Why visit China?
China blends ancient heritage with fast-changing modern cities, from imperial capitals to cutting-edge skylines. You can explore historic lanes, river valleys, and coastlines, all within one vast and varied country.
What to expect
First-time visits often focus on Beijing, Shanghai, and the cities of the south such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen. Inland hubs like Chengdu and Chongqing open the door to mountain scenery, tea regions, and river landscapes, while Hangzhou offers lakeside calm close to major urban centres.
Plan your trip
You can combine several Chinese cities in one journey, using major hubs as a base for regional side trips. China also works well as a gateway to wider East Asia, with strong onward connections by air and high-speed rail across the country.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Walk Beijing's historic heart
Stroll wide boulevards and narrow alleys, taking in imperial landmarks, courtyards, and grand city squares.
Soak up Shanghai's skyline
Wander the Bund and gaze across the river at glass towers that define the citys modern waterfront.
Unwind by West Lake in Hangzhou
Spend a day walking lakeside paths, crossing stone bridges, and exploring gardens by the water.
Explore Chengdu's relaxed streets
Enjoy leafy neighbourhoods, teahouses, and riverside walks that showcase the citys easy-going rhythm.
Discover Guangzhou's riverfront
See the city from its waterfront promenades, with modern towers and bridges lighting up after dark.
Experience fast-growing Shenzhen
Visit creative districts, green parks, and contemporary architecture in one of Chinas most dynamic cities.
Cruise Chongqing's hilly cityscape
Ride across the river, admire steep streets and layered towers, and experience a city built on cliffs and confluences.
Relax on Xiamen's coastline
Walk seaside promenades, island parks, and leafy streets that mix maritime history with modern living.
Experience China's way of life
Getting around
Large distances in China are often best covered by domestic flights or high-speed rail linking cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Chongqing. Within cities, metros, taxis, and ride-hailing apps offer convenient ways to move between districts and sights.
Local life & culture
Each region has its own rhythm, from the slower pace of Chengdu and lakeside Hangzhou to the intense energy of Shanghai and Shenzhen. You can see early-morning exercise in parks, evening strolls along rivers and lakes, and neighbourhoods that mix traditional architecture with contemporary design.
Where to unwind
Cities across China offer green parks, riverside promenades, and landscaped lakes for quiet breaks from urban life. In Chengdu and Chongqing you can retreat to teahouses and hilltop viewpoints, while Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Hangzhou provide waterfront paths and gardens for relaxed walks.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Chinese cuisine is deeply regional, with bold flavours from Sichuan around Chengdu and Chongqing, delicate tastes in Hangzhou, and Cantonese traditions in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Beijing and Shanghai bring together cooking styles from across the country in one place.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In every major city you will find a mix of small eateries, contemporary cafés, and lively food streets. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen offer everything from quick snacks to polished modern restaurants, while Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, and Hangzhou showcase strong local flavours in relaxed surroundings.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, you can dine with skyline views in Shanghai and Shenzhen, or beside rivers and lakes in cities such as Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and Xiamen. Many hotels and landmark towers in these hubs feature restaurants and lounges designed around cityscapes and waterfront settings.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
China's major cities feature extensive malls that combine international labels with local designers. In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, modern lifestyle centres often include cinemas, dining, and rooftop spaces alongside fashion and homeware stores.
Markets & local crafts
You can explore traditional markets and specialist streets for crafts, textiles, and souvenirs in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in historic quarters of Chengdu and Hangzhou. Guangzhou and Chongqing also have districts known for local products and everyday market life.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping districts in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou take on a lively atmosphere with illuminated façades and busy streets. Some neighbourhoods in Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen stay active late into the evening, blending shops, snack stalls, and cafés.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May): Many regions enjoy mild weather, with typical daytime temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F). This is often a comfortable time for city sightseeing and outdoor walks.
Summer peak season (June to August): In much of eastern and southern China, temperatures can reach 26–32°C (79–90°F) with higher humidity. This is a popular travel period for domestic holidays and school breaks, especially in major cities.
Autumn and winter low season (September to February): Autumn days are often clear and cool, around 10–20°C (50–68°F), while winter can drop below 0–8°C (32–46°F) in northern cities, and stay milder further south. Cooler months tend to see fewer crowds at many attractions.