China offers ancient cities, fast-changing skylines, and vast landscapes, from historic capitals to dynamic coastal hubs. You experience deep traditions alongside modern innovation in one trip.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You can explore imperial landmarks in Beijing, stylish waterfronts in Shanghai, and commercial powerhouses such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Inland, cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Xiamen reveal relaxed neighbourhoods, riverfronts, and green hills.
Plan your trip
Most visitors combine a few major cities, linking business districts, cultural quarters, and nearby nature. China also acts as a gateway to wider Northeast Asia, with extensive high-speed rail and domestic flights to help you cover more ground.
Top experiences in China
Walk Beijing’s historic heart
Stroll wide avenues and narrow hutong lanes near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, where palaces, courtyards, and museums trace centuries of history.
Take in Shanghai’s skyline
Head to the Bund or an observation deck in Pudong to admire the city’s blend of art deco riverfront façades and striking modern towers after sunset.
Explore Guangzhou’s riverfront and old quarters
Wander along the Pearl River and through historic streets where restored buildings, leafy promenades, and cultural venues meet busy shopping lanes.
Unwind in Hangzhou by West Lake
Cruise or walk along West Lake for pavilions, bridges, and gardens framed by low hills and city views.
Discover Chengdu’s relaxed city rhythm
Explore shaded streets, teahouses, and green parks that give Chengdu its laid-back feel within a large, modern city.
See the river gorges near Chongqing
Use Chongqing as a base for cruises and viewpoints that showcase steep hillsides, bridges, and rivers cutting through the landscape.
Mix coast and culture in Xiamen and Shenzhen
Enjoy seaside promenades, islands, and creative districts in Xiamen, and discover futuristic architecture and waterfront parks in Shenzhen.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China’s high-speed rail network links major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Hangzhou quickly and reliably. Within cities, metro systems, taxis, and ride-hailing apps make it easy to move between business districts, historic areas, and airports.
Local life & culture
City squares, neighbourhood parks, and riverfront promenades come alive with residents walking, dancing, and exercising, especially in the mornings and evenings. You will notice distinct local identities, from Beijing’s imperial heritage to Shenzhen’s entrepreneurial energy and Chengdu’s unhurried pace.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in lakeside parks in Hangzhou, coastal paths in Xiamen, and green pockets in dense cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou. Many cities also feature modern spas and urban retreats where you can recharge between meetings and sightseeing.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Regional cuisines vary widely, from rich dishes in Beijing and surrounding areas to lighter, delicate flavours in Shanghai and vibrant, aromatic cooking in Chengdu and Chongqing. Coastal cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen showcase fresh seafood and refined regional specialities.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, you find lively streets and malls filled with casual eateries, teahouses, and contemporary restaurants. Menus often blend local classics with international influences, making it easy to explore new flavours at your own pace.
Signature & scenic dining
In Shanghai and Beijing, you can dine with city views from riverfront promenades or upper floors of modern towers. In Hangzhou and Xiamen, lakeside and seaside venues let you pair regional dishes with tranquil water and garden outlooks.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen feature extensive malls where international labels share space with local brands, cinemas, and dining. New lifestyle complexes often combine open-air plazas, art spaces, and rooftop terraces.
Markets & local crafts
In Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, markets and specialised streets offer everything from textiles and paper goods to decorative pieces. Smaller districts in Xiamen, Hangzhou, and Chongqing showcase local crafts, design shops, and creative studios.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and riverside promenades in cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen stay lively with late-opening stores and entertainment. Many malls also extend their hours, so you can browse after a day of meetings or sightseeing.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season runs roughly from March to May, with many eastern cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Xiamen seeing mild days around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and cool evenings. Summer peak season generally spans June to August, when inland and southern hubs like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Chongqing can reach 28–34°C (82–93°F) with higher humidity. Autumn shoulder season from September to early November brings more comfortable conditions for most major cities, with temperatures often around 15–25°C (59–77°F) and clearer skies. Winter low season runs from late November to February in northern cities such as Beijing, where temperatures can fall below freezing, often between -5 and 5°C (23–41°F), while southern coastal cities stay milder.