor you Loulee.

I just reread your OP and must say that the flight would probably be the easiest bit.

On a practical note - if you do decide to go.

Make sure you take plenty of nappies - they are readily available but you need to know where to find them and if you can't speak Mandarin this can be a problem - they are also hideously expensive - ditto wipes. Chinese infants do not wear nappies (they have slits in their trousers and amazingly the mothers just know when the baby needs to go).

Take a sack load of antibacterial wipes - if you three year old is using the toilet you'll need them. Public facilities are horrific.

Take loads of snacks for the children. Not sure what type of things your youngest eats but feeding the little one will be a challenge unless eating in a five star restaurant and even then it's not always great.

If you want any other advice, let me know and I'll provide you with my email address.

No, it's good - thanks for your honesty everyone. It's good to think properly about the reality of the situation. - and esp. from people with 1st hand experience.
Will let you know the final decision but it's definitely weighted towards no rather than yes.

Hi All,

I came across this old post, and thought it needed some correction.
Possibly the writer was unfamiliar with China, but any way.
Here some of my answers / solutions in blue text

dejags Sat 20-Jan-07 20:40:31

Poor you Loulee.

I just reread your OP and must say that the flight would probably be the easiest bit.

On a practical note - if you do decide to go.

Make sure you take plenty of nappies - they are readily available but you need to know where to find them and if you can't speak Mandarin this can be a problem -

Answer, Many Tesco stores, Asda Walmart, all very easy to shop in.

they are also hideously expensive -
Answer, actually they probably 33% of the UK prices, I will look tomorrow and let you know.

ditto wipes.
Answer, Would you like Johnsons, or Mama's all so easy to find in so many stores, The Johnson ones we have at the moment are in packs of 80, and ar 15 rnb, so thats about £1.60

Chinese infants do not wear nappies (they have slits in their trousers and amazingly the mothers just know when the baby needs to go).
Answer, yes, this is hard to get your head around.

Take a sack load of antibacterial wipes - if you three year old is using the toilet you'll need them. Public facilities are horrific.
Answer, Would you like Dettol wipes, there are so many.
Also, I could remember many UK public toilets, where you just wouldn't want to enter.

Take loads of snacks for the children. Not sure what type of things your youngest eats but feeding the little one will be a challenge unless eating in a five star restaurant and even then it's not always great.
Answer, oh dear, so short sighted, surely you realise almost all the "snax" are from China anyway?
Perhaps
McDonalds,
KFC,
Piza Hut
Courtyard,
Grandma's Kitchen,
T. G. I. Friday's,
Starbucks, or the other hundred thousand different fast food restaurants

If you want any other advice, let me know and I'll provide you with my email address.

Just a few quick, of the top of my head answers for any future holiday makers to China.

Fay