Why visit China?
China offers a blend of ancient heritage, fast-changing cities, and vast natural landscapes, all within one remarkable country. You can explore imperial palaces, soaring skylines, and quiet historic towns in a single trip.
What to expect
From Beijing and Shanghai in the north and east to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Xiamen further south and west, each region has a distinct mood. High-speed growth sits alongside old neighbourhoods, riverfront promenades, and mountain scenery.
Plan your trip
China works well for both short city breaks and longer multi-city journeys, especially when you connect through major hubs. It also serves as a springboard to wider East Asia, with extensive rail and air links to neighbouring regions.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing’s imperial heart
Spend time around Beijing’s historic palaces, broad squares, and traditional alleyways to feel the capital’s layered past and present.
Soak in Shanghai’s skyline
Stroll the Bund and look across to the glittering towers of Pudong, then explore creative districts filled with galleries and design stores.
Discover Guangzhou’s riverfront
Unwind along the Pearl River, balancing leafy historic streets with modern architecture and lively evening promenades.
Experience Shenzhen’s innovation districts
Explore contemporary art centres, new waterfront parks, and tech-focused neighbourhoods that showcase Shenzhen’s creative energy.
Unwind in Hangzhou by West Lake
Walk lakeside pathways, cross elegant bridges, and explore tea-growing hills just beyond the city streets.
Explore Chengdu’s relaxed city rhythm
Discover leafy streets, teahouses, and green spaces that give Chengdu its famously laid-back, welcoming feel.
Trace history in Chongqing’s river city
Ride uphill streets and riverside walkways for sweeping views where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet.
Enjoy coastal charm in Xiamen
Combine seaside walks, leafy university districts, and island views for a gentle coastal city escape.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China’s major cities are linked by frequent domestic flights and an extensive high-speed rail network, making multi-city trips straightforward. Within cities, metros, buses, and app-based taxis are widely available and well signposted.
Local life & culture
Daily life in China moves between quiet parks, busy shopping streets, and neighbourhood squares where people socialise. Each city expresses culture differently, from Beijing’s historic districts and Chengdu’s teahouses to Shenzhen’s creative zones and waterfronts.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in lakeside parks in Hangzhou, riverside promenades in Guangzhou and Chongqing, or coastal paths in Xiamen. Many cities offer landscaped urban parks and nearby green hills for gentle walks and fresh air.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China’s food culture changes noticeably from city to city, with bold flavours in Sichuan areas like Chengdu and Chongqing, and lighter, subtle tastes in coastal and eastern regions. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou each have long-standing local dishes and snacks to try.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Chinese cities, you will find food streets, casual eateries, and modern cafés serving everything from noodles to contemporary fusion plates. Districts in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are especially known for varied, convenient dining options at almost any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
In many cities, you can pair a memorable meal with skyline or waterfront views, such as riverfront dining in Guangzhou and Chongqing or lakeside settings in Hangzhou. High-rise venues in Beijing and Shanghai offer striking city panoramas with carefully presented cuisine.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
China’s largest cities feature sizeable malls and lifestyle complexes combining fashion, dining, and entertainment under one roof. In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, you can easily browse international labels alongside contemporary local designers.
Markets & local crafts
Street markets and smaller boutiques often highlight regional crafts and everyday essentials, especially in cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xiamen. You can look for textiles, tea, and decorative pieces that reflect each area’s character.
Evening retail scene
After dark, commercial districts in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other cities stay lively with illuminated storefronts. Some areas add open-air stalls, extended shopping hours, and relaxed promenades that make browsing part of the night-time atmosphere.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May)
Across much of China, spring is mild, with average temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F). Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Hangzhou feel comfortable for walking, and flowers and trees begin to bloom.
Summer peak season (June to August)
Summer is generally warm to hot, especially in cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Xiamen, where temperatures often reach 25–33°C (77–91°F). Humidity can be high, but long days offer more time for sightseeing and evening strolls.
Autumn shoulder to low season (September to November)
Autumn tends to be clear and pleasant, with temperatures around 12–24°C (54–75°F) in many cities, and cooler conditions arriving later in the season. This period often brings good visibility and comfortable conditions for both urban walks and day trips.