Flights from Darwin (DRW) to China

Discover China

Discover China

Why visit China?

China offers vast landscapes, ancient cities, and fast-changing skylines, where centuries of history sit beside modern design and innovation.

What to expect

From Beijing and Shanghai to Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Hangzhou, you can move between imperial heritage, dynamic business hubs, and misty mountain scenery.

Plan your trip

You can use China as a base to explore East Asia, linking major coastal cities with inland cultural centres on an easy network of domestic flights and high-speed rail.

Top experiences in China

Walk Beijing's historic landmarks

Spend a day exploring Beijing's grand avenues, vast squares, and well-preserved traditional neighbourhoods framed by historic halls and gates.

Soak in Shanghai's skyline views

Stroll along Shanghai's riverside promenade at dusk to watch the skyline light up with a mix of heritage façades and striking contemporary towers.

Cruise the rivers around Chongqing

Join a river cruise near Chongqing to see steep hills, layered bridges, and illuminated towers rising dramatically from the water's edge.

Unwind by Hangzhou's West Lake

Walk or cycle around Hangzhou's famous lake, passing causeways, gardens, and pavilions reflected in calm water backed by low hills.

Discover Chengdu's relaxed city rhythm

Spend an afternoon in Chengdu's traditional streets and tea gardens, where locals gather to chat, play games, and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Explore Guangzhou's riverfront districts

Head to Guangzhou's riverfront in the evening to see sleek towers, bridges, and promenades transformed by colourful lights and reflections.

Experience Shenzhen's creative neighbourhoods

Visit Shenzhen's design and tech districts to browse galleries, studios, and modern public spaces that showcase the city's innovative character.

Wander the coastal streets of Xiamen

Enjoy Xiamen's seaside promenades and leafy streets, where historic architecture and modern cafés create a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Experience China’s way of life

Getting around

High-speed trains and frequent domestic flights link major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, while metros and ride-hailing services make it easy to move around within each city.

Local life & culture

In big cities you will see a blend of traditional neighbourhoods, contemporary art spaces, and busy public squares, with early-morning exercise groups, evening dances, and community gatherings in parks and plazas.

Where to unwind

You can slow down in landscaped lakeside parks in Hangzhou, riverfront promenades in Shanghai and Guangzhou, coastal paths in Xiamen, or leafy urban green spaces in Chengdu and Shenzhen.

A taste of China

National dishes & specialties

Each region has its own classics, from bold flavours in Sichuan cities like Chengdu and Chongqing to delicate dishes around Hangzhou and coastal specialities in Xiamen and Shenzhen.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, you will find everything from simple neighbourhood eateries to stylish bistros and cafés, offering regional Chinese flavours alongside global cuisines.

Signature & scenic dining

You can dine with river views in Shanghai and Guangzhou, enjoy lakefront restaurants in Hangzhou, or choose sky-high venues in Beijing and Shenzhen for dramatic city panoramas.

Retail therapy in China

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature large malls and lifestyle complexes with international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining all under one roof.

Markets & local crafts

In cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, you can browse for handicrafts, textiles, tea, and design pieces in markets, old streets, and creative districts.

Evening retail scene

After dark, shopping districts in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Xiamen come alive with illuminated storefronts, lively streets, and extended opening hours.

Best time to visit China

Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather of around 10–22°C (50–72°F) across many regions, with blooming parks and comfortable city sightseeing. Summer (June to August, peak season) can be hot and humid at 25–32°C (77–90°F), especially in cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chongqing, with occasional rain and storms. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) is often clear and dry, with pleasant temperatures of 12–24°C (54–75°F) in cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Xiamen. Winter (December to February, low season) can be cold in northern areas including Beijing, often between -5 and 5°C (23–41°F), while southern cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen stay milder at around 10–18°C (50–64°F).

Frequently Asked Questions