China offers ancient cities, dramatic landscapes, and fast-changing modern skylines, where centuries of history meet cutting-edge technology in one vast, diverse country.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You can explore imperial landmarks in Beijing, waterfront towers in Shanghai, subtropical Pearl River Delta hubs like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and cultural heartlands such as Chengdu and Hangzhou.
Plan your trip
Use China as a base to combine business and leisure, with efficient high-speed rail, extensive domestic flights, and onward links that connect you across East Asia and beyond.
Top experiences in China
Walk Beijing's historic heart
Stroll Beijing's grand avenues and narrow hutong lanes to see Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and beautifully restored courtyards.
Experience Shanghai's skyline
Take in riverfront views along the Bund, then head across the water to soaring observation decks in Pudong for panoramic cityscapes.
Cruise the West Lake in Hangzhou
Glide across West Lake on a boat, framed by pagodas, causeways, and seasonal blooms that have inspired poets for centuries.
Discover Chengdu's panda centres
Visit one of Chengdu's dedicated research bases to observe giant pandas and learn about conservation in peaceful bamboo-filled enclosures.
Explore riverfront life in Chongqing
Ride cableways over the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers and wander hillside districts lit by neon at night.
Unwind in Guangzhou's historic districts
Walk shaded streets on Shamian Island and admire a mix of European-influenced buildings and traditional Lingnan architecture.
See coastal charm in Xiamen
Combine seaside promenades with a short ferry to Gulangyu Island, known for its villas, leafy paths, and car-free streets.
Discover innovation in Shenzhen
Spend time in creative parks, technology districts, and waterfront promenades that show the city's forward-looking energy.
Experience China's way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, while an extensive domestic flight network connects inland hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen. In cities, metro systems and taxis are the most efficient way to move between districts.
Local life & culture
Morning tai chi in city parks, mahjong games in neighbourhood courtyards, and teahouse gatherings in places like Chengdu and Hangzhou give you a glimpse into everyday rhythms, alongside contemporary art spaces and design districts in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing.
Where to unwind
Find calm in classical gardens and lakeside promenades in Hangzhou and Suzhou-style gardens, riverside walks in Chongqing and Guangzhou, and green city parks from Beijing's imperial parks to Shanghai's tree-lined boulevards.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
You can try regional cuisines where they began, from roasted delicacies and hearty northern fare in Beijing to delicate Jiangnan dishes in Shanghai, bold and spicy flavours in Chengdu and Chongqing, and light, aromatic Cantonese cooking in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, shopping streets and mixed-use precincts are filled with casual eateries, contemporary bistros, and international options, while university districts and office clusters offer convenient canteens and cafes throughout the day.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for refined restaurants overlooking Shanghai's Bund, lakeside dining in Hangzhou, river-view venues in Chongqing and Guangzhou, and stylish rooftop spaces across tier-one cities that pair city skylines with imaginative menus.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen feature large malls with international fashion, lifestyle brands, cinemas, and dining, while emerging hubs like Chengdu and Hangzhou combine shopping centres with landscaped plazas and cultural venues.
Markets & local crafts
Browse markets and smaller boutiques in Beijing and Shanghai for art, tea, and handicrafts, explore Chengdu and Chongqing for regional textiles and souvenirs, and visit coastal cities like Xiamen for ceramics and local design pieces.
Evening retail scene
After dark, neon-lit shopping streets in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou stay lively with late-opening malls and pedestrian zones, while some districts in Chengdu and Hangzhou pair evening retail with riverside walks and illuminated historic buildings.
Best time to visit China
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather to many regions, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) in major eastern cities, making it comfortable for urban sightseeing and outdoor walks. Summer (June to August, peak season) is typically hot and humid in much of eastern and southern China, with temperatures often between 26–32°C (79–90°F), popular for school holidays but busier at well-known attractions. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) usually offers clear skies and pleasant temperatures of about 14–24°C (57–75°F) in key cities, ideal for both city breaks and excursions. Winter (December to February, low season) can be cold in northern cities such as Beijing, with averages around -3–5°C (27–41°F), while southern hubs like Guangzhou and Shenzhen remain milder at roughly 10–18°C (50–64°F).