Why visit China?
China offers a mix of ancient history, dynamic megacities, and spectacular landscapes, from imperial palaces to futuristic skylines. You can experience centuries of culture alongside rapid modern development in one journey.
What to expect
Explore political and cultural centres such as Beijing and Shanghai, the vibrant trading hubs of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and inland cities like Chengdu and Chongqing known for their relaxed pace and nearby mountains. Each region offers distinct architecture, dialects, and traditions.
Plan your trip
Many travellers combine a gateway city such as Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou with trips into surrounding provinces for nature, rivers, and historic towns. China is also a convenient base for wider travel across Northeast and Southeast Asia, with extensive domestic and regional air links.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Walk through Beijing's imperial heart
Stroll past grand courtyards, vast plazas, and historic hutong lanes to see how old and new China sit side by side.
Take in Shanghai's skyline from the Bund
Stand along the Bund to view a striking contrast between European-style waterfront buildings and the soaring towers of Pudong.
Cruise the Pearl River in Guangzhou
Glide along the Pearl River after dark to see illuminated bridges, towers, and the evolving city skyline.
Explore lakes and tea fields near Hangzhou
Unwind by serene lakesides and gentle tea-covered hills that have inspired artists and poets for centuries.
Discover Chengdu's panda conservation centres
Visit dedicated research bases near Chengdu to see giant pandas in leafy, carefully managed enclosures.
Step into river gorges near Chongqing
Use Chongqing as a springboard to cruise along dramatic gorges and misty river valleys.
Experience tech and design in Shenzhen
Spend time in creative parks and tech districts that showcase China’s innovation and design culture.
Uncover coastal heritage in Xiamen
Walk seaside promenades and historic island streets that reflect maritime trade and southern Fujian charm.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China’s major cities are linked by extensive high-speed rail networks, domestic flights, and modern highways, making multi-city itineraries straightforward. Urban transport is dominated by metro systems, buses, and taxis, with ride-hailing apps widely used in larger cities.
Local life & culture
City life ranges from Beijing’s broad boulevards and traditional courtyards to Shanghai’s compact lanes and waterfront promenades. In the south and west, you may notice a slower rhythm, strong regional identities, and varied local dialects, reflected in festivals, architecture, and everyday routines.
Where to unwind
You can relax in landscaped city parks, riverside paths, and lakeside promenades that offer calm breaks from urban bustle. Inland provinces provide access to mountains, bamboo forests, and river valleys, where walking trails and scenic viewpoints frame expansive views.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Every region in China has its own celebrated dishes, from northern wheat-based noodles and dumplings to the bold, peppery flavours of Sichuan. Coastal cities such as Xiamen and Shanghai often showcase fresh seafood and river fish prepared in distinctive local styles.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find everything from tiny neighbourhood eateries to large, contemporary restaurants in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Food streets and dense urban districts make it easy to sample a wide variety of flavours and regional cooking traditions in a single stay.
Signature & scenic dining
Riverside and rooftop venues in cities like Shanghai, Chongqing, and Shenzhen offer memorable views with your meal. In historic districts and restored lane neighbourhoods, restaurants often occupy heritage buildings, adding a strong sense of place to the dining experience.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen feature modern shopping malls with international brands, cinemas, and extensive dining. These multi-level complexes often connect directly to metro stations, making them convenient stops between sightseeing.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller streets in cities like Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xiamen showcase textiles, teas, ceramics, and regional crafts. In some historic quarters, you can browse independent boutiques that highlight local designers and contemporary interpretations of classic styles.
Evening retail scene
After dark, many commercial districts remain lively with lit storefronts, outdoor plazas, and extended opening hours. In certain neighbourhoods, evening markets and pedestrian shopping streets create a relaxed atmosphere for strolling, snacking, and picking up last-minute gifts.
Best time to visit China
Peak season: April to early June and September to October, when many regions are mild and comfortable, often around 15–25°C (59–77°F). These months are popular for city sightseeing and outdoor trips.
Shoulder season: March and November bring more changeable conditions, from cool days in the north to milder temperatures in the south, roughly 8–20°C (46–68°F). Crowds are usually lighter outside major holidays.
Low season: December to February is winter in northern and central areas, with colder conditions often below 5°C (41°F), while parts of the south can stay closer to 10–18°C (50–64°F). July and August can be hot and humid in many cities, frequently above 28°C (82°F).