China offers ancient cities, dramatic landscapes, and fast-changing skylines, where centuries-old traditions sit alongside cutting-edge innovation.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
From Beijing and Shanghai to Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Xiamen, you will find historic quarters, modern business districts, art scenes, and easy access to mountains and rivers.
Plan your trip
Use major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen as gateways to explore surrounding provinces, with high-speed rail and short domestic flights connecting you across China and on to wider Asia.
Top experiences in China
Explore Beijing's imperial landmarks
Walk through grand palace complexes, vast city squares, and well-preserved hutong alleys that reveal the capital's layered past.
Feel Shanghai's skyline and waterfront energy
Stroll along the riverside promenade, then look back at the dramatic contrast between historic European-era facades and futuristic towers.
Discover Hangzhou's West Lake
Cruise past arched bridges, willow-fringed shores, and small islands that have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Unwind by the coast in Xiamen
Enjoy leafy streets, coastal promenades, and a relaxed pace, with quick boat trips to nearby islands and historic neighbourhoods.
Experience Guangzhou's riverfront and towers
Take an evening cruise on the Pearl River to see illuminated bridges and skyscrapers framing the city skyline.
Walk the riverside districts of Chongqing
Admire steep hillsides dotted with houses, multi-level bridges, and lively river confluences that define this mountain city.
Soak up Shenzhen's creative districts
Browse design parks, contemporary art spaces, and repurposed factory areas that showcase the city's modern creative side.
Sample Chengdu's teahouses and city parks
Slow down in leafy gardens and traditional teahouses that capture the unhurried rhythm of Sichuan's capital.
Experience China's way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, while extensive metro networks and taxis make moving around urban centres straightforward; domestic flights are useful for longer cross-country journeys.
Local life & culture
City life ranges from Beijing's historic alleyways and Chengdu's relaxed teahouse culture to Shenzhen's start-up energy and Shanghai's cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, with local festivals, arts, and public squares shaping daily rhythms.
Where to unwind
You can relax in lakeside parks in Hangzhou, riverside promenades in Guangzhou and Chongqing, coastal paths in Xiamen, or leafy city parks and green belts found across Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Shenzhen.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
You will find diverse regional cuisines, from rich, bold flavours in Chengdu and Chongqing to refined dishes in Hangzhou, Cantonese favourites in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and classic northern staples in Beijing.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu offer everything from small neighbourhood eateries to stylish modern bistros, food streets, and contemporary cafés, making it easy to eat well at any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for waterfront restaurants in Shanghai and Guangzhou, lakeview dining in Hangzhou, hilltop city vistas in Chongqing, and sea-facing venues in Xiamen for memorable meals with striking views.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu feature large shopping centres that combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, often connected directly to metro stations.
Markets & local crafts
Explore neighbourhood markets and specialist streets in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu for local crafts, textiles, teas, and souvenirs that reflect each region's character.
Evening retail scene
After dark, major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chongqing light up with late-opening malls, busy shopping streets, and lively pedestrian areas perfect for an evening stroll.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild conditions across many regions, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), making it a comfortable time for city sightseeing and outdoor walks. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot, especially in cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Chengdu, where temperatures often reach 26–32°C (79–90°F), and many families travel during school holidays. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) is generally dry and clear in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Xiamen, with pleasant averages of 14–22°C (57–72°F), while winter low season (late November to February) can be cold in northern cities such as Beijing, but relatively mild in southern hubs including Guangzhou and Shenzhen, ranging roughly from 5–15°C (41–59°F).