China offers a blend of ancient heritage, dramatic landscapes, and fast-evolving modern cities, from imperial capitals to dynamic technology hubs.
China offers a blend of ancient heritage, dramatic landscapes, and fast-evolving modern cities, from imperial capitals to dynamic technology hubs.
From Beijing and Shanghai to Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen, and Chongqing, you will find historic sites, riverfront skylines, and distinct regional cultures.
You can combine major cities with inland regions, using China as a gateway to East Asia, with extensive rail and air links once you arrive.
Walk through grand courtyards, ancient gates, and historic neighbourhoods that tell the story of China’s former dynasties.
Stroll along the Bund and gaze across the Huangpu River at futuristic towers and illuminated waterfront landmarks.
See the city’s modern architecture and bridges from the water as the skyline lights up after dark.
Visit conservation parks on the edge of the city to see giant pandas in leafy enclosures and learn about ongoing research.
Enjoy lakeside paths, traditional pavilions, and islands framed by hills, all close to the city centre.
Ride cable cars or climb hillside stairways to viewpoints over the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
Walk seaside paths, harbours, and leafy streets that connect beaches with historic districts.
High-speed rail links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen, while domestic flights connect further hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen. Within cities, metros, buses, and widely available taxis or ride-hailing services make it easy to travel between districts.
City parks fill each morning with residents practising gentle exercise, dancing, and social games, while older neighbourhoods retain traditional courtyards and streetfront shops. Museums, theatres, and galleries in major cities showcase both classical arts and contemporary creativity.
You can slow down in landscaped city parks, lakeside walks, and riverside promenades, or escape to nearby hills and tea-growing areas around centres like Hangzhou and Chengdu. Coastal cities such as Xiamen offer beaches and breezy walks for an easy change of pace.
Each city offers its own favourites, from hearty northern fare in Beijing to refined dishes in Hangzhou, spicy flavours in Chengdu and Chongqing, and lighter Cantonese cooking in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
In districts across Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, you will find relaxed eateries, contemporary cafés, and food streets where you can sample everything from local staples to international flavours.
Enjoy skyline views from high-rise restaurants in Shanghai and Shenzhen, riverfront venues in Guangzhou and Chongqing, or lakeside settings in Hangzhou for memorable meals with a sense of place.
Large shopping centres in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, often linked to metro stations for easy access.
You can browse for textiles, tea, ceramics, paper art, and contemporary design pieces in markets and boutique streets across Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Xiamen.
Major commercial streets in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen stay lively into the night, with illuminated storefronts, extended opening hours, and nearby cafés to pause between shops.
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild conditions across many cities, with average temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F) and blooming parks, making it a comfortable time for sightseeing. Summer peak season (June to August) can be hot and humid in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Chongqing, with averages of 24–32°C (75–90°F), longer daylight, and school holiday crowds. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) usually offers clearer skies and pleasant temperatures of about 12–24°C (54–75°F), ideal for outdoor walks and city exploration, while winter low season (late November to February) in northern cities such as Beijing can be cold, around -5–8°C (23–46°F), with fewer visitors and a brisk atmosphere.