China offers ancient cities, dramatic landscapes, and fast-changing skylines, where centuries-old traditions sit alongside futuristic design and technology.
China offers ancient cities, dramatic landscapes, and fast-changing skylines, where centuries-old traditions sit alongside futuristic design and technology.
From Beijing and Shanghai on the eastern seaboard to inland hubs such as Chengdu and Chongqing, you will find imperial palaces, river valleys, and vibrant commercial districts.
China is a gateway to East Asia, with extensive high-speed rail, dense domestic flight networks, and clusters of cities like the Pearl River Delta that make multi-city itineraries easy to plan.
Explore restored sections of the Great Wall outside Beijing, where hilltop watchtowers and sweeping views reveal the scale of this historic defensive line.
Stroll along the Bund in Shanghai and look across the Huangpu River to Pudong's glass-and-steel towers glowing after dark.
Glide across Hangzhou's West Lake by boat to see causeways, pagodas, and tree-lined shores that have inspired poets for centuries.
Balance time in soaring malls with walks through traditional streets and renovated neighbourhoods that showcase Lingnan architecture and design.
Visit a panda research base in Chengdu to observe these iconic animals in leafy enclosures and learn about conservation efforts.
Head to viewing decks where the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers meet and see Chongqing's steep hillsides covered in high-rise towers.
Walk seaside promenades in Xiamen and take short boat rides to nearby islands with leafy paths and colonial-era buildings.
High-speed trains link major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, while dense domestic flight networks connect to Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, and other hubs; metro systems and ride-hailing apps then make it easy to move within each city.
Morning tai chi in city parks, bustling neighbourhood squares, and evening strolls along riverfronts show a daily rhythm that blends community life with rapid urban change across China’s regions.
You can find calm in landscaped city parks, bamboo forests around Chengdu, lakeside walks in Hangzhou, and seafront promenades in Guangdong’s coastal cities.
Try dishes such as Peking duck in Beijing, fiery Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu and Chongqing, and delicate seafood in coastal cities like Xiamen and Shanghai.
From noodle shops and teahouses to contemporary cafés, you will find varied flavours in neighbourhood clusters across Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and other large cities.
Book riverfront tables in Shanghai or Guangzhou, enjoy skyline views from high-rise restaurants in Beijing and Shenzhen, or dine near lakes and gardens in Hangzhou for a slower-paced experience.
Flagship malls in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and lifestyle stores under one roof.
Browse markets and specialist streets for silk, calligraphy, ceramics, and handicrafts in cities such as Beijing, Hangzhou, and Chengdu.
After dark, neon-lit shopping streets and late-opening malls in major cities stay busy with shoppers, while selected areas host evening markets with snacks and souvenirs.
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather to many parts of China, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) in eastern cities, making it pleasant for city walks and sightseeing. Summer (June to August, peak season) is generally warm to hot, with many cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen experiencing 26–32°C (79–90°F), higher humidity, and occasional showers. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) often offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures of about 15–24°C (59–75°F) in cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, ideal for outdoor excursions and longer itineraries. Winter (December to February, low season) can be cold in northern cities such as Beijing and parts of inland China, where temperatures can drop below 0°C (32°F), while southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen remain milder, typically 10–18°C (50–64°F).