China offers ancient cities, dramatic landscapes, and fast-changing skylines, where centuries of history meet cutting-edge innovation in one vast, varied country.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
From imperial Beijing and cosmopolitan Shanghai to the river valleys around Chengdu and the coastal hubs of Guangzhou and Xiamen, each region reveals a distinct rhythm and character.
Plan your trip
You can combine major metropolises with secondary cities like Hangzhou, Chongqing, and Shenzhen, using China as both a destination in its own right and a gateway to wider East Asia.
Top experiences in China
Walk Beijing's historic heart
Explore Beijing's grand avenues, imperial landmarks, and leafy hutong lanes, where traditional courtyard homes sit beside modern galleries and cultural institutions.
Skyline views in Shanghai
Stroll the Bund for riverfront views of Shanghai's historic facades facing the bold silhouettes of Pudong's towers, then see the city from a soaring observation deck.
West Lake in Hangzhou
Wander lakeside promenades, causeways, and gardens around Hangzhou's famed West Lake, framed by low hills, willows, and traditional pavilions.
Rivers and lanes of Guangzhou
Discover Guangzhou along the Pearl River, with tree-lined neighbourhoods, heritage buildings, and wide promenades that showcase the city's mix of old and new.
Mountain landscapes near Chengdu
Use Chengdu as a base to explore nearby mountain scenery, tranquil temples, and green valleys that sit just beyond the city's relaxed streets and teahouses.
Harbourfront Shenzhen
Experience Shenzhen's waterfront promenades, design districts, and contemporary architecture, reflecting its role as one of China's most forward-looking cities.
Coastal charms of Xiamen
Enjoy Xiamen's sea views, breezy promenades, and nearby island scenery, combining coastal walks with leafy streets and historic architecture.
Cityscapes of Chongqing
Take in Chongqing's dramatic skyline above river gorges, where elevated bridges, hillside streets, and dense urban vistas create a striking sense of scale.
Experience China's way of life
Getting around
High-speed rail links many of China's major cities, while domestic flights efficiently cover longer distances between hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen. Within cities, metro networks, taxis, and ride-hailing apps make day-to-day travel straightforward.
Local life & culture
Daily life in China blends neighbourhood markets, park gatherings, and lively streets with galleries, theatres, and creative districts in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Each region has its own accent, traditions, and festivals, adding depth to every stop on your journey.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in lakeside parks in Hangzhou, coastal promenades in Xiamen, riverside walks in Guangzhou and Chongqing, or leafy neighbourhoods in Chengdu and Shanghai, where green spaces and scenic viewpoints offer quiet breaks from the urban pace.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Regional cuisines define dining in China, from rich northern fare around Beijing to nuanced flavours in Shanghai, bold spices in Chengdu, and Cantonese specialities in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find everything from family-run eateries to sleek contemporary restaurants across Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, with menus spanning local favourites, pan-Chinese dishes, and international influences.
Signature & scenic dining
Memorable meals can come with skyline views along Shanghai's Bund, lakeside outlooks in Hangzhou, river vistas in Chongqing and Guangzhou, or coastal settings in Xiamen, adding a strong sense of place to each dining experience.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature large shopping centres that house international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining, often connected directly to metro lines for convenient access.
Markets & local crafts
Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu host markets and streets where you can look for handicrafts, calligraphy, textiles, and design pieces that reflect local traditions and contemporary creativity.
Evening retail scene
After dark, neon-lit streets in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Xiamen stay lively with late-opening malls, pedestrian shopping areas, and compact night-time retail spots near transport hubs.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather to many parts of China, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) in cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) is similarly pleasant across Beijing, Shanghai, and coastal hubs, with typical temperatures of 12–20°C (54–68°F) and clearer skies. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot in most cities, often 25–32°C (77–90°F), with higher humidity and occasional rain, especially in southern centres like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen. Winter low season (December to February) is cold in northern cities such as Beijing, where temperatures can hover between -5 and 5°C (23–41°F), while southern cities including Guangzhou and Shenzhen remain milder, around 10–18°C (50–64°F).