China offers ancient cities, cutting-edge skylines, and vast landscapes, where imperial history and rapid modern life sit side by side. You can explore everything from old towns and classical gardens to glass towers and creative districts.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
Each region feels distinct, from the coastal energy of Shanghai and Shenzhen to the cultural hubs of Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou. Expect efficient urban transport, varied scenery, and a mix of traditional neighbourhoods and new business zones.
Plan your trip
Many travellers combine major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu with nearby historic towns or natural areas. China also serves as a gateway to wider East Asia, with strong air and rail links onward.
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing's imperial heart
Explore Beijing's grand palaces, vast squares, and historic alleyways to see how old and new China meet in the capital.
Soak up Shanghai's skyline
Stroll along the Bund for views of historic riverfront buildings facing the futuristic towers of Lujiazui across the water.
Cruise the West Lake in Hangzhou
Glide past willow trees, pagodas, and small islands on Hangzhou's West Lake, a calm contrast to the buzz of nearby city streets.
Meet giant pandas in Chengdu
Visit one of Chengdu's panda centres to see these iconic animals in a leafy environment dedicated to conservation.
Discover the tech and design scene in Shenzhen
Explore creative parks, design districts, and modern waterfront areas that show Shenzhen's role as a fast-growing innovation hub.
Trace maritime history in Xiamen
Wander Xiamen's waterfront and island districts to find colonial-era buildings, coastal promenades, and quiet backstreets.
Follow river views in Chongqing
Look out over steep hillsides, bridges, and river confluences from Chongqing's viewpoints and urban observation spots.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail connects major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, while domestic flights link more distant hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen. Within cities, metro networks, buses, and widely used ride-hailing apps make local travel straightforward.
Local life & culture
City parks fill with tai chi, music, and family gatherings, while older neighbourhoods keep a slower rhythm beside modern high-rises. You will notice strong regional identities, from the cultural institutions of Beijing to the entrepreneurial energy of the southern coastal cities.
Where to unwind
Find calm by walking along riverside promenades in Guangzhou and Chongqing, lakeside paths in Hangzhou, or seafront views in Xiamen. In many cities, landscaped urban parks and nearby scenic hills provide a quick escape from busy streets.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Across China you can try Beijing’s roast specialities, Chengdu and Chongqing’s bold, numbing flavours, Hangzhou’s lighter dishes, and refined cooking in Shanghai and Guangzhou. Each region has its own techniques and signature plates to discover.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing, you will find casual eateries, food streets, and contemporary restaurants serving both regional Chinese styles and international flavours. Shopping districts often combine dining, cafes, and late-opening venues in one place.
Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, many cities offer rooftop venues, riverfront restaurants, or dining rooms with skyline, lake, or harbour views, especially around Shanghai’s waterfront, Beijing’s modern business districts, and Hangzhou’s lakefront.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining. New lifestyle complexes often include outdoor plazas and art spaces alongside shops.
Markets & local crafts
Look for handicrafts, tea, and souvenirs in older districts and market streets in cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou. Smaller boutiques often sell regionally inspired designs and homeware.
Evening retail scene
In the evenings, popular shopping streets and plazas in major cities stay bright and busy, with illuminated storefronts, night-time snack stalls nearby, and extended opening hours in many malls.
Best time to visit China
China spans several climate zones, so conditions vary by region, but broad patterns can help you plan. From March to May (spring, shoulder season), many eastern cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou see mild weather around 15–22°C (59–72°F), with blooming parks and comfortable sightseeing. June to August (summer, peak season) brings warmer temperatures often between 25–32°C (77–90°F) in cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Chongqing, with higher humidity and some rain, but this is also a popular time for school holidays and family travel. October to early November (autumn, shoulder season) is often regarded as one of the most pleasant periods, with clearer skies and temperatures around 12–20°C (54–68°F) in many major hubs. In winter, roughly December to February (low season), northern cities such as Beijing and parts of inland China can drop below 0°C (32°F), while southern hubs like Guangzhou and Shenzhen stay milder, typically 8–18°C (46–64°F).