China offers vast landscapes, ancient heritage sites, and dynamic, ever-evolving cities, where historic hutongs and imperial palaces stand alongside cutting-edge architecture and creative neighbourhoods.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
From the imperial landmarks of Beijing and the waterfront skyline of Shanghai to the lush hills around Hangzhou and the buzzing Pearl River Delta cities, you will find diverse cultures, dialects, and traditions across each region.
Plan your trip
China is a gateway to East Asia with extensive high-speed rail, domestic flights, and modern infrastructure, making it easy to combine business in major hubs with scenic escapes in nearby cities and countryside.
Top experiences in China
Walk Beijing's imperial axis
Explore Beijing's historic heart from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City to nearby hutongs, where traditional courtyards and narrow alleys reveal the city's layered past.
Soak in Shanghai's skyline
Stroll along the Bund, then cross to Pudong for sweeping views from soaring towers and riverside promenades that capture Shanghai's blend of heritage and modern design.
Cruise the Pearl River Delta
Use Guangzhou or Shenzhen as your base to explore riverfront skylines, leafy neighbourhoods, and buzzing districts filled with galleries, cafés, and green urban spaces.
Unwind by West Lake in Hangzhou
Walk or cycle around Hangzhou's West Lake, framed by temples, gardens, and tea fields, creating a calm retreat close to the city centre.
Discover Chengdu's relaxed rhythm
Feel Chengdu's slower pace in its parks and teahouses, and use the city as a starting point for exploring nearby mountains and panda conservation centres.
Explore mountain cityscapes in Chongqing
Wander Chongqing's dramatic hillside districts, where elevated rail lines, river bridges, and steep streets create striking views at every turn.
Coastal charm in Xiamen
Enjoy Xiamen's seaside promenades, leafy streets, and nearby islands that offer a softer, maritime side of urban China.
Tech-forward Shenzhen
Experience Shenzhen's creative districts, parks, and modern waterfronts, where design museums and studios sit alongside innovative shopping and cultural venues.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, while extensive domestic flight networks connect hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Xiamen to smaller regional centres. Urban metros and ride-hailing apps make city travel straightforward.
Local life & culture
Morning tai chi in parks, evenings spent in teahouses or lively squares, and festivals marked by lanterns and performances reveal a daily rhythm that balances tradition and modern city life in different ways across each region.
Where to unwind
You can retreat to lakeside paths in Hangzhou, riverside promenades in Shanghai and Guangzhou, coastal parks in Xiamen, or green hills near Chengdu and Chongqing, where walking trails, gardens, and viewpoints offer a break from urban energy.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Each region has its own signatures, from bold, spicy dishes in Chengdu and Chongqing to refined, lighter flavours around Shanghai and Hangzhou, and Cantonese traditions in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu you will find everything from simple eateries and street-side bites to contemporary cafés, stylish bistros, and food streets that showcase regional diversity.
Signature & scenic dining
Dine with skyline views in Shanghai, river panoramas in Chongqing and Guangzhou, or lakeside and hillside settings around Hangzhou and Xiamen for memorable meals that pair local flavours with striking scenery.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature expansive malls and lifestyle complexes where international labels sit alongside Chinese designer brands, cinemas, and dining clusters.
Markets & local crafts
Look for creative markets and craft districts in Shanghai and Shenzhen, traditional streets in Beijing, and local handicrafts around Hangzhou and Chengdu that showcase regional styles and materials.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and night-time retail areas in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chongqing stay lively, with extended opening hours and vibrant street life.
Best time to visit China
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather to many regions, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) in cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, making it comfortable for exploring without peak-season crowds. Summer (June to August, peak season) is generally hot and humid, especially in southern and central cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Chengdu, where average temperatures often reach 26–32°C (79–90°F). Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) is one of the most pleasant times across much of eastern and central China, with clear days and temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F) in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xiamen. Winter (December to February, low season) is cold and often dry in northern cities such as Beijing, where temperatures can drop to around -5–5°C (23–41°F), while southern hubs like Guangzhou and Shenzhen stay milder at roughly 10–18°C (50–64°F).