Family vacations are often a child's first glimpse into the world of travel. This makes where you choose to jet off crucial for fostering a love of seeing the world. As the 2019 National Day holiday draws near, CGTN Travel brings you the top five destinations for family vacations in China that would help your children get closer to nature and gain cultural knowledge. 

Liangzhu Archaeological Site, east China's Zhejiang Province

As the latest entrant to the UNESCO World Heritage List, Liangzhu Archaeological Site in Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, boasts a large number of archaeological remains and unearthed cultural relics dating back to 3,300 BC. The 5,300-year-old city reveals an early regional state with a unified belief system based on rice cultivation in Late Neolithic China. The site covers an area of 14.3 square kilometers, including relics of 11 dams, cemetery sites, a water conservancy system and walls.

In July, the UNESCO World Heritage Site launched an online booking system on its official website, allowing visitors to register and book tours for free. The site welcomes visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site has adopted a daily visitor quota of 3,000 with six time slots. Don't forget to bring your valid identification (ID card or passport) for admission.

Shandan Horse Ranch, northwest China's Gansu Province

Located in the middle of Hexi Corridor, about 55 kilometers from the Shandan County in northwest China's Gansu Province, the Shandan Horse Ranch is one of the world's oldest and largest horse farms, it can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24).

More than 10,000 horses are herded here and are used by the Chinese army. With a rich history of more than 2,000 years, the Shandan Horse Ranch is a witness to the country's long and glorious journey. The magical landscape, colorful hills, and magnificent horses are a must-see sight if you are yearning for something unique and thrilling.

Tai'erzhuang Ancient Town, east China's Shandong Province

Situated around 70 kilometers southeast of Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province, Tai'erzhuang is famous for its well-preserved ancient town. Surrounded by water and some classic bridges, this water town is one of the 5A tourist attractions for visitors from home and abroad. 

Take a wonderful stroll along the old streets of the ancient town and embrace the relaxing atmosphere of its local folk and art culture. Visitors can enjoy popular activities like traditional puppet shows and Shandong drum performance. 

There's plenty of pleasure for the taste buds as well. Don't miss the delicious local delicacies and street food if visiting this ancient treasure. 

Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area, east China's Shandong Province

Covering an area of 1,530 square kilometers, the Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area is one of the most popular tourist attractions for family vacations. With wetland landscape, fresh air and peaceful environment - the area offers vivid visual delights and an ideal spot for bird-watching. The area is now home to 1,626 types of wild animals, including 368 kinds of birds.

The National Day holiday would be a good chance for families to get together and bring their children closer to nature and enjoy the captivating scenery of "one of the most beautiful wetlands in China."

Xidi Ancient Village, east China's Anhui Province 

Located in Yixian County in east China's Anhui Province, Xidi Ancient Village, along with Hongcun  Ancient Village, was declared a part of the "Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui" World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. 

Its overall layout, landscape, architecture and building techniques have retained the original features of Anhui villages from the 14th to 20th centuries.  

There are still 300 ancient dwellings left from the Ming (AD 1368 - 1644) and Qing (AD 1644 - 1911) Dynasties, attracting thousands of visitors to appreciate its historical, artistic, and scientific value.

(Cover photo designed by Yin Yating)