China offers a blend of ancient history, modern skylines, and diverse landscapes, from imperial cities and river valleys to soaring mountain ranges.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You can explore dynamic hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, as well as historic water towns, karst scenery, and fast-growing tech centres.
Plan your trip
China is well connected by high-speed rail and extensive domestic flights, making it an ideal base to explore East Asia and neighbouring regions on a single journey.
Top experiences in China
Walk the Great Wall near Beijing
Spend a day exploring restored sections of the Great Wall, taking in sweeping views of the hills and fortifications stretching across the horizon.
Discover Shanghai’s waterfront skyline
Stroll along the Bund to admire historic riverside buildings, then cross to Pudong for observation decks overlooking one of Asia’s most recognisable skylines.
Explore classical gardens in Hangzhou and beyond
Visit lakeside and classical gardens, where pavilions, bridges, and ornate landscaping create calm pockets of nature within busy cities.
Cruise the Pearl River in Guangzhou
Take an evening cruise to see the illuminated riverfront, bridges, and towers that define Guangzhou’s modern cityscape.
Experience tech and design in Shenzhen
Discover creative districts, urban parks, and design-focused neighbourhoods that showcase Shenzhen’s reputation as a hub of innovation.
Immerse yourself in Chengdu’s relaxed city life
Spend time in leafy parks, tea houses, and lively streets that capture Chengdu’s easy-going atmosphere and cultural charm.
Wander historic quarters in Xiamen and Chongqing
Explore hilltop viewpoints, riverside promenades, and preserved streets that reveal these cities’ layered maritime and mountain heritage.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, while domestic flights efficiently connect longer routes to Chengdu, Chongqing, and other regional centres.
Local life & culture
City life in China blends traditional neighbourhoods, public parks, and cultural venues with cutting-edge architecture and art spaces, revealing different regional identities from the north to the south.
Where to unwind
You can relax in landscaped city parks, lakeside promenades, mountain viewpoints, and scenic riverfronts found across destinations such as Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Xiamen.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China is known for diverse regional cuisines, from bold flavours in Sichuan and hearty northern dishes in Beijing to delicate Cantonese specialities in Guangzhou and coastal seafood in Xiamen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, you will find casual eateries, contemporary bistros, and food streets offering everything from local comfort food to international favourites.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for restaurants with skyline, river, or lakeside views in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Chongqing, where you can pair city vistas with thoughtfully prepared meals.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are home to large malls and lifestyle complexes, where luxury labels sit beside contemporary local brands and entertainment spaces.
Markets & local crafts
You can explore markets and shopping streets in cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xiamen for handicrafts, textiles, teas, and creative designer goods that reflect local culture.
Evening retail scene
After dark, districts in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chongqing light up with busy shopping streets, late-opening malls, and lively pedestrian zones.
Best time to visit China
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather across much of China, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F) in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm to hot, typically 25–32°C (77–90°F) in many eastern and southern cities, with higher humidity and occasional rain. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) offers comfortable conditions around 12–22°C (54–72°F), clearer skies, and is often considered ideal for sightseeing in cities and countryside. Winter (December to February, low season) can be cold in northern cities like Beijing, often between -5–5°C (23–41°F), while southern cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen stay milder at about 10–18°C (50–64°F).