China offers a remarkable mix of ancient cities, fast-changing skylines, dramatic landscapes, and rich traditions, where centuries of history and modern innovation sit side by side.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
From the capitals of Beijing and Shanghai to vibrant hubs like Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, you will find imperial landmarks, river valleys, high-tech districts, and peaceful lakes.
Plan your trip
China is ideal for multi-city journeys, with efficient domestic flights and high-speed rail linking major regions, and it also serves as a gateway to wider North Asia when you connect beyond your arrival city.
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing’s imperial heart
Explore Beijing’s grand palaces, historic courtyards, and vast public squares, and feel the scale of the country’s imperial past.
Soak in Shanghai’s skyline
Stroll along the Bund for river views of Shanghai’s futuristic towers, then dive into tree-lined streets and art districts on the Puxi side.
Cruise Hangzhou’s West Lake
Drift past willow trees and pagodas on West Lake in Hangzhou, framed by tea fields and gentle hills on the horizon.
Discover Guangzhou’s riverfront
Walk or cruise along the Pearl River in Guangzhou for illuminated bridges, riverside parks, and striking urban architecture.
Explore Chengdu and its pandas
Visit Chengdu’s panda conservation centres, then slow down in teahouses and leafy neighbourhoods that reflect the city’s laid-back rhythm.
Uncover old and new Shenzhen
Experience Shenzhen’s design districts, theme parks, and coastal promenades, then seek out older villages tucked between sleek towers.
Climb Chongqing’s hills
Navigate Chongqing’s steep streets, river crossings, and viewpoints to see this mountain city’s dense skyline from above and below.
Feel the coastal breeze in Xiamen
Wander Xiamen’s waterfront, leafy university quarter, and nearby island streets lined with historic villas and sea views.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail and frequent domestic flights connect major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, while metros and ride-hailing apps make getting around urban areas straightforward.
Local life & culture
City parks fill with tai chi at dawn, neighbourhood squares come alive with music in the evenings, and older alleys, riverside promenades, and lakeside paths give you a glimpse into everyday routines and regional traditions.
Where to unwind
Relax in classical gardens, lakeside walks in Hangzhou, leafy streets in Chengdu, waterfront paths in Xiamen, or gentle hills around Chongqing and Guangzhou for a calmer side to China’s big cities.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Try regional signatures such as roasted meats in Beijing, noodle and hotpot specialities in Chengdu and Chongqing, refined river fish dishes in Hangzhou, and Cantonese favourites in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find everything from street-side snacks and food courts to contemporary cafés and bistros in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, where regional dishes sit alongside international flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy river-view dinners in Shanghai and Guangzhou, lakeside restaurants in Hangzhou, sky-high venues in Beijing and Shenzhen, or garden courtyards in Chengdu and Xiamen for memorable evenings.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen feature expansive malls and lifestyle complexes that blend international brands with local designers, cinemas, and dining.
Markets & local crafts
Browse for silk, tea, ceramics, calligraphy, and handicrafts in markets and specialist streets in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xiamen, where stalls and small boutiques sit side by side.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen glow with neon signs, late-opening malls, and lively side streets where cafés and shops stay open into the night.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather across many regions, with average temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F), making it comfortable for city walks and sightseeing. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot, especially in cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chongqing, where temperatures often range between 24–32°C (75–90°F), with higher humidity and occasional rainstorms. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) is generally clear and cool in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, with temperatures around 12–24°C (54–75°F), offering pleasant conditions before colder low season winters set in further north.