China offers a mix of ancient heritage, fast-changing cities, and vast natural landscapes, from imperial palaces to dramatic river valleys and mountain ranges.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You will find megacities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen alongside historic hubs such as Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen, each with distinct architecture, dialects, and ways of life.
Plan your trip
China is a gateway to East Asia, with modern transport networks linking major cities and regions, making it easy to combine business, sightseeing, and side trips across the country.
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing's imperial heart
Explore Beijing's grand palaces, vast squares, and historic hutong lanes to experience centuries of political and cultural change in one city.
Skylines and waterfronts in Shanghai
Stroll along the Bund, look across to the futuristic towers of Pudong, and wander leafy former concession districts for a sense of Shanghai's layered past and present.
West Lake and old streets of Hangzhou
Cruise or walk around Hangzhou's West Lake, dotted with pavilions and islands, then step into nearby old streets lined with teahouses and traditional shops.
Rivers and ridges around Chongqing
See Chongqing's dramatic skyline at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, then head into the surrounding hills and river valleys for cooler air and views.
Historic ports of Xiamen
Wander Xiamen's waterfront, parks, and nearby island districts, where restored buildings and seaside promenades reflect its maritime heritage.
Modern energy in Shenzhen and Guangzhou
Immerse yourself in the Pearl River Delta's energy with design districts, waterfront promenades, and cultural venues spread across Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Pandas and teahouses in Chengdu
Visit Chengdu's panda research centres, then relax in traditional teahouses and leafy neighbourhoods that showcase the slower pace of Sichuan life.
Temple visits and city parks
Spend quiet moments in temples, gardens, and inner-city parks across Chinese cities, where locals gather to chat, play music, or practise gentle exercise.
Experience China's way of life
Getting around
China's high-speed rail network, extensive domestic flight options, and urban metros connect major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Xiamen efficiently. For shorter distances, taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available.
Local life & culture
In parks and squares you may see residents dancing, playing cards, or exercising, while neighbourhood lanes offer glimpses of daily routines. Each region has distinct dialects, festivals, and artistic traditions, from coastal trading cities to inland cultural centres.
Where to unwind
Unwind in lakeside parks in Hangzhou, riverfront promenades in Xiamen and Guangzhou, leafy teahouse districts in Chengdu, or scenic hills near Chongqing. Many cities also feature landscaped urban parks and greenways ideal for quiet walks and cycling.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Each region has iconic dishes, from Beijing's roast specialties and Shanghai's delicate bites to Sichuan's bold flavours in Chengdu and Chongqing, and Cantonese cooking in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou you can find everything from simple eateries to contemporary bistros, food courts, and cafés, often clustered around shopping districts and office areas for easy, varied dining.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy skyline views from high-rise restaurants in Shanghai and Shenzhen, waterside meals around West Lake in Hangzhou or riverside districts in Chongqing and Guangzhou, and character-filled historic settings in Xiamen and Chengdu.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen feature large malls and lifestyle complexes with international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining, while Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Chongqing offer modern centres in revitalised urban districts.
Markets & local crafts
Browse for handicrafts, tea, and local products in markets and speciality streets in cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, or explore older quarters in Xiamen and Chongqing for small workshops and independent boutiques.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing stay lively, with side streets and pedestrian zones that combine browsing, snacking, and people-watching.
Best time to visit China
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather to many regions, with typical temperatures from 10–22°C (50–72°F) in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Summer (June to August, peak season) is generally hot and humid, especially in southern cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, with temperatures often between 25–33°C (77–91°F). Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) is usually clear and comfortable across much of the country, with averages between 12–24°C (54–75°F), while winter (December to February, low season) can be cold in northern cities like Beijing and chilly but milder in the south, from around -5–5°C (23–41°F) in the north to 8–16°C (46–61°F) in the south.