Why visit China?
China offers a mix of ancient history, fast-moving modern cities, and vast natural landscapes, all within one remarkable country. You can walk between centuries in a single day, from heritage lanes to glittering skylines.
What to expect
From Beijing and Shanghai in the east to Chengdu and Chongqing in the west, each region reveals a different side of China. Coastal hubs like Xiamen, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou add seaside promenades, riverfront districts, and contemporary art and tech zones to your itinerary.
Plan your trip
You can create varied journeys, combining one major city with another nearby region for a deeper look at local life. China also serves as an entry point to explore wider East Asia, with high-speed rail and domestic flights linking you quickly between provinces.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Walk historic streets in Beijing
Explore imperial-era neighbourhoods, broad avenues, and grand city landmarks that reveal the capital's layered past.
Soak up Shanghai's skyline
Stroll riverfront promenades and watch the futuristic towers of Pudong light up as the city moves from day to night.
Wander West Lake in Hangzhou
Follow lakeside paths, gardens, and pavilions that have inspired poets, painters, and travellers for centuries.
Discover river life in Guangzhou
Cruise or walk along the Pearl River to see bridges, cultural districts, and illuminated towers after dark.
Explore coastal Xiamen
Enjoy waterfront walks, island views, and leafy streets that blend maritime history with relaxed seaside living.
Meet giant pandas near Chengdu
Visit dedicated conservation centres on the edge of the city to see these iconic animals up close in green surroundings.
Experience modern Shenzhen
Discover creative districts, contemporary architecture, and urban parks in one of China's most dynamic tech hubs.
See the night lights of Chongqing
Admire the skyline where two great rivers meet, with layered hillsides and brightly lit bridges and towers.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China has a dense transport network, with high-speed rail lines connecting major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou in just a few hours. In most urban areas, metros, buses, and taxis make it straightforward to move between districts and key sights.
Local life & culture
City life varies from hutong lanes and historic courtyards in the north to riverfront and harbour districts further south and east. Public squares, parks, and waterfront promenades fill with locals exercising, meeting friends, or simply enjoying the fresh air and views.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in landscaped city parks, lakeside paths, and riverside walkways found in many Chinese cities. In coastal centres like Xiamen and Shenzhen, breezy seaside avenues offer easy escapes, while inland cities like Chengdu provide leafy neighbourhoods and teahouse-filled streets to relax.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China is known for distinct culinary traditions, from bold northern flavours to delicate eastern cooking and spicy southwestern dishes. Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu are especially famous for signature specialities that reflect their regions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In every major city you will find small eateries, casual cafés, and modern restaurants clustered around business districts, shopping streets, and residential neighbourhoods. Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Xiamen offer a wide mix of regional Chinese cooking alongside international flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for venues overlooking rivers, lakes, or city skylines in places like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Hangzhou. Rooftop restaurants, waterfront terraces, and heritage buildings turned into dining spaces add an atmospheric backdrop to your meal.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
China’s large cities feature extensive shopping malls that combine international fashion labels, local brands, dining, and entertainment under one roof. Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou offer some of the largest and most diverse retail complexes.
Markets & local crafts
For local products, you can browse markets and shopping streets that highlight regional crafts and everyday items. Cities such as Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xiamen have areas known for textiles, tea, handicrafts, and souvenirs that reflect their traditions.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping districts in cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chongqing glow with neon signs and busy streets. Late-opening malls and lively pedestrian areas keep the atmosphere energetic well into the evening, often combining retail with street performances and casual snacks.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May): Many parts of China enjoy mild temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F), with blossoming parks and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Summer peak season (June to August): Temperatures can range from 24–32°C (75–90°F) or higher in some southern cities, with warm, often humid weather and longer daylight hours.
Autumn shoulder to low season (September to November): Cooler, clearer days return with averages of 10–20°C (50–68°F), making it a popular time for outdoor activities, while early winter months see colder low season conditions in northern cities.