China offers a blend of ancient heritage, fast-changing cities, and dramatic landscapes, from imperial palaces and classical gardens to cutting-edge skyscrapers and river valleys.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
You can wander Beijing's historic lanes, experience Shanghai's waterfront skyline, explore the southern trading cities around the Pearl River Delta, or travel inland to Chengdu and Chongqing for a slower, more laid-back pace.
Plan your trip
With multiple gateways including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hangzhou, China is easy to explore as a stand-alone trip or as a starting point for wider journeys across East Asia.
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing's imperial heart
Explore Beijing's grand avenues, historic hutong alleys, and iconic imperial landmarks for a vivid sense of the country's past and present.
Stroll the Bund in Shanghai
Take an evening walk along the Bund to see historic riverfront buildings lit up opposite the futuristic towers of Pudong's skyline.
Cruise the Pearl River in Guangzhou or Shenzhen
Enjoy a gentle river cruise to see bridges, towers, and waterfront districts illuminated after dark along the Pearl River Delta.
Unwind in Chengdu's teahouses
Slow your pace in Chengdu's leafy streets and traditional teahouses, often set beside parks and historic courtyards.
Discover West Lake in Hangzhou
Walk or cycle around Hangzhou's West Lake, dotted with temples, causeways, and gardens framed by low, misty hills.
Soak in Chongqing's river views
Head to elevated viewpoints in Chongqing to see the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers and the dense cityscape around them.
Explore coastal life in Xiamen
Wander Xiamen's tree-lined streets and seafront promenades, with easy access to islands, beaches, and historic architecture.
Experience China's way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail links China's major cities, with Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Xiamen all connected by frequent services, while domestic flights complement longer journeys and local metros and buses are widely available.
Local life & culture
City parks fill with morning exercise, music, and games, while older neighbourhoods retain traditional architecture and local community life alongside thriving contemporary art, design, and café scenes.
Where to unwind
You can find quiet corners in city parks, lakeside promenades, riverfront walks, and nearby hills, from the gardens of Hangzhou and Xiamen's coastline to green spaces scattered across Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China's regional cuisines range from rich, hearty dishes in Beijing and Chongqing to refined, lighter flavours in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and coastal Xiamen, each city offering local favourites with distinct techniques and ingredients.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Lively casual dining is easy to find in the shopping streets and business districts of Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, where you can mix regional Chinese specialities with international cafés, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for river-view dining in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chongqing, skyline-facing venues in Shanghai and Beijing, or serene lakeside restaurants around Hangzhou's West Lake.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature extensive malls and lifestyle complexes where you can browse international brands, designer labels, and local fashion under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Look for smaller streets and markets in cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Xiamen to discover local crafts, souvenirs, and design studios that reflect each region's character.
Evening retail scene
After dark, major districts in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chengdu glow with illuminated shopfronts, late-opening malls, and lively pedestrian streets ideal for a stroll and window-shopping.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather to many cities, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) in places such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, making it comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor walks. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot, with Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chongqing often ranging from 26–32°C (79–90°F) or higher, and many travellers visiting during school holidays. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) is often considered one of the most pleasant times in cities like Beijing, Xiamen, and Chengdu, with clearer skies and averages of about 15–24°C (59–75°F). Winter low season (late November to February) is cold in northern cities such as Beijing, and cooler but milder in southern gateways including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Chengdu, with temperatures typically between 5–15°C (41–59°F), and fewer crowds at many attractions.