Flights from Chengdu (TFU) to Dubai (DXB)

About Dubai

Dubai, where desert horizons meet a modern skyline

Dubai is a city of bold contrasts, where futuristic towers rise from golden desert and traditional neighbourhoods line the waters of the creek. You will find world-famous landmarks, expansive shopping malls, and quiet beachfronts all within easy reach of each other. The city is designed for visitors, with clear signage, efficient transport, and many air-conditioned spaces to help you explore comfortably year-round.

Beyond its dramatic skyline, Dubai offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle built around waterfront promenades, marinas, and public beaches. In the older districts, restored houses, wind towers, and narrow lanes give a glimpse of how the city once looked, while museums and cultural centres share its trading heritage. Whether you are visiting for a stopover or a longer stay, Dubai is straightforward to navigate and offers something to suit every pace.

Top sights in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Ride high-speed lifts to observation decks for wide views of the city skyline, coastline, and desert beyond.

Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain

Explore hundreds of shops, indoor attractions, and stay to watch the choreographed fountain shows after sunset.

Dubai Marina

Stroll the waterfront promenade, dine at outdoor terraces, or take a dhow cruise between the high-rise towers.

Al Fahidi Historic District

Wander shaded lanes between restored buildings, visit small museums, and pause in quiet courtyards and cafés.

Desert experiences

Join an organised excursion into the dunes for views of sunset skies, starry nights, and wide desert landscapes.

Experience Dubai on land, sea, and sand

You can get to know Dubai by splitting your time between the coast, the old town, and the desert. Morning is ideal for heading out onto the water, whether on a relaxed boat ride from Dubai Marina or a traditional wooden vessel along Dubai Creek. The cooler hours are also a good opportunity to walk the beachfront promenades, rent a bicycle, or simply sit by the sea.

During the day, many visitors move indoors to explore the citys large malls and indoor attractions, from observation decks to family entertainment centres and exhibition spaces. In the late afternoon, organised tours whisk you into the nearby desert, where you can experience the stillness of the dunes, learn about the landscape from your guide, and enjoy views of the sky as the light changes.

In the evenings, the citys neighbourhoods come alive with illuminated skylines, waterfront walks, and open-air dining. You can watch the Dubai Fountain performances, join a dinner cruise, or take a gentle walk through areas such as City Walk or around the base of the Burj Khalifa, where there is a calm, festive atmosphere.

A taste of Dubai

Dubai offers a wide dining scene that reflects its international community as well as local Gulf flavours. You can start your day with simple bakery items and strong coffee, or linger over a leisurely brunch at one of the citys many hotels and cafés. Casual eateries, food courts, and neighbourhood restaurants make it easy to find something to suit your taste and schedule.

Traditional dishes often feature fragrant rice, grilled meats, and slow-cooked stews, accompanied by fresh salads and flatbreads. You will also find an extensive choice of Middle Eastern specialities and sweets, especially around historic quarters and traditional markets. Many venues feature outdoor seating in the cooler months, allowing you to enjoy the evening air.

For a special occasion, Dubai is known for its skyline-view dining, rooftop terraces, and marina-side restaurants where you can watch boats glide past as you eat. Reservations are recommended at popular spots, especially on weekends and during major events, but you will also discover plenty of relaxed cafés where you can drop in without planning ahead.

Retail therapy in a city of malls and markets

Dubai is one of the regions most popular destinations for shopping, with modern malls and traditional markets standing side by side. Large malls combine international brands with entertainment, indoor promenades, and seasonal events, so you can comfortably spend several hours browsing in a climate-controlled environment. They are well connected by public transport and taxis, making them easy to reach from most parts of the city.

If you prefer a more traditional atmosphere, head to the souks around Dubai Creek, where narrow lanes are lined with shops selling textiles, gold, perfumes, and everyday goods. This area is especially atmospheric in the evening, when the temperature eases and the wind towers and wooden boats are softly lit. It is a good place to pick up gifts and small keepsakes.

In newer waterfront districts you will find boutique stores, design shops, and markets that often focus on local designers and regional products. These areas combine shopping with outdoor cafés and public art, so you can take regular breaks while you explore. Many malls also offer tax refund counters for eligible purchases, so keep your receipts organised.

Best time to visit Dubai

Winter season (November to March, peak season). Average temperatures range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), with warm days and cooler evenings. This is the most popular period for beach days, outdoor dining, and open-air events, with many visitors enjoying time on promenades and in desert landscapes.

Shoulder season (April to early May, and late October, shoulder season). Temperatures climb to around 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), and daylight hours are long. The sea is pleasantly warm for swimming, and you can balance mornings and evenings outdoors with afternoons in air-conditioned malls, galleries, or indoor attractions.

Summer season (May to September, low season). Daytime temperatures can exceed 38°C (100°F), especially in July and August, with warm nights. Many activities shift indoors, making this an ideal time to explore shopping malls, indoor viewpoints, and entertainment centres, while scheduling any outdoor sightseeing for the early morning or late evening.

Frequently Asked Questions