Don't Know Where to Take the Kids in Hangzhou? Save This Songcheng Family Tour Guide and You're All Set
Video highlights
- Once inside Songcheng, head straight to Shijing Street, where kids can interact with NPCs to win silver notes and redeem them for small gifts.
- The Romance of the Song Dynasty show runs about an hour.
- The 5D live-action show "Earthquake" is very loud, so you may want to tell your kids in advance that it's just a performance.
- "WA! Dinosaurs" is an immersive science show designed for families with kids.
- The Shadow Puppet Theater on North Street features shows like "Three Strikes on the White Bone Demon" and "Wu Song Fights the Tiger".
- In the evening, kids can join the fish lantern parade.
Video transcript
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When it comes to family tours in Hangzhou, which attraction is best? Thousand-year-old Songcheng is definitely the answer. It's not just an ancient town—it's a Song Dynasty theme park the whole family can immerse themselves in. Here, everything kids want to eat, drink, and play is covered, plus cultural experiences that make learning fun. Follow this Songcheng kid-friendly guide, spend a day giving your child your full attention, and create unforgettable memories together. After entering the park, head straight to Shijing Street, Songcheng's busiest main street, which recreates the bustling markets of the Song Dynasty. You'll see NPCs everywhere, instantly catching kids' attention. Have your child find the costumed NPCs, interact with them, complete their tasks, and answer their questions to earn silver notes—a real confidence booster. Parents can help out when needed. Once you've collected enough silver notes, take your child to designated shops to redeem small souvenirs. They may not be expensive, but they're meaningful keepsakes. On this street, you can also catch Songcheng's Time-Travel Flash Mob. There are no requirements—just bring your child and join the dance party. Watch the NPCs you just met gather from all directions as everyone moves to the upbeat electronic music. It's tons of fun and lets kids release their energy. The Romance of the Song Dynasty is the park's signature must-see performance. It runs about an hour with stunning stage effects, taking you from Liangzhu ancient civilization and Song Dynasty prosperity to epic battles and the legend of the White Snake. Every scene is breathtaking. The show weaves together Hangzhou's key historical moments and classic legends, keeping kids captivated while teaching them local history. The 5D live-action show Earthquake at Songcheng is great for slightly older children. Set against the backdrop of the Wenchuan earthquake, it realistically depicts the quake and rescue efforts, using 5D technology to simulate tremors that pull you right into the heart-pounding disaster scene. Kids will feel both the shock of the disaster and the strength of human spirit—an unforgettable experience. Since there are loud sounds during the show, remind your child beforehand that it's just a performance, and cover their ears if needed so they don't get scared. Songcheng also has an immersive show designed specifically for families: WA! Dinosaurs. It blends science education with cool stage effects. During the show, kids follow a scientist back to the Jurassic world to observe prehistoric creatures and witness their stories. Full of adventure and warmth, it's a show many kids never want to leave—a true lifesaver for parents. If your child is brave or loves myths and ghost stories, take them to Guai Street. Filled with spooky elements, the entire street has an eerie atmosphere and hides scary tales. Walking through it feels like time travel, with unexpected surprises around every corner that make you forget reality and dive right in. At Songcheng, don't miss sugar-figure blowing. It's not just a fun street snack but also a unique intangible cultural heritage craft that always catches kids' eyes. Let your child blow their own figure to experience the joy of this traditional art—sugar figures taste sweeter when you make them yourself. Another intangible cultural heritage experience at Songcheng is shadow puppetry, hidden in the Shadow Puppet Theater on North Street. Be sure to take your child. Skilled artisans use masterful techniques to bring every character to life behind the white screen. You'll recognize familiar faces, including kids' favorites like Monkey King Thrice Beats the White Bone Demon and Wu Song Fights the Tiger. Every performance is fantastic. For children used to screens, this ancient art form feels wonderfully fresh and exciting. After the shadow puppet show, treat your child to another spectacular visual experience. The Light & Shadow Hall exists purely for beauty and awe, featuring seven stunning light spaces. Inside, kids can feel like they're traveling through time and space while marveling at brilliant stars—a great chance to appreciate light art and build aesthetic sense. In the evening, take your child to see the fish lantern parade. As night falls, the surrounding lights don't get brighter like at other parks—they dim to welcome the fish lanterns. One by one, the lanterns light up, carried by staff in traditional costumes as they slowly wind through the ancient streets. Walk along with the parade and you'll go from tourist to participant in this time-travel journey, stepping into a Southern Song lantern festival. For kids, Hangzhou Songcheng is more than a playground—it's a classroom. Through amazing performances, they learn about Hangzhou's thousand-year history and folk legends, experience exquisite intangible cultural heritage firsthand, and have fun exploring every themed set. If you want to give your child an unforgettable journey through time, bring them to thousand-year-old Songcheng.
