China offers ancient cities, soaring skylines, dramatic mountains, and river valleys, where generations of history sit alongside fast changing modern life.
China offers ancient cities, soaring skylines, dramatic mountains, and river valleys, where generations of history sit alongside fast changing modern life.
From Beijing and Shanghai to Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and coastal cities like Xiamen, you will find diverse cultures, landscapes, and regional characters across this vast country.
You can combine historic capitals, business hubs, and relaxed river or mountain regions in one journey, with China acting as a gateway to wider East Asia.
Explore Beijing's grand palaces, courtyards, and broad avenues, then head out to nearby sections of the Great Wall for sweeping countryside views.
Stroll along the Bund to see historic riverfront facades facing futuristic towers, then explore creative neighbourhoods and waterside promenades.
Enjoy tree lined streets, coastal views, and island walks, with easy access to historic districts and relaxed cafés by the sea.
Spend time in Chengdu's leafy parks, traditional teahouses, and riverside districts, soaking up the city's famously laid back pace of life.
Cruise along the Pearl River to see illuminated bridges and towers, then wander through historic lanes lined with traditional townhouses.
Visit regenerated warehouse districts and design parks where galleries, studios, and modern architecture showcase the city's innovative side.
Discover Chongqing's cliff hugging neighbourhoods, steep stairways, and river confluences set against misty hills and night time city lights.
Walk around West Lake's causeways and pavilions, then head into nearby hills to see tea terraces and quiet villages.
High speed rail links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, while extensive domestic flights and metro networks make it easy to move between regions and explore each city in depth.
You will notice early morning exercise in city parks, lively public squares, neighbourhood teahouses, and a strong sense of regional identity in language, architecture, and traditions from the north to the south.
Find calm by strolling around lakes in Hangzhou, river promenades in Guangzhou and Shanghai, coastal paths in Xiamen, and leafy parks and mountain viewpoints near cities like Chengdu and Chongqing.
China is known for deep regional food traditions, from bold northern flavours in Beijing and rich, spicy dishes in Chengdu and Chongqing to delicate coastal cooking in Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou.
Across cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, you can enjoy lively streets lined with casual eateries, contemporary bistros, and cafés offering both local favourites and international flavours.
Look for riverside tables in Guangzhou and Chongqing, lake view restaurants in Hangzhou, skyline facing venues in Shanghai and Shenzhen, and atmospheric historic quarter dining in Xiamen and Beijing.
Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chengdu feature large, modern malls that bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place.
You can browse markets and boutique streets for handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, and design pieces in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, as well as traditional districts in Xiamen and Chengdu.
After dark, major cities light up with illuminated shopping streets, late opening malls, and lively pedestrian zones, especially in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chongqing.
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather in many regions, with typical temperatures from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F), ideal for city walks and countryside excursions. Summer peak season (June to August) is generally warm to hot, especially in cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, where temperatures often range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F). Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) is comfortable across much of the country, with temperatures around 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F) in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. Winter low season (late November to February) can be cold in northern cities like Beijing, often from -5°C to 8°C (23°F to 46°F), while southern hubs including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen are cooler but usually milder.