China offers a blend of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and fast-changing modern cities, where centuries-old traditions sit alongside cutting-edge skylines.
China offers a blend of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and fast-changing modern cities, where centuries-old traditions sit alongside cutting-edge skylines.
From the capital Beijing and stylish Shanghai to vibrant southern hubs like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, you can explore imperial sites, river valleys, mountains, and buzzing shopping districts.
Use key cities in China as gateways to surrounding regions, combining several destinations by high-speed rail or domestic flights to make the most of your journey across the country.
Explore Beijing's grand palaces, historic neighbourhoods, and vast public squares to understand the country’s imperial and modern stories.
Stroll along the Bund for river views of Shanghai’s historic facades facing a futuristic skyline of glass towers.
Take an evening cruise to see illuminated bridges, towers, and waterfronts that highlight the Pearl River Delta’s urban energy.
Spend time in leafy parks and traditional lanes in Chengdu, enjoying teahouses, local performances, and a slower city rhythm.
Wander around West Lake in Hangzhou, with its islands, pavilions, and willow-lined paths framed by hills.
Ride cableways and ferries in Chongqing to appreciate steep hills, river confluences, and densely layered districts.
Walk Xiamen’s waterfront and historic quarters to discover coastal scenery, former trade streets, and island viewpoints.
China’s high-speed rail network links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou efficiently, while domestic flights and extensive metro systems help you cover longer distances and move easily within big urban centres.
In China, mornings often start in parks with tai chi and dancing, while evenings bring families and friends together in lively streets, teahouses, and squares that reflect distinct regional dialects, architecture, and customs.
Retreat to lakeside promenades in Hangzhou, leafy parks in Chengdu and Beijing, or coastal walks in Xiamen, and seek out nearby mountains, river valleys, and scenic viewpoints when you want a break from the city pace.
China is known for regional cuisines such as Beijing’s roast dishes, Sichuan’s bold and tingling flavours in Chengdu and Chongqing, and refined bites from Shanghai and Hangzhou that highlight fresh seasonal produce.
You will find everything from street-side snacks and casual eateries to sleek malls packed with restaurants in cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, showcasing both regional Chinese food and international favourites.
Dine in restaurants with views of Shanghai’s skyline, lakeside venues in Hangzhou, riverfront spots in Guangzhou and Chongqing, or stylish modern spaces in Beijing that pair cityscapes with carefully crafted menus.
Across cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, large malls offer international brands, cinemas, lifestyle stores, and local designers all under one roof, often linked directly to metro stations.
Browse markets in Beijing and Shanghai for handicrafts, souvenirs, and textiles, or head to Chengdu and Hangzhou for traditional arts, tea, and locally made products that reflect regional character.
After dark, shopping streets in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and other cities light up with neon signs, late-opening boutiques, cafés, and bustling pedestrian zones perfect for a relaxed stroll.
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather across much of China, with temperatures typically around 10–22°C (50–72°F), blooming parks, and comfortable conditions for city walks. Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm to hot, with temperatures often between 24–32°C (75–90°F) in many cities, higher humidity in the south, and lively outdoor events. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) offers clear skies, pleasant temperatures of about 12–24°C (54–75°F), and colourful foliage, making it a popular time for sightseeing. Winter (December to February, low season) can be cold in northern cities such as Beijing, often from -5–5°C (23–41°F), while southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen stay milder at around 10–18°C (50–64°F).