Why visit China?
China offers ancient cities, fast-changing skylines, and vast landscapes in one journey. You can walk through centuries of history in the morning, then explore cutting-edge districts and creative neighbourhoods by evening.
What to expect
From the capital Beijing and cosmopolitan Shanghai to tech-driven Shenzhen and scenic Hangzhou and Chengdu, each region has its own rhythm. River valleys, karst mountains, and tea-covered hills sit within reach of major urban hubs.
Plan your trip
You can combine several cities in one itinerary thanks to strong air and rail links. China also works well as part of a wider Asian journey, with Singapore as a smooth connecting hub.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Explore Beijing's imperial landmarks
Stroll palace courtyards, broad ceremonial avenues, and historic neighbourhoods that reveal the city’s imperial past alongside its modern role as the nation’s capital.
Feel Shanghai's skyline from both sides of the river
Walk along heritage waterfront promenades, then cross the river to view avant-garde towers and elevated cityscapes from observation decks.
Unwind by West Lake in Hangzhou
Take boat rides, lakeside walks, or cycle between pavilions and gardens that have inspired poets, painters, and visitors for generations.
Discover Chengdu's relaxed city lifestyle
Spend slow afternoons in teahouses, wander shady streets, and explore parks and cultural districts that showcase a gentler urban pace.
Experience Shenzhen's creative districts
Browse design quarters, repurposed factory zones, and waterfront promenades that highlight the city’s role as a hub for innovation and design.
Follow the river through Chongqing's hills
Take in layered city views where bridges, steep streets, and hillside districts meet at the convergence of major rivers.
Trace maritime links in Guangzhou and Xiamen
Explore riverfront and harbour areas that reflect centuries of trade, with historic quarters sitting alongside modern commercial districts.
Walk leafy boulevards in China's tech hubs
In Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and nearby cities, tree-lined streets and new parks sit beside business districts filled with contemporary architecture.
Experience China's way of life
Getting around
China’s major cities are linked by extensive domestic flights and a growing high-speed rail network, ideal if you plan to visit several regions. Within cities, metro systems, ride-hailing services, and taxis make it easy to move between districts and key landmarks.
Local life & culture
City life often centres on neighbourhood streets, squares, and parks where residents walk, socialise, and spend time outdoors. You will notice contrasts between historic quarters and contemporary districts, with each area reflecting local heritage, crafts, and creative scenes.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in urban parks, riverside promenades, and landscaped lakes around cities such as Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou. Beyond the city, nearby hills and scenic areas offer walking paths and viewpoints where you can step away from busy streets.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China is known for diverse regional cuisines, from the refined dishes of eastern cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou to the bolder flavours found in places such as Chengdu and Chongqing. Coastal areas like Xiamen and Guangzhou highlight fresh seafood and long-established culinary traditions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, you will find everything from small local eateries to contemporary restaurants in malls and business districts. Food streets and mixed-use developments make it simple to try different flavours in one neighbourhood.
Signature & scenic dining
You can pair your meal with skyline views in Shanghai and Shenzhen, lake or river scenery in Hangzhou and Guangzhou, or hillside backdrops in Chongqing. Many cities offer rooftop venues and waterfront promenades that turn dinner into an atmospheric part of your trip.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou combine international brands with local designers, dining, and entertainment. These retail centres often connect directly to metro stations, making them convenient stops during a day of sightseeing.
Markets & local crafts
In cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, you can explore streets and markets featuring handicrafts, textiles, and regional products. Older commercial districts and smaller boutiques are good places to look for items that reflect each city’s character.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping districts in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou stay lively with illuminated storefronts and late-opening stores. In many cities, pedestrian streets and adjacent food areas let you combine browsing, people-watching, and relaxed evening walks.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May): Many parts of China enjoy mild weather, with average temperatures around 10–22°C (50–72°F). This is often considered shoulder season, with comfortable conditions for city walks and outdoor sightseeing.
Summer peak season (June to August): In major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, summer is typically warm to hot, with averages of about 24–32°C (75–90°F). This is peak season in many destinations, especially during school holidays.
Autumn and winter low season (September to February): Autumn brings pleasant temperatures of 12–24°C (54–75°F) in many regions, before cooler winter conditions that can fall below 0°C (32°F) in northern cities. Overall, this period is generally treated as low season, apart from major national holidays.