China offers ancient cities, modern skylines, and dramatic landscapes, from imperial palaces to soaring mountains and river valleys. You can explore both centuries of history and fast-changing contemporary life in one trip.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
Expect vibrant mega-cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, cultural hubs such as Chengdu and Hangzhou, and coastal gateways like Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Xiamen. High-speed rail and domestic flights link heritage towns, nature reserves, and economic centres.
Plan your trip
China rewards both first-time and repeat visits, with each region offering distinct culture, architecture, and scenery. Major cities also act as gateways to East Asia, making it easy to combine your China journey with wider regional travel.
Top experiences in China
Walk Beijing’s historic heart
Stroll between Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and traditional hutong lanes to see how imperial monuments sit beside modern boulevards.
Admire Shanghai’s skyline on the Bund
Take in river views of the Bund’s classic facades facing the futuristic towers of Lujiazui, especially striking at night.
Cruise the Pearl River in Guangzhou
Join an evening cruise to see Guangzhou’s illuminated bridges, towers, and riverside districts from the water.
Discover pandas and spice in Chengdu
Visit the city’s famous panda research bases, then explore leafy neighbourhoods and lively tea houses.
Unwind by West Lake in Hangzhou
Wander lakeside promenades, causeways, and gardens around West Lake, framed by temples and low hills.
Explore coastal charm in Xiamen
Walk the seafront, take a short ferry to historic Gulangyu Island, and discover a mix of colonial-era streets and modern cafes.
Experience tech-forward Shenzhen
See cutting-edge architecture, creative districts, and vast electronics hubs that reflect China’s innovation drive.
Follow river and hillside views in Chongqing
Ride cable cars, climb stairways between riverbanks and hilltop districts, and watch the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China’s high-speed rail network links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Hangzhou quickly and comfortably. Domestic flights connect longer routes, while metros, buses, and taxis help you navigate within big cities.
Local life & culture
In parks and public squares you may see residents practising tai chi, dancing, or playing traditional music, especially in the mornings and evenings. Each region has its own dialects, festivals, and architectural styles, giving every city a distinct rhythm and character.
Where to unwind
Escape to lakes, riversides, and mountain parks near major cities, from Hangzhou’s West Lake to scenic viewpoints around Chongqing and Chengdu. Many urban areas also feature classical gardens and landscaped promenades that offer a calm break from busy streets.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
From Beijing-style roast delicacies and northern noodles to Sichuan’s bold, peppery flavours and Cantonese dim sum, each region is known for its own cooking traditions. Cities like Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shanghai are ideal places to try regional favourites.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can find street-side eateries, busy food courts, and contemporary cafes across cities such as Shenzhen, Xiamen, Hangzhou, and Chengdu. Modern malls often bring many regional cuisines together, making it easy to sample a wide range of flavours in one place.
Signature & scenic dining
Riverside restaurants in Guangzhou, lakefront venues in Hangzhou, and skyline-view dining in Shanghai and Shenzhen add memorable scenery to your meal. Many major hotels and landmark towers also host refined restaurants for special occasions.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu offer international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining, all under one roof. Newer lifestyle complexes often combine outdoor plazas with culture, art, and family-friendly attractions.
Markets & local crafts
In cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Xiamen, markets and specialist streets showcase tea, handicrafts, calligraphy, and textiles. Smaller boutiques and workshops in historic districts are good places to discover regional designs and souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and malls in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chongqing stay lively with illuminated facades and extended opening hours. Some districts also feature night markets where you can browse late into the evening.
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 sightseeing and outdoor walks. Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm to hot, typically 25–32°C (77–90°F) in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, with higher humidity in southern areas. Autumn (September to November, shoulder season) usually ranges between 10–22°C (50–72°F), offering clear skies and pleasant conditions; winter (December to February, low season) can be cold in the north, often below 0–8°C (32–46°F), while southern cities are milder but still cool.