Why visit China?
China invites you into a world where ancient history, modern skylines, and vast natural landscapes sit side by side. You can trace centuries of heritage, then step into cities that shape today s global culture.
What to expect
From the capital Beijing to dynamic Shanghai and the Pearl River Delta cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, each region offers a different rhythm. Inland hubs such as Chengdu and Chongqing open doors to mountain scenery, pandas, and slower-paced neighbourhoods.
Plan your trip
You can use China as a gateway to explore East Asia, with well-connected airports and high-speed rail. Allow time to pair major cities with nearby historic towns or scenic areas for a more rounded journey.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Walk Beijing s historic heart
Explore Beijing s imperial palaces, broad avenues, and preserved hutong lanes for a window into the country s political and cultural past.
Feel the energy of Shanghai s waterfront
Stroll along the Bund and look across to the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, then wander into historic districts for a softer side of the city.
Discover Guangzhou on the Pearl River
Cruise the river, admire landmark towers, and explore leafy streets and old trading neighbourhoods that hint at the city s maritime history.
Unwind in Chengdu s teahouses
Slow your pace in parks and traditional teahouses, and visit nearby panda bases to see these iconic animals in a carefully protected setting.
Take in the skyline of Shenzhen
Head up observation decks, explore design districts, and enjoy parks along the waterfront in one of China s youngest major cities.
Explore lakes and canals near Hangzhou
Spend time by Hangzhou s famous lake and use the city as a base for day trips to historic canal towns in the surrounding region.
Experience Chongqing s river cityscape
See how the city rises above the confluence of two major rivers, combining steep streets, elevated bridges, and lively districts.
Sample coastal life in Xiamen
Walk seaside promenades, hop to nearby islands, and enjoy leafy streets that tell stories of China s coastal trade links.
Experience China s way of life
Getting around
China s major cities are linked by extensive domestic flights and one of the world s largest high-speed rail networks, making multi-city journeys straightforward. Within cities, metros and app-based transport are usually the most efficient way to get around.
Local life & culture
In Beijing and Shanghai, you feel a blend of tradition and modern ambition in neighbourhood parks, cultural venues, and historic streets. Further south and inland, cities such as Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing reveal strong regional identities through language, festivals, and everyday routines.
Where to unwind
Urban parks, lakeside promenades, and riverside walks provide calm spaces in most large cities, especially in Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Chengdu. Beyond the cities, mountains and scenic areas are easily reached on organised day trips or short overnight escapes.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China is known for diverse culinary traditions, from the bold flavours of Sichuan around Chengdu and Chongqing to refined dishes in Beijing and coastal seafood in Xiamen and Guangzhou. Each region brings its own techniques, ingredients, and trademark dishes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find everything from simple neighbourhood eateries to contemporary restaurants in the big cities, with Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou offering particularly broad choices. Food streets and dedicated dining districts make it easy to sample different regional styles in a single evening.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable settings, try venues overlooking Shanghai s skyline, Guangzhou s riverfront, or Hangzhou s lakeside scenery. Many cities also offer stylish rooftop spaces and heritage buildings converted into intimate dining spots.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
China s major cities feature large shopping centres that combine international labels with local designers, especially in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Many complexes include cinemas, dining, and cultural spaces for a full day out.
Markets & local crafts
Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou are known for markets and smaller shops selling paper arts, silk, tea, and other regional crafts. Inland and coastal cities alike often have dedicated streets where you can browse everyday items alongside handmade souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, neon-lit shopping streets and lively commercial districts stay open late in cities such as Shanghai, Chongqing, and Shenzhen. Night-time promenades often blend light shows, street snacks, and relaxed window shopping.
Best time to visit China
Peak season: April to May and September to October bring generally mild weather in many regions, with typical daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for city walks and sightseeing.
Shoulder season: March and November can be cooler, from about 8–18°C (46–64°F), with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace in popular destinations.
Low season: December to February are colder months in northern and inland cities, with averages often between -5–10°C (23–50°F), while southern cities stay milder but quieter for travel.