China offers ancient cities, fast-changing skylines, and dramatic landscapes, where centuries of history blend with cutting-edge technology and design.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
From the cultural capitals of Beijing and Shanghai to dynamic hubs like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Chongqing, you will find imperial sights, modern art districts, riverfront skylines, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Plan your trip
China works well for first-time city breaks and longer multi-city journeys, with its major hubs acting as gateways to wider regions, high-speed rail networks, and onward connections across East Asia.
Top experiences in China
Walk Beijing's historic heart
Stroll between traditional hutong lanes, grand squares, and palace complexes, then look out over the city from modern viewpoints.
Soak in Shanghai's skyline
Wander the Bund waterfront and take in futuristic skyscrapers across the river, especially striking in the evening light.
Discover lakes and canals in Hangzhou
Explore leafy lakefront walkways, classic bridges, and old town streets that showcase the city's slower, scenic side.
Experience Shenzhen's creative districts
Visit former industrial areas turned into design and art hubs, with galleries, studios, and contemporary public spaces.
Cruise rivers around Chongqing
Use the city as a base for river cruises through steep gorges and misty mountain scenery.
Unwind in Chengdu's teahouses and parks
Join locals in traditional teahouses, shaded courtyards, and green spaces that capture the relaxed rhythm of the city.
Explore Guangzhou's riverside and old quarters
Combine walks along illuminated riverfront promenades with visits to historic streets and preserved neighbourhoods.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China's major cities are linked by extensive high-speed rail networks and frequent domestic flights, while metro lines and app-based taxis make it simple to move between districts once you arrive.
Local life & culture
You will notice early-morning tai chi in parks, families gathering in public squares, and a strong café and tea culture alongside contemporary art, music, and fashion scenes in the big cities.
Where to unwind
Find calm in classical gardens, scenic lakefronts, leafy university campuses, mountain viewpoints on the city edge, and modern wellness centres offering spas and relaxation spaces.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Different regions are known for distinct flavours, from the bold, peppery dishes of Chengdu and Chongqing to delicate Hangzhou classics and Cantonese specialities in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, you can move easily between local eateries, trendy bistros, and international restaurants, often clustered in creative zones and popular commercial districts.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy river-view restaurants in Guangzhou and Chongqing, skyline dining in Shanghai and Shenzhen, and garden or lakeside settings in Hangzhou and Chengdu for memorable evenings out.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature large malls and mixed-use complexes with international labels, local designers, cinemas, and rooftop terraces.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out historic streets and markets in Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou for handicrafts, tea, textiles, and design pieces that reflect regional traditions.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, illuminated shopping streets, late-opening malls, and pedestrian zones stay busy into the night, often combining stores with cafés, bars, and street performances.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather across many regions, with typical daytime temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), making it pleasant for city sightseeing and nature trips. Summer peak season (June to August) is warm to hot, often 25–32°C (77–90°F) or higher in inland cities, and is popular for family travel and school holidays. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) usually features comfortable days of about 15–24°C (59–75°F), clear skies, and colourful foliage in parks and mountain areas. Winter low season (late November to February) can be cold in northern cities like Beijing, often near or below 0°C (32°F), while southern cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen are cooler but still relatively mild.