China offers ancient history, dynamic megacities, and dramatic landscapes, from imperial palaces and classical gardens to futuristic skylines and wild mountain scenery.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You can explore modern hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, historic river towns and cultural heartlands, as well as vast regions of mountains, rice terraces, and karst peaks.
Plan your trip
China suits first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike, with efficient domestic flights and high-speed rail linking major cities, and easy onward access to wider East Asia.
Top experiences in China
Walk along the Great Wall near Beijing
Spend a day hiking restored or wilder stretches of the Great Wall, taking in sweeping views of hills and fortifications that trace the horizon.
Explore Shanghai's waterfront and skyline
Stroll the Bund's historic promenade, then cross the river to Pudong for towering observation decks and a glowing skyline after dark.
Cruise the Li River in Guangxi
Glide past karst peaks, quiet villages, and river bends on a Li River cruise between Guilin and Yangshuo for postcard-perfect scenery.
Discover pandas and teahouses in Chengdu
Visit a panda research base in the morning, then linger in traditional teahouses and lively neighbourhoods in the afternoon and evening.
Step into Xi'an's walled city and Terracotta Army
Cycle atop Xi'an's ancient city walls, and take a day trip to see the life-sized Terracotta Army guarding the tomb of the first emperor.
Wander classical gardens in Hangzhou and Suzhou
Lose yourself in intricate pavilions, ponds, and stonework in Jiangnan's famed classical gardens and lakeside parks.
Sample cutting-edge tech districts in Shenzhen
Experience innovative design museums, creative parks, and shimmering malls in one of China's most forward-looking cities.
Admire riverfront skylines in Guangzhou and Chongqing
Take an evening cruise to see illuminated bridges, hillsides, and towers lining the Pearl and Yangtze rivers.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China's high-speed rail network, domestic flights, and extensive metro systems in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen make it straightforward to travel long distances and navigate urban areas.
Local life & culture
You will encounter early-morning park exercises, evening dances on public squares, traditional neighbourhoods alongside modern districts, and distinct regional identities between northern, southern, coastal, and inland cities.
Where to unwind
Relax beside West Lake in Hangzhou, in bamboo forests and mountain parks around Chengdu and Chongqing, or on scenic riverfront promenades in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Try Beijing roast duck, fiery dishes from Sichuan and Chongqing, refined Jiangnan cuisine in Shanghai and Hangzhou, and Cantonese favourites in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find busy food streets, contemporary cafes, and stylish bistros across major cities, with regional snacks, noodles, and shared plates available from morning to late night.
Signature & scenic dining
Book river-view restaurants in Shanghai or Guangzhou, lakeside meals in Hangzhou, or sky-high venues in Shenzhen and Beijing for memorable cityscapes with your meal.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen offer expansive malls that blend international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining, often linked directly to metro stations.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out silk, tea, paper cuts, and calligraphy in cities such as Beijing, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, where markets and specialist streets showcase regional crafts.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and lively pedestrian zones in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chongqing stay open late with boutiques, snack stalls, and street performers.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild temperatures across much of China, typically around 15–22°C (59–72°F), with blooming parks and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot, especially in central and southern cities, with temperatures often around 26–32°C (79–90°F), drawing visitors to mountain and coastal areas. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) offers clear skies and pleasant temperatures, usually 14–24°C (57–75°F), ideal for city breaks and outdoor trips, while winter low season (late November to February) can be cold in the north, from about -5–8°C (23–46°F), but quieter for travel.