China offers ancient history, modern skylines, and vast landscapes, from imperial palaces and old towns to fast-paced megacities and tranquil countryside.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You can explore historic capitals such as Beijing and Hangzhou, dynamic coastal hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, and inland centres including Chengdu and Chongqing.
Plan your trip
Use major cities as bases for regional trips, combining culture, nature, and shopping, and treat China as a gateway to wider North and Northeast Asia.
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing's imperial past
Stroll grand avenues, courtyards, and historic neighbourhoods as you uncover palaces, gardens, and city walls that tell the story of China over centuries.
Soak in Shanghai's skyline and riverside charm
Take in futuristic towers across the river from elegant historic facades, and see the city light up from promenades and viewing decks.
Discover the canals and tea culture around Hangzhou
Cruise past stone bridges, lakes, and tea fields, and wander leafy paths between temples, pavilions, and traditional villages.
Explore Chengdu and the southwest heartlands
Spend relaxed days in teahouses, watch local performances, and use the city as a springboard to river valleys and mountain scenery.
Experience Guangzhou's riverside and heritage quarters
Walk leafy streets lined with historical architecture, then head to the riverfront for illuminated bridges and towers after dark.
See Chongqing's dramatic river cityscapes
Ride between hillsides and riverbanks, explore steep streets and viewpoints, and watch the confluence of major rivers from busy piers.
Feel the energy of Shenzhen's creative districts
Browse design spaces, galleries, and waterfront parks in a city known for rapid innovation and a young, international crowd.
Unwind along Xiamen's island shorelines
Wander coastal promenades, leafy university streets, and nearby islands with colonial-era architecture and sea views.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail links many major cities in China, while domestic flights connect more distant regions efficiently, and metros and ride-hailing make it easy to move within large urban centres.
Local life & culture
You will see early-morning exercise in parks, evening gatherings along riverfronts, and neighbourhood streets where traditional crafts sit alongside modern art, fashion, and design.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks, lakeside promenades, mountain viewpoints, and riverfront walks, from Chengdu’s teahouse courtyards to coastal paths in Xiamen and island getaways from Shenzhen.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Each region offers distinct flavours, from bold, spicy dishes in Chengdu and Chongqing to delicate, refined cuisine in Hangzhou, Shanghai, and coastal cities like Xiamen and Guangzhou.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find everything from simple noodle shops to contemporary eateries in malls and creative districts across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and beyond, often open late into the night.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy riverside dinners in Guangzhou and Chongqing, skyline views in Shanghai and Shenzhen, and tranquil lakeside or garden settings in places such as Hangzhou and Chengdu.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature large shopping centres that combine international brands, Chinese designers, cinemas, and dining, often linked directly to metro stations.
Markets & local crafts
Browse markets and smaller streets for handicrafts, textiles, paper art, and calligraphy, especially in cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and riverside areas in Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou glow with neon signs, late-opening shops, and casual snack stalls.
Best time to visit China
Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather to many regions, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F), making it comfortable for city walks and outdoor sightseeing. Summer (June to August, peak season) is generally warm to hot, with many major cities experiencing 25–35°C (77–95°F), longer daylight hours, and a busier travel atmosphere. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) offers clearer skies and pleasant temperatures of roughly 10–22°C (50–72°F) across much of eastern and southern China, ideal for both urban and nature trips. Winter (December to February, low season) can be cold in northern cities, often from -5 to 5°C (23–41°F), while southern coastal areas stay milder, around 8–16°C (46–61°F).