China blends ancient dynasties and cutting-edge skylines, from imperial palaces and classical gardens to neon-lit financial districts and fast-growing creative hubs.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You can experience historic capitals such as Beijing and Hangzhou, dynamic coastal centres like Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and gateway cities to dramatic landscapes including Chengdu and Chongqing.
Plan your trip
Use China as a base to explore its vast regions by high-speed rail and domestic flights, or connect easily through major hubs to reach neighbouring countries across East and South-east Asia.
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing’s imperial heart
Explore Beijing’s grand palaces, atmospheric hutong alleys and landmark squares to trace centuries of imperial and modern history.
Soak up Shanghai’s waterfront skyline
Stroll the Bund, cruise the Huangpu River, and admire the contrast between colonial-era facades and futuristic towers in Pudong.
Discover Chengdu’s giant panda centres
Visit Chengdu’s renowned panda research bases to see these famous animals in leafy, carefully designed enclosures.
Cruise past Chongqing’s dramatic gorges
Use Chongqing as a starting point for a river cruise through steep cliffs, misty hillsides and historic riverside towns.
Unwind in Hangzhou’s lakeside scenery
Circle Hangzhou’s West Lake by foot, bicycle or boat, passing classical bridges, causeways and temple-topped hills.
Explore tech-forward Shenzhen
Experience Shenzhen’s contemporary art spaces, innovative districts and waterfront promenades that showcase China’s fast-evolving urban culture.
Taste Xiamen’s coastal charm
Wander Xiamen’s leafy streets and historic island quarters, combining sea views with preserved architecture and relaxed café culture.
Experience Guangzhou’s riverfront lights
Walk or cruise along Guangzhou’s Pearl River to see illuminated bridges, modern towers and lively riverside districts after dark.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China’s high-speed rail network links major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hangzhou efficiently, while domestic flights connect longer distances and more remote regions, supported by extensive metro systems within large urban centres.
Local life & culture
In China you will see early-morning park exercises, family gatherings in neighbourhood squares, and a blend of traditional arts with contemporary design, with each city offering its own pace and architectural character.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks and lakeside promenades in Hangzhou, Chengdu and Xiamen, enjoy riverfront walks in Guangzhou and Chongqing, or head into nearby hills and scenic reserves for fresh air and gentler surroundings.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Signature dishes range from Beijing’s famous roast dishes and Chengdu’s bold, pepper-laced cuisine to Hangzhou’s delicate river and lake-inspired classics and Guangzhou’s rich Cantonese culinary heritage.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou you can find convenient casual eateries, contemporary restaurants and food streets that showcase regional flavours from all over the country side by side.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy skyline views from elevated restaurants in Shanghai and Shenzhen, riverside dining in Guangzhou and Chongqing, or lakeside venues in Hangzhou that pair local recipes with distinctive city backdrops.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou feature expansive malls and lifestyle precincts where international labels sit alongside local designers, cinemas, and entertainment venues.
Markets & local crafts
Browse neighbourhood markets and specialist streets in cities like Beijing, Chengdu and Hangzhou for handicrafts, tea, textiles and design pieces that reflect local traditions and modern creativity.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping districts in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou glow with illuminated storefronts, late-opening malls, and lively pedestrian streets that invite unhurried browsing.
Best time to visit China
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather to many regions, with typical temperatures from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F), making it comfortable for city walks and sightseeing. Summer (June to August, peak season) can be hot and humid in cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, often ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), with warmer conditions in inland basins. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) is generally clear and pleasantly cool in much of eastern and central China, with temperatures around 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F), while winter (December to February, low season) can be cold in northern areas like Beijing and cooler but milder in southern cities.