Why visit China?
China offers you ancient cities, futuristic skylines, and vast natural landscapes in one journey. From imperial palaces to fast‑growing tech hubs, you will find history and innovation side by side.
What to expect
You can wander Beijing's grand avenues, stroll Shanghai's riverfront, explore Chengdu's relaxed streets, or cruise through the lush hills around Hangzhou. In the south, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Chongqing reveal busy harbours, river gorges, and forested mountains.
Plan your trip
China works well as a single‑city escape or a multi‑stop adventure linked by high‑speed rail and domestic flights. It also serves as a gateway to wider East Asia, with many routes that connect easily onwards through regional hubs.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing's imperial heart
Explore grand palace complexes, wide ceremonial squares, and historic hutong lanes that reveal the city's changing story.
Soak up Shanghai's skyline and riverside charm
See historic riverfront facades face a forest of glass towers, then dive into creative districts and leafy neighbourhoods.
Glide on West Lake in Hangzhou
Drift past willow trees, stone bridges, and small islands as mist rolls over surrounding tea‑covered hills.
Discover Chengdu's relaxed streets
Slow your pace in leafy neighbourhoods, teahouse‑lined alleys, and atmospheric courtyards that stay lively late into the evening.
Follow the river through Chongqing
Ride between steep hillsides, layered bridges, and cliff‑side buildings overlooking the meeting of two powerful rivers.
Experience Guangzhou's riverfront cityscape
Walk along illuminated promenades, modern bridges, and landmark towers that shine after dark.
Explore Shenzhen's creative districts
Stroll former industrial areas now filled with design studios, galleries, and small cafes beside soaring towers.
Unwind by the sea in Xiamen
Wander coastal promenades, leafy streets, and offshore islands with elegant mansions and sea views.
Experience China's way of life
Getting around
You can move between China's major cities on extensive high‑speed rail lines that link Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and more in just a few hours. Domestic flights connect farther‑flung centres such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen, while metro systems make city travel straightforward.
Local life & culture
In Beijing and Shanghai you will feel a fast urban tempo, softened by neighbourhood parks where residents gather to chat and exercise. Further south and west, cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hangzhou tend to move at a more relaxed pace, with long conversations in teahouses and evenings spent in lively streets.
Where to unwind
Across China you will find calm spaces even in the busiest districts, from lakeside paths in Hangzhou to leafy parks in Beijing and Shanghai. Around Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen, nearby mountains, rivers, and coastal walks offer easy escapes into nature.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Each city in China brings its own bold food character, from rich, slow‑cooked flavours in Chengdu and Chongqing to refined, lighter dishes around Hangzhou and Shanghai. In Guangzhou and Shenzhen, you will notice an emphasis on fresh ingredients and delicate textures.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can eat well almost anywhere, from humble neighbourhood eateries to polished city restaurants. Beijing and Shanghai offer an especially wide mix, where you might try dishes from many different regions in one short stay, often within walking distance of major sights.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for restaurants overlooking riverfront skylines in Shanghai or Guangzhou, or calm lake views in Hangzhou. In Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen, open‑air terraces and hilltop venues let you combine city panoramas with long, lingering dinners.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Beijing and Shanghai, large shopping districts combine international labels with local designers, cinemas, and dining under one roof. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu also have modern lifestyle malls where you can spend a full afternoon indoors.
Markets & local crafts
You can browse for handicrafts, tea, and traditional artworks in long‑running markets across cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou. In Shanghai and Xiamen, restored streets and smaller boutiques highlight design pieces, textiles, and souvenirs made by local artisans.
Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets stay brightly lit and busy, especially in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chongqing. You will find a mix of late‑opening malls, lively streets, and smaller night markets that blend browsing with casual snacks and people‑watching.
Best time to visit China
Peak season: April to June and September to October bring mild weather in many regions, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). These months suit city walks, outdoor sightseeing, and longer itineraries.
Shoulder season: March and November can be cooler, from about 5–18°C (41–64°F), and are often quieter in popular areas. You may experience a mix of clear days and cooler evenings, so layering works well.
Low season: December to February is winter across much of China, with northern cities often between -5–5°C (23–41°F) and milder conditions further south. July and August are also considered low season in some regions due to heat and humidity, with many places reaching 28–35°C (82–95°F).