Objective To deeply understand the knowledge and experience of death in terminally ill children with solid tumors, and to provide a basis for better development of palliative care services for children. Methods Phenomenological research methods were used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 14 terminally ill children with solid tumors, and categorical analysis was used to code, classify, and extract themes. Results A total of 4 themes and 8 sub-themes were extracted, namely helplessness in the face of death(sub-themes：loneliness, and loss of control), desire to connect with the world behind(not in want of being forgotten, and fulfillment of personal values), death knowledge and attitudes (death is separation with relatives, feeling scared of death but having to face it), desire for physical comfort while still in hope (minimizing physical suffering, and fulfilling wishes). Conclusion Terminally ill children with solid tumors have a strong sense of helplessness in the face of death, and they are eager to establish a connection with the world behind them. Medical staff should pay attention to the end-of-life experience and needs of these children, and take targeted palliative care measures.