China offers ancient heritage, modern skylines, and vast natural landscapes, from imperial capitals to river valleys and dramatic mountain ranges.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You will find fast-paced global cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen alongside historic water towns, misty tea hills, and quiet temples, all linked by high-speed rail and busy airports.
Plan your trip
Many travellers combine a few key cities with nearby regions, using China as a base to explore East Asia thanks to its extensive domestic network and international connections.
Top experiences in China
Walk the Great Wall near Beijing
Spend a day exploring restored ramparts and mountain views at sections of the Great Wall within easy reach of Beijing.
Soak up Shanghai’s skyline on the Bund
Stroll the Bund promenade at dusk for classic riverfront architecture framed by the glittering towers of Lujiazui across the water.
Discover West Lake in Hangzhou
Cruise or walk around Hangzhou’s West Lake, where willow-lined causeways, pagodas, and gardens create a calm city escape.
Explore Chengdu’s panda and teahouse culture
Visit a panda conservation centre, then linger over tea in Chengdu’s traditional teahouses and leafy parks.
Experience old and new Guangzhou
Admire historic architecture on Shamian Island, then head to the modern riverside districts crowned by the Canton Tower.
Wander Xiamen and Gulangyu Island
Enjoy coastal walks in Xiamen and take a short ferry to traffic-free Gulangyu for colonial-era lanes and sea views.
Skyline views in Shenzhen and Chongqing
See Shenzhen’s futuristic cityscape from lofty viewpoints and take in Chongqing’s dramatic river and hill panoramas.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, while extensive metro systems and taxis help you move easily within urban areas. For longer distances or mountainous regions, domestic flights save time.
Local life & culture
Morning tai chi in parks, lively public squares, and neighbourhood streets lined with small shops and tea houses reveal daily rhythms. Each region has its own dialects, arts, architecture, and festivals, giving every city a distinct character.
Where to unwind
Relax in classical gardens in cities like Shanghai and Suzhou, lakeside parks in Hangzhou and Guangzhou, or riverside promenades in Chongqing. In the evenings, many parks and plazas become social spaces for music, dancing, and gentle strolls.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Try Beijing roast duck in the capital, refined Jiangnan dishes in Shanghai and Hangzhou, fiery flavours in Chengdu and Chongqing, and Cantonese classics such as dim sum and roasted meats in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find everything from tiny noodle shops and bustling canteens to sleek bistros in high-rise malls, especially in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu. Food streets and modern food courts make tasting regional styles simple and convenient.
Signature & scenic dining
Dine in restaurants overlooking Shanghai’s skyline, beside West Lake in Hangzhou, along the riverfronts of Guangzhou and Chongqing, or in restored courtyard houses in historic districts for an atmospheric meal.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou offer vast malls with international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining, often clustered around central business districts and key metro stations.
Markets & local crafts
Browse for silk, tea, ceramics, paper-cut art, and calligraphy in markets and specialist streets, especially in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Chengdu. Smaller boutiques often feature contemporary takes on traditional crafts.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and districts in cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chongqing glow with neon, while selected night markets and late-opening malls create a lively atmosphere for browsing and people-watching.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather to many regions, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F) and blooming parks in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot across much of the country, with typical temperatures of 25–33°C (77–91°F), higher humidity in southern cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, and cooler air in higher-altitude areas. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) is often considered the most comfortable, with clear skies and temperatures around 10–25°C (50–77°F) in many popular cities. Winter low season (late November to February) can be cold in northern cities such as Beijing, with temperatures often between -5 and 5°C (23–41°F), while southern cities including Guangzhou and Shenzhen are milder but can feel cool and damp.