Flights from Colombo (CMB) to China

Discover China

Discover China

Why visit China?
China offers a blend of ancient history, modern skylines, and striking natural scenery, all within one vast and varied country. You can explore imperial landmarks, dynamic megacities, and quiet rural landscapes on a single journey.
What to expect
From Beijing and Shanghai to Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chongqing, and Xiamen, each city reveals a different side of China. You will find historic quarters, cutting-edge architecture, riverfront districts, and mountain-framed skylines spread across its regions.
Plan your trip
China works well as both a single-country adventure and a gateway to East Asia, with strong domestic air, rail, and road links. Major hubs connect you onwards to neighbouring territories, making it easy to combine several cities in one itinerary.

Top experiences in China

Walk through Beijing's historic heart

Stroll between grand avenues and old hutong lanes to see China’s capital mix imperial landmarks with everyday neighbourhood life.

Soak in Shanghai's skyline

Take in the contrast between the Bund’s historic riverfront and the futuristic towers of Pudong across the water.

Explore Hangzhou's West Lake

Cruise or walk around the lakeside causeways, islands, and gardens that have inspired Chinese art and poetry for centuries.

Discover Chengdu's city rhythm

Experience relaxed teahouse culture, leafy neighbourhoods, and lively streets that make this inland city feel welcoming and unhurried.

Follow the river in Chongqing

See steep hillsides, layered bridges, and river views that give Chongqing its dramatic setting at the meeting of two major rivers.

Unwind on Xiamen's waterfront

Enjoy coastal promenades, leafy streets, and nearby islands that give this port city a breezy, holiday-like feel.

Experience modern life in Shenzhen

Walk through creative districts, contemporary architecture, and green parks that showcase one of China’s most innovative cities.

Explore Guangzhou's riverfront districts

Wander between historic quarters and new developments along the water, seeing how the city’s trading heritage shapes its character.

Experience China’s way of life

Getting around
China’s major cities are connected by extensive domestic flights and a far-reaching high-speed rail network. Within cities, metros, buses, and app-based taxis make it straightforward to move between districts and key sights.
Local life & culture
Daily life in China shifts from traditional neighbourhoods and teahouses to sleek financial centres and creative hubs. Each region has its own dialects, festivals, and customs, giving you a different atmosphere as you move from city to city.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in lakeside parks in Hangzhou, leafy residential lanes in Shanghai, waterfront promenades in Xiamen, and riverside viewpoints in Chongqing. Urban green spaces, city hills, and nearby countryside escapes offer quiet corners between busy sightseeing days.

A taste of China

National dishes & specialties
China is known for a wide range of regional cuisines, each with distinctive flavours and techniques. Cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shanghai highlight local specialities that reflect their history and geography.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across China’s cities, you will find everything from small neighbourhood eateries to contemporary restaurants and cafés. Dining districts in places like Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Chengdu bring together regional flavours, modern interpretations, and international influences.
Signature & scenic dining
Skyline views in Shanghai and Shenzhen, lake or riverfront settings in Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and Chongqing, and historic quarters in Beijing and Xiamen create memorable backdrops for a meal. Many venues pair striking cityscapes with carefully crafted menus.

Retail therapy in China

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature international fashion, technology, and lifestyle brands. Many also include cinemas, art spaces, and restaurants so you can combine shopping with entertainment.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and pedestrian streets in cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou showcase local crafts, textiles, and design pieces. Smaller boutiques and creative clusters offer contemporary takes on Chinese craftsmanship.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and malls in major cities remain lively and well lit, with extended opening hours. Waterfront promenades and central districts are popular for an evening stroll combined with window-shopping and café stops.

Best time to visit China

Spring shoulder season (March to May): Many parts of China enjoy mild weather, with average temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F). This is a shoulder season, with blooming parks and comfortable conditions for city walking.
Summer peak season (June to August): In most major cities, temperatures can rise to 25–32°C (77–90°F) or higher, with humidity in southern regions. This is a peak season, popular for family travel and longer holidays.
Autumn shoulder to low season (September to November): Temperatures generally range from 10–24°C (50–75°F), with drier air and clearer skies in many cities. Early autumn is often a shoulder season, while late autumn can feel closer to a low season outside major holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions