Why visit China?
China offers a rich mix of ancient heritage, fast-changing skylines, and striking landscapes, from imperial palaces to river valleys and bamboo forests. You experience centuries of history alongside modern design, high-speed rail, and thriving creative districts.
What to expect
First-time visitors often start in Beijing or Shanghai, then add cities such as Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Hangzhou for contrast. Each region has its own dialect, architecture, and local traditions, shaped by rivers, mountains, and long-established trade routes.
Plan your trip
You can tailor your journey around culture, city life, or nature, linking several destinations on one itinerary. China also sits at the heart of wider Asian networks, making it an efficient gateway for exploring neighbouring regions on the same trip.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Walk through imperial Beijing
Stroll broad ceremonial avenues, explore palace courtyards, and discover leafy hutong lanes that reveal quieter corners of the capital.
Soak in Shanghai's skyline
Admire the futuristic towers of Pudong from the Bund, then explore art spaces, riverfront promenades, and heritage streets.
Cruise West Lake in Hangzhou
Glide past willow-lined banks, causeways, and pavilions on tranquil West Lake, framed by low hills and gardens.
Explore Chengdu's relaxed neighbourhoods
Spend time in teahouses, leafy streets, and urban parks, and feel the slower pace that defines Chengdu's daily rhythm.
Discover Guangzhou's riverfront
Walk or cruise along the Pearl River to see bridges, towers, and lively districts that light up after dark.
Uncover Shenzhen's creative districts
Visit repurposed industrial zones now filled with galleries, design studios, and cafés that showcase the city's creative energy.
Wander Xiamen's coastal streets
Combine seaside walks, leafy university campuses, and historic quarters that look out over the water.
Take in Chongqing's hillside cityscape
Ride across the river, look up at layered skyscrapers, and experience urban viewpoints perched on steep slopes.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
High-speed trains link many major cities, giving you a fast alternative to domestic flights on shorter routes. Within cities, metro systems, ride-hailing apps, and taxis make it simple to move between sights, riversides, and business districts.
Local life & culture
You see early-morning exercise in parks, evening dances on public squares, and family outings in busy pedestrian streets. Distinct regional cultures appear in local dialects, crafts, festivals, and how people use shared spaces such as teahouses, gardens, and riverfront promenades.
Where to unwind
Urban parks, lakeside paths, and river embankments offer calm pockets in the largest cities. Inland, you can seek out bamboo groves, misty hills, and scenic reserves, or relax in hot springs and countryside retreats just outside major urban centres.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Each region is known for distinctive flavours, from bold, peppery dishes in Chengdu and Chongqing to lighter, subtler plates in Hangzhou and Shanghai. Coastal cities such as Xiamen and Shenzhen add an emphasis on fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You find everything from simple noodle shops and dumpling stalls to contemporary bistros and cafés in city-centre districts. Food streets, shopping areas, and office quarters often cluster many options together, making it easy to try different regional styles during a short stay.
Signature & scenic dining
Riverside restaurants in Guangzhou and Chongqing, lakeside venues in Hangzhou, and city-view lounges in Beijing or Shanghai turn a meal into a scenic experience. Many places pair skyline or waterfront views with refined takes on local classics and thoughtfully designed interiors.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu bring together international labels, lifestyle brands, and cinemas under one roof. Many are connected to metro stations, making them convenient stops between sightseeing or meetings.
Markets & local crafts
Pedestrian streets and markets in cities such as Beijing, Hangzhou, and Chengdu showcase calligraphy, textiles, teaware, and other crafts. Smaller neighbourhood clusters often highlight local design, from ceramics and paper goods to contemporary fashion by homegrown labels.
Evening retail scene
After dark, neon-lit shopping streets in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen remain lively with late-opening stores and snack stalls. In some cities, dedicated night markets set up temporary stalls and casual seating, creating a relaxed atmosphere for browsing and people-watching.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May): Many regions are mild, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), blooming parks, and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Summer peak season (June to August): Temperatures in major cities often range from 25–32°C (77–90°F), with warmer and more humid weather in southern areas and school holiday crowds.
Autumn and winter low season (September to February): Autumn usually offers pleasant 10–20°C (50–68°F) days, while winter in northern cities can fall below 0°C (32°F), with fewer visitors outside major holiday periods.