China offers ancient cities, vast landscapes, and some of the world's most dynamic megacities, where centuries of heritage sit alongside bold modern skylines.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
From Beijing's imperial landmarks and Shanghai's waterfront towers to the river valleys of Sichuan and coastal hubs like Xiamen and Shenzhen, each region reveals a distinct side of the country.
Plan your trip
You can combine historic capitals, business centres, and scenic inland provinces in one journey, using China as a gateway to explore wider East Asia with strong air and rail links.
Top experiences in China
Walk along the Great Wall near Beijing
Explore restored sections of the Great Wall that stretch across ridgelines outside Beijing, offering sweeping views and a powerful sense of history.
Stroll the Bund in Shanghai
Walk the Bund promenade to see historic waterfront buildings facing the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River.
Cruise the rivers of Sichuan and Chongqing
Join a cruise from Chongqing to travel through dramatic gorges and steep cliffs along some of China's most scenic waterways.
Discover West Lake in Hangzhou
Unwind by Hangzhou's West Lake, where pagodas, willow-lined paths, and calm water create one of the country's most loved urban retreats.
Explore old streets in Guangzhou and Shenzhen
Step away from the skyscrapers to wander traditional streets and revitalised districts that showcase Lingnan architecture and local design.
Visit historic quarters in Xiamen
Take a short ferry to nearby islands and older neighbourhoods from Xiamen to see colonial-era buildings, narrow lanes, and coastal views.
Experience Chengdu's relaxed city pace
Spend time in Chengdu's parks and lively neighbourhoods, where teahouses, quiet streets, and cultural venues reflect the city's laid-back character.
Experience China's way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail connects major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, while extensive domestic flight networks link inland hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen. In cities, metro systems, taxis, and ride-hailing apps make it easy to move between districts.
Local life & culture
Daily life in China flows from early-morning activity in parks to vibrant evenings in shopping streets and cultural quarters, with a strong emphasis on family and community. Each region has its own dialects, festivals, and artistic traditions, from classical gardens to bold contemporary design.
Where to unwind
Urban parks, riverside promenades, and landscaped lakes such as West Lake in Hangzhou or central parks in Chengdu and Guangzhou offer calm spaces within the cities. Further afield, mountain areas and scenic river regions provide hiking, fresh air, and slower-paced stays.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
You can sample regional styles such as Beijing roast duck, refined Jiangnan cuisine around Shanghai and Hangzhou, bold and spicy dishes in Chengdu and Chongqing, and Cantonese classics in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across China's cities you will find everything from street-side eateries and casual canteens to contemporary cafés and bistros, often clustered around business districts and creative neighbourhoods. Food streets in places like Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xiamen showcase regional variety in one walkable area.
Signature & scenic dining
In Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, you can dine in restaurants with skyline views, riverside terraces, or historic courtyard settings, often blending local flavours with modern techniques. Coastal cities such as Xiamen and Shenzhen are known for seafood-focused venues overlooking the water.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen feature large shopping centres that bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. Newer lifestyle complexes often mix open-air promenades with indoor malls for a full-day outing.
Markets & local crafts
You can browse for crafts, textiles, and design pieces in specialist markets and creative districts in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Smaller markets in Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Chongqing often focus on local handicrafts and design-led souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, shopping streets and commercial districts in cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou stay lively with illuminated storefronts, late-opening malls, and bustling side streets. Some neighbourhoods also host night-time market areas dedicated to fashion and lifestyle goods.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild temperatures across much of eastern China, typically around 15–22°C (59–72°F), with blossoming parks and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) offers clear days and similar averages of about 15–22°C (59–72°F), often considered ideal for city visits and outdoor trips. Summer peak season (June to August) can be hot and humid in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, with average temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F), while some inland and southern areas may feel warmer. Winter low season (December to February) is cold in the north, including Beijing, with averages often between -5–5°C (23–41°F), while southern coastal cities such as Guangzhou and Xiamen remain milder at around 10–18°C (50–64°F).