Until last month I had no idea one was able to go caving in the city centre but this is China and everything is possible!

Let me start off by saying my son LOVED IT, my husband not so much…This is an excellent attraction for kids 4+, who are comfortable with squeezing through tight spaces. VERY. TIGHT. My husband said that it had been very lucky he was the one, who went inside, not me, since no way would I have been able to fit through the various passages (I am tall and NOT flexible). He is very sporty and still came out absolutely exhausted. Mind you, it did take them over two hours to go through the tunnels!Great fun but not for the unfit, like me.

This attraction really is very much like real caving, where one needs to slide down tunnels, climb up, make multiple turns and use a helmet with a torch. It is quite educational too as along the way there are fake dinosaur fossils to ‘discover’. I would not recommend it for kids, who easily get tired, are afraid of the dark or are not outdoorsy, as it could potentially be too challenging. Also, even though the information says they allow children to go in by themselves (there are many cameras inside), I wouldn’t suggest a child younger than 7 to go inside without a guardian although, I guess, it depends on how adventurous your child is. They have AC inside so don’t worry about your kid sweating in there.

You may ask what I did while they were having all the fun. Well, I explored what else Element 6 or Six Elements Experience mall in Pazhou had to offer since it was our first time there. The answer is everything and more, all for kids! From Parkour lessons (didn’t know that was a thing in China!), soft play, basketball, ballet, football, climbing, DIY art lessons, go-karts, horse riding, roller skating, modelling, you name it! My favourite was a place, where kids donned long overalls and wellies and fished for objects in the mud-fantastic fun! Naturally, none of it is free but if you’re willing to spend, you can easily stay there for the entire day.

In addition to the various classes, 5th floor houses a sort of Science Centre for kids, where you can enter variously-themed sections and even attend live, interactive science sessions (provided you bought tickets). All in Chinese but I think those could still be appealing to kids, whose Chinese is limited. We did not have time to enjoy the science part but it did look very appealing!

Aside from fun venues, the mall also houses many sports shops for kids and adults, beauty salons, outlets, cafés and restaurants. Generally an excellent place for the entire family if you wish to spend the day indoors:)

Have you tried any of the activities/classes there? Have you been caving?

Info:

Caving attraction’s Chinese name: TAN DONG GONG CHANG

Opening times: 10am-10pm

Cost: 200rmb per child, 250 rmb for a child+adult

Parking: On-site, free provided you show a caving ticket

Getting there: Element 6 mall is located on Xingang East Road, Haizhu district, very close to The Westin, Shangri La and The Langham Place. Nearest metro station is Wanshengwei (Line 8 and Line 4 as well as the last stop on Tram Line 1) but it is quite far so I suggest either taking a taxi there or driving.

Food: Several restaurants in the mall, from budget ones to a bit more pricey ones.

Age: Suitable for kids aged 4-12