China offers a blend of ancient history, fast-changing cities, and vast natural landscapes, from imperial sites to soaring skylines. You can explore centuries of culture alongside cutting-edge innovation in a single trip.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
Expect energetic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, contrasted with historic towns and dramatic scenery around regions like Sichuan and Chongqing. High-speed rail and modern infrastructure make it easier to experience multiple regions in one visit.
Plan your trip
Use major gateways like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou as bases to explore nearby cities and countryside. China also works well as a starting point for wider North Asia journeys thanks to strong domestic links and regional connections.
Top experiences in China
Walk Beijing's historic heart
Stroll through Beijing's grand avenues and narrow alleyways, where imperial landmarks sit beside museums, parks, and lively neighbourhoods.
Feel the pulse of Shanghai's skyline
Take in riverfront views and futuristic towers in Shanghai, then step into historic districts for a different side of the city.
Explore Chengdu's relaxed city life
Experience Chengdu's easygoing pace in leafy streets and bustling squares, with teahouses and parks filled with locals at all hours.
Discover Hangzhou's lakeside beauty
Wander around Hangzhou's famous lakefront promenades, gardens, and bridges framed by low hills and traditional pavilions.
Experience Guangzhou's riverside streets
Walk along Guangzhou's riverfront and tree-lined boulevards, where modern architecture mixes with historic neighbourhoods.
Uncover Shenzhen's creative districts
Visit Shenzhen's design and art zones, where repurposed factories, galleries, and studios highlight the city’s creative energy.
Admire Chongqing's mountain city views
Ride between riverbanks and hillsides in Chongqing, a city of dramatic slopes, bridges, and misty panoramas.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China has an extensive high-speed rail network linking major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, often faster and more convenient than flying for regional journeys. Within cities, metro systems, buses, and app-based taxis make it straightforward to move between neighbourhoods.
Local life & culture
City life stretches late into the evening in China, with people gathering in parks, squares, and pedestrian streets. Each region has its own character, from the political and cultural gravitas of Beijing to the commercial drive of Shenzhen and the laid-back rhythm of Chengdu.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in landscaped city parks, classical gardens, and riverside promenades across cities like Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Mountain scenery and nearby countryside around Chengdu and Chongqing offer fresh air, walking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China is known for distinct regional cuisines, from the bold flavours of Sichuan around Chengdu and Chongqing to delicate dishes in Hangzhou and coastal specialities in Guangzhou and Xiamen. In Beijing and Shanghai, you can try national favourites that reflect influences from across the country.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Lively dining streets, food courts, and neighbourhood eateries can be found across Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, serving everything from quick noodles to modern takes on regional classics. Many malls also house extensive restaurant floors, offering convenient options at all hours.
Signature & scenic dining
In cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, you can dine with views of skylines, rivers, or lakes from high-rise restaurants and waterfront venues. Historic districts in Beijing and Chengdu offer atmospheric courtyards and restored buildings that turn a meal into a memorable experience.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature large shopping centres that combine international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining. Newer lifestyle complexes often include outdoor plazas and event spaces that feel more like neighbourhoods than traditional malls.
Markets & local crafts
You can browse for traditional crafts, textiles, and design pieces in markets and specialist streets across Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou. Smaller boutiques in Shanghai and Guangzhou showcase contemporary takes on local craftsmanship and souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
Many shopping districts in cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chongqing stay open late, with illuminated facades, street performers, and lively food options. Pedestrian streets and riverside promenades often come alive after dark, making browsing part of the night-time atmosphere.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild temperatures across many regions, often around 10–22°C (50–72°F), with flowers in bloom and generally pleasant conditions for city walks and outdoor sightseeing. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot, with major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen reaching around 25–33°C (77–91°F), and this is when school holidays and festivals can make attractions busier. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) usually offers comfortable weather around 12–24°C (54–75°F), clearer skies, and good visibility in many areas, making it a popular time for both city visits and excursions into surrounding countryside. Winter low season (late November to February) can be cold in northern and inland cities such as Beijing and Chengdu, sometimes dropping below 0°C (32°F), while southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen remain milder at around 8–18°C (46–64°F).