China blends ancient heritage with fast-changing modern cities, from imperial landmarks and classical gardens to shimmering skylines and high-speed rail hubs.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You can explore cultural centres such as Beijing and Shanghai, thriving southern gateways like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and inland cities such as Chengdu and Chongqing known for dramatic landscapes.
Plan your trip
China offers efficient domestic flights, extensive rail links, and varied regions, making it easy to combine major cities and use them as a base to explore wider provinces and neighbouring destinations.
Top experiences in China
Walk through imperial Beijing
Stroll broad avenues to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then wander hutong lanes to see historic courtyards beside modern cafés.
Soak in Shanghai city views
Admire art deco buildings along the Bund, then cross the river to Pudong for soaring towers and sweeping views over the Huangpu River.
Discover canals near Hangzhou
Combine lakeside paths around West Lake with boat rides and canal towns nearby, where stone bridges and waterfront houses create a slower pace.
Experience Chengdu and its pandas
Visit a renowned giant panda base on the city edge, then explore shaded teahouses and lively parks in central Chengdu.
Trace history in Xiamen
Take a ferry to nearby islands for colonial architecture, narrow lanes, and coastal walks overlooking the South China Sea.
See the rivers of Chongqing
Stand at viewpoints where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet, and explore elevated walkways, steep streets, and night-time city lights.
Explore dynamic Pearl River cities
In Guangzhou and Shenzhen, discover riverside promenades, contemporary museums, and design districts that reflect southern China’s creative energy.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China’s high-speed rail network links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, while domestic flights connect hubs like Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Chongqing to more remote regions.
Local life & culture
City life centres on neighbourhood parks, teahouses, and public squares, where you can see morning exercise, evening dancing, and families gathering across every generation.
Where to unwind
Relax in classical gardens, lakeside parks in cities like Hangzhou and Chengdu, or riverside promenades in Guangzhou and Shanghai, where green spaces offer calm away from busy streets.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
From northern dumplings and Beijing roast specialities to Sichuan’s bold, peppery flavours in Chengdu and delicate Cantonese dishes in Guangzhou, each region brings its own signature tastes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, you will find relaxed cafés, food streets, and modern restaurants where local favourites share the menu with international flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for riverfront venues in Shanghai and Guangzhou, skyline views in Shenzhen and Beijing, or courtyard restaurants in older districts that pair atmospheric settings with refined menus.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, often connected directly to metro stations.
Markets & local crafts
Browse for souvenirs, textiles, and handicrafts in traditional markets and speciality streets in cities including Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xiamen.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and lively districts in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen stay open late, with shops, small stalls, and eateries side by side.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather to many cities, with typical temperatures around 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), making it comfortable for sightseeing before summer crowds. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot, especially in cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, where temperatures often range from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) is generally clear and pleasant in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Xiamen, with average temperatures around 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F). Winter low season (late November to February) can be cold in northern cities like Beijing and colder inland areas, where temperatures may fall below 0°C (32°F), while southern coastal cities stay milder around 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F).