Planning a learning unit on China? Bring this fascinating country to life for your kids with our roundup of engaging crafts and activities!
China’s rich culture, iconic landmarks, and unique animals provide endless inspiration for creative projects that make learning fun and memorable.
Perfect for use at home or in the classroom, this collection features ideas suitable for a range of ages. Get ready to explore activities like making Lion Dance puppets, creating your own 3D Great Wall of China, learning about pandas, and using themed worksheets and games to enhance your China studies.
Let’s get started finding fun ways to explore Chinese culture!
China Activities for Kids
A great way to introduce your China learning unit is by using our China Activity Bundle, available in our Etsy shop!
With this activity set, you can learn basic facts about China while completing fun activities like a word search, I spy game, and a matching game.
You can also make your own miniature version of the Chinese flag!
China Crafts for Kids
Koi Fish Yin and Yang Craft
Add an artistic touch to your China unit with this easy koi fish yin yang craft.
Representing the key Chinese philosophical idea of balance between opposing forces, kids create swirling koi fish in contrasting colors.
The beautiful result makes a great visual aid for discussing Chinese symbolism.
Great Wall of China 3D Craft
Bring China’s most iconic landmark to life with this Great Wall of China 3D craft.
Children color the details of the wall and towers and then use simple folds to make their creation stand up.
It’s a fun and easy way for kids to build their own version of this incredible structure, perfect for display during a China study unit.
Plum Blossom Painting
This easy plum blossom Q-tip painting activity celebrates a flower deeply cherished in Chinese culture for its ability to bloom bravely in late winter.
Using a free template and simple dot painting, kids can create beautiful blooming branches. It’s a lovely way to incorporate discussion about important Chinese symbols into your craft time.
Lion Dance Puppet Craft
Capture the energy of a traditional Chinese celebration with this fun Lion Dance puppet craft.
Using a free printable template, kids can color and assemble their own vibrant lion head onto a craft stick.
It’s an easy and interactive way for children to engage with Chinese culture, creating a fun puppet for imaginative play related to festivals and traditions.
Panda Paper Plate Craft
Craft an adorable panda paper plate face, celebrating one of China’s most beloved and iconic animals.
Using a standard paper plate and our free template, this craft is fun and easy for little hands to assemble.
It’s a perfect and quick activity for children learning about China’s unique wildlife and national symbols.
Fireworks Blow Painting Craft
Make explosive art with firework blow painting over a background scene, such as the Forbidden City skyline template provided!
Kids will love using straws to blast paint across the page, mimicking bright fireworks – a famous Chinese invention.
This engaging and visually exciting craft is perfect for adding some colour to your China studies.
Books About China for Kids
“Living in . . . China” by Chloe Perkins, illustrated by Tom Woolley, introduces children to aspects of everyday life in China, including family, school, food, language, and famous landmarks. This book offers an accessible and informative starting point for early elementary kids beginning to learn about Chinese culture and geography.
Lost and Found: Adèle & Simon in China– In this visually rich seek-and-find picture book by Barbara McClintock, siblings Adèle and Simon embark on an adventure through early 20th-century China. As they journey through detailed illustrations of bustling cities, the countryside, and landmarks, the ever-distracted Simon continuously loses his possessions (a hat, a kite, etc.). Readers are invited to pore over the intricate drawings to help Adèle find Simon’s lost items hidden within each scene, offering a fun exploration of China’s landscapes and culture.
The Empty Pot by Demi This beautifully illustrated Chinese folktale tells the story of Ping, a boy who loves flowers but is the only child unable to grow a bloom from the seed given out by the Emperor. Ping bravely presents his empty pot, ultimately learning a powerful lesson about the importance of honesty and courage. It’s a classic and gentle introduction to traditional Chinese aesthetics and values.
