China offers a blend of ancient cities, dramatic landscapes, and fast-changing megacities, where historic temples sit beside glittering skylines and creative districts.
China offers a blend of ancient cities, dramatic landscapes, and fast-changing megacities, where historic temples sit beside glittering skylines and creative districts.
From Beijing and Shanghai on the eastern seaboard to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Xiamen, you can explore imperial history, modern business hubs, and scenic river valleys.
China is ideal for both first-time city breaks and multi-city journeys, with extensive domestic flights and high-speed rail, and it serves as a gateway to wider North and East Asia.
Stroll grand avenues, courtyards, and historic neighbourhoods to see palaces, historic gates, and broad public squares that tell the story of China over centuries.
Wander the riverside promenade, admire colonial-era facades, and look across the water to futuristic towers that light up the city after dark.
Discover leafy streets, bustling parks, and lively teahouses, using the city as a base for visiting nearby mountains and countryside.
Walk through striking business quarters, contemporary parks, and creative neighbourhoods that showcase the Pearl River Delta's rapid growth.
See dramatic riverside skylines, steep hills, and elevated bridges that make this mountain city feel distinctive and energetic.
Enjoy lakeside paths, gardens, and pavilions, where calm water views are framed by low hills and seasonal flowers.
Walk seaside promenades, quiet streets, and leafy islands, taking in sea views and coastal architecture.
High-speed rail and frequent domestic flights link major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Xiamen, while metros and taxis make it easy to move within urban areas.
In China, you will see early-morning park exercises, vibrant neighbourhood streets, and strong regional identities, from the business-focused Pearl River Delta to the more laid-back pace of Chengdu.
Relax in city parks and lakeside promenades in places like Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Xiamen, or escape to nearby mountains, rivers, and hot spring areas for fresh air and open views.
China's regional cuisines range from noodle and dumpling dishes in Beijing to bold flavours in Sichuan, delicate seafood in coastal cities like Xiamen, and Cantonese classics in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
In big cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, you will find everything from simple local eateries and street-side snacks to contemporary cafes and international restaurants.
Enjoy skyline views from high-rise restaurants in Shanghai or Shenzhen, lakeside venues in Hangzhou, or atmospheric historic quarters in cities like Chengdu and Xiamen.
Major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen offer large malls with international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining all under one roof.
Look for local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs in traditional-style markets and specialist streets in cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xiamen.
After dark, shopping streets and mall districts in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen glow with neon signage, extended opening hours, and lively plazas.
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather to many eastern cities, with average temperatures ranging from about 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F), making it pleasant for sightseeing without peak-season crowds. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot, especially in cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, where temperatures can reach 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), and this is when many domestic travellers also take holidays. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) offers comfortable conditions again, with typical temperatures around 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F), clearer skies in many regions, and a calmer feel than the peak months. Winter low season (late November to February) can be cold in northern cities such as Beijing and Chengdu, with temperatures from about -5°C to 8°C (23°F to 46°F), while southern coastal cities are cooler but more moderate.