Flights from Sydney (SYD) to China

Discover China

Discover China

Why visit China?
China offers ancient cities, soaring skylines, and wide-open landscapes in one unforgettable journey. You can move from imperial palaces and stone-paved lanes to glass towers and thriving creative districts in a single trip.

What to expect
Each region feels distinct, from Beijing and Shanghai to Guangdong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. You will find historic hutongs, leafy lakefronts, tea-growing hills, riverfront promenades, and technology hubs, all threaded together by modern transport links.

Plan your trip
Many travellers combine several cities, using coastal hubs as gateways to inland provinces. With strong domestic connections, China also works well as a starting point to explore wider East Asia, whether you prefer high-speed rail journeys or short regional flights.

Top experiences in China

Walk through Beijing's imperial heart

Explore Beijing's grand palaces, vast squares, and traditional alleyways for a vivid sense of the country's history and modern energy.

Stroll Shanghai's riverside Bund

Take in Shanghai's skyline from the historic Bund promenade, where grand facades overlook futuristic towers across the water.

Cruise the West Lake in Hangzhou

Glide across West Lake on a gentle boat ride, framed by temples, gardens, and graceful bridges that change character with each season.

Taste bold flavours in Chengdu

Immerse yourself in Chengdu's food streets and teahouses, where lively neighbourhoods showcase the city's famously fiery cuisine.

Discover old and new Guangzhou

Wander between leafy avenues, heritage buildings, and striking modern towers in Guangzhou's riverside districts.

Unwind by the sea in Xiamen

Enjoy coastal walks, island views, and relaxed neighbourhoods in Xiamen, a port city known for its breezy waterfront charm.

Experience tech-forward Shenzhen

Explore Shenzhen's creative zones, design centres, and parks that showcase the city's fast-paced, forward-looking character.

See the night skyline in Chongqing

Watch Chongqing's dramatic skyline light up where rivers meet, with layered towers and bridges glowing after dark.

Experience China's way of life

Getting around
China's major cities are linked by extensive domestic flights and high-speed rail, making multi-city itineraries straightforward. Within cities, you can rely on metro networks, ride-hailing apps, and taxis for efficient travel between districts.

Local life & culture
Daily life moves at different rhythms, from the steady pace of park gatherings to the quick tempo of business districts. You will notice strong regional identities in language, architecture, and arts, especially between northern capitals, eastern coastal hubs, and southwestern cities.

Where to unwind
Green spaces, riverside paths, and lakeside parks offer calm corners across the country. You can slow down in classical gardens, hillside tea areas, and modern urban parks that invite quiet walks, jogging, or simply watching local life unfold.

A taste of China

National dishes & specialties
China's dining scene is defined by regional traditions, from hearty northern comfort food to delicate eastern dishes and spicy southwestern plates. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou each bring their own long-established food identities.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You can eat well at every level, from small neighbourhood spots to sleek city-centre restaurants that reinterpret local classics. Food streets, shopping districts, and business areas across the country give you quick access to a wide range of flavours in one place.

Signature & scenic dining
Many cities pair memorable views with refined menus, from riverside towers to lakeside pavilions and skyline-facing terraces. These settings turn a meal into an occasion, combining city lights, water reflections, or garden views with carefully presented dishes.

Retail therapy in China

Malls & lifestyle hubs
China's large cities feature modern malls that bring together international brands, lifestyle boutiques, and dining in one place. Districts in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou offer convenient, climate-controlled spaces to shop and relax.

Markets & local crafts
You can browse for crafts, textiles, and design pieces in neighbourhood markets and specialist streets. Cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou are known for areas where local makers, tea merchants, and artisans showcase their work.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and riverside areas glow with illuminated storefronts and busy pavements. Many districts in Shanghai, Chongqing, and Guangzhou stay active into the evening, blending shopping, snacks, and leisurely walks.

Best time to visit China

Spring shoulder season (March to May): Many regions enjoy mild conditions around 10–22°C (50–72°F), with blooming parks and clearer air. This is a popular time for city breaks and multi-city itineraries.

Summer peak season (June to August): Temperatures in major cities often reach 25–32°C (77–90°F) or higher, with humidity in southern areas. This is peak season for family travel and longer holidays.

Autumn and winter low season (September to February): Autumn stays comfortable at roughly 10–24°C (50–75°F) before turning colder in winter, especially in northern cities, where temperatures can fall below 0°C (32°F). Cooler months bring quieter attractions and crisp, clear days in some regions.

Frequently Asked Questions