Why visit China?
China offers a blend of ancient capitals, fast‑changing megacities, and vast landscapes that feel like different worlds in one trip. You experience living history alongside cutting‑edge design and technology.
What to expect
From Beijing and Shanghai to Guangdong and Sichuan, each region has its own pace and personality. You can move from imperial landmarks to riverfront skylines, misty mountains, and subtropical coastlines within a single journey.
Plan your trip
China works well as a single‑country adventure or as part of a wider Asia itinerary. With strong air, rail, and road links, it is also an ideal gateway if you plan to travel onwards across East and South‑East Asia.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Walk through history in Beijing
Explore grand avenues, palace complexes, and leafy neighbourhoods that showcase China’s imperial and modern stories side by side.
Take in Shanghai’s skyline
Stroll along the riverside and watch the skyline glow after dark, then wander heritage streets filled with galleries and cafés.
Cruise the rivers of Chongqing
Join a river cruise to see steep hillsides, bridges, and dramatic gorges that reveal the inland heart of south‑west China.
Unwind by West Lake in Hangzhou
Walk lakeside paths, islets, and pagoda viewpoints that have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Explore the tech hubs of Shenzhen
Discover design districts, waterfront promenades, and creative parks in one of China’s most forward‑looking cities.
Discover Chengdu’s relaxed rhythm
Slow down in leafy streets, teahouses, and parks, and use the city as a base for exploring Sichuan’s countryside.
Experience coastal life in Xiamen
Enjoy seaside promenades, historic quarters, and nearby islands that mix maritime heritage with resort calm.
Feel the energy of Guangzhou
Wander leafy boulevards, riverfront walkways, and modern districts that reflect the Pearl River Delta’s long trading history.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
High‑speed rail connects major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing with fast, frequent services. Within cities, metros, taxis, and app‑based ride services make it straightforward to move between districts and attractions.
Local life & culture
City neighbourhoods range from restored historic lanes to bold new cultural districts filled with theatres, museums, and galleries. Public squares and parks are busy from morning to evening, with residents socialising, relaxing, or practising hobbies in shared spaces.
Where to unwind
You find calm in landscaped city parks, lakeside promenades, and riverside paths across the country. In the surrounding regions, mountains, tea fields, and scenic river valleys offer fresh air and slower days away from the city streets.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China’s food traditions vary widely between regions, from rich, bold flavours in the west to lighter, subtle cooking in the east and south. Each city you visit reveals local classics and long‑standing culinary techniques.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can eat well at every level, from simple local eateries to contemporary restaurants in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and beyond. City districts often group many options together, making it easy to try different flavours in a single evening.
Signature & scenic dining
Riverside and lakeside districts in cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou offer memorable settings for a special meal. In many urban centres, high‑rise dining rooms and rooftop venues pair city views with carefully presented menus.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining. Many are directly linked to metro stations for easy access.
Markets & local crafts
Historic streets and markets in cities such as Beijing, Hangzhou, and Chongqing showcase handicrafts, textiles, and regional products. Smaller boutiques and studios often focus on design‑led pieces that reinterpret traditional styles.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and commercial districts in major cities stay lively with illuminated storefronts and extended opening hours. You can combine an evening walk, dining, and browsing in the same neighbourhood.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May)
Spring is generally mild across much of China, with temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F) in many cities. Flowers and trees come into bloom, and conditions are comfortable for walking and sightseeing.
Summer peak season (June to August)
Summer can be hot and humid, especially in southern cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with typical temperatures from 25–33°C (77–91°F). Northern cities such as Beijing and inland centres like Chengdu and Chongqing can also feel warm during this period.
Autumn shoulder season (September to November)
Autumn often brings clearer skies and pleasant days, with temperatures around 12–24°C (54–75°F) in many urban areas. It is a popular time for city visits and excursions into surrounding countryside.
Winter low season (December to February)
Winters in northern and inland cities such as Beijing and Chengdu can be cold, often between –5–8°C (23–46°F), while southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen are cooler but milder, around 10–18°C (50–64°F). Urban life continues with crisp days and quieter visitor numbers.