China offers ancient cities, modern skylines, and vast landscapes, from imperial palaces and historic temples to glittering towers and fast-evolving tech hubs.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You can explore cultural capitals such as Beijing and Shanghai, dynamic Pearl River Delta cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and scenic gateways including Hangzhou and Chengdu.
Plan your trip
China rewards both first-time and repeat visits, and also serves as a convenient gateway to wider East Asia, with extensive high-speed rail and domestic flights linking every region.
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing’s imperial heart
Stroll past grand courtyards, ancient gates, and wide ceremonial squares as you explore Beijing’s Forbidden City and its surrounding historic districts.
Soak up Shanghai’s skyline
Take in riverfront views along the Bund, then look back at the futuristic towers of Lujiazui from a rooftop terrace or observation deck.
Cruise the Pearl River in Guangzhou
Join an evening cruise to see Guangzhou’s illuminated riverfront, with bridges and towers glowing against the night sky.
Unwind by West Lake in Hangzhou
Wander tree-lined paths, ornamental bridges, and causeways around West Lake, a scenic retreat framed by hills and historic pavilions.
Experience Chengdu’s relaxed city rhythm
Discover leafy streets, teahouses, and parks in Chengdu, balancing big-city energy with a slower, more laid-back pace of daily life.
Explore Xiamen’s island charm
Walk along Xiamen’s waterfront, then take a short ferry to car-free Gulangyu Island to admire colonial-era architecture and coastal views.
See the modern face of Shenzhen
Browse design districts, creative parks, and soaring commercial centres that showcase Shenzhen’s role as a leading innovation hub.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail connects major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen in comfort and with frequent departures, while domestic flights link more distant hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Xiamen. Within cities, comprehensive metro networks and app-based ride services make it easy to move between districts.
Local life & culture
In China, you will find a blend of traditional neighbourhoods, contemporary art zones, and lively public spaces where people gather in parks, squares, and along riverfronts. Each region has its own character, from the formal boulevards of the capital to relaxed tea culture in the southwest and coastal life in port cities.
Where to unwind
Relax in landscaped urban parks and lakeside promenades, such as those around West Lake in Hangzhou or city parks in Chengdu and Chongqing. Coastal walks in Xiamen and riverfront paths in Guangzhou and Shanghai offer calm corners to pause after a day of exploring.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China is known for diverse regional cuisines, from bold flavours in Sichuan cities like Chengdu and Chongqing to refined dishes in Hangzhou and Cantonese classics in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with each region offering its own signature staples.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can find everything from relaxed eateries to contemporary restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai, with international and local options side by side. Southern cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Xiamen offer convenient malls and food streets where you can sample regional tastes in a casual setting.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy city views from high-rise restaurants in Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen, or choose a lakeside or riverfront setting in Hangzhou and Guangzhou. Across major cities, you will also find elegant venues in historic buildings and stylish districts that turn dinner into a memorable evening out.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
China’s large cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, feature extensive shopping centres that combine international labels, local designers, dining, and entertainment in one place.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out dedicated streets and districts for handicrafts, antiques, and design pieces in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, as well as smaller markets in places like Xiamen and Hangzhou where local products reflect regional style.
Evening retail scene
After dark, brightly lit shopping streets, late-opening malls, and lively commercial zones in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and other major cities create a vibrant atmosphere for an evening stroll and browsing.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild conditions across many regions, with average temperatures often ranging from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F), ideal for sightseeing in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. Summer peak season (June to August) can be hot and humid, especially in southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, where temperatures regularly reach 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) is generally comfortable, with clear days and average temperatures of about 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F) in many popular destinations.