China offers ancient cities, modern skylines, dramatic mountains, and river valleys, all woven through with thousands of years of history and creativity.
Discover China
Discover China
Why visit China?
What to expect
From Beijing and Shanghai to Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xiamen, you will find imperial landmarks, buzzing business districts, and quieter old quarters and riverside towns.
Plan your trip
China rewards both first-time and repeat visits, and its extensive high-speed rail and domestic flight network make it a strong gateway for exploring East Asia.
Top experiences in China
Walk the Great Wall near Beijing
Explore restored sections of the Great Wall for sweeping views of rugged hills and a vivid sense of the country’s ancient defences.
Discover Shanghai’s waterfront and skyline
Stroll along the Bund for classic riverfront architecture, then look across to Pudong’s striking modern towers.
Explore Guangzhou’s Pearl River and modern landmarks
Cruise the Pearl River in the evening to see Guangzhou’s illuminated skyline and distinctive cityscape.
Meet giant pandas in Chengdu
Visit a dedicated panda research base near Chengdu to see these iconic animals in a carefully managed habitat.
Unwind in Hangzhou by West Lake
Walk or cycle around West Lake’s gardens, causeways, and pavilions to experience one of China’s most celebrated scenic spots.
Experience Shenzhen’s creative districts
Discover design parks, galleries, and technology hubs that showcase Shenzhen’s reputation as a centre of innovation.
Discover historic streets in Xiamen and Chongqing
Wander old neighbourhoods and river viewpoints to see how steep hillsides and coastal settings shape local life.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China’s high-speed rail links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, while extensive domestic flights connect hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shenzhen with smaller centres.
Local life & culture
City parks, riverside promenades, and historic lanes are where daily life unfolds, with residents gathering to socialise, exercise, and enjoy cultural activities that reflect each region’s character.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in classical gardens, lakeside walkways in Hangzhou, urban green spaces in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, or seek cooler air in nearby hills and nature reserves outside major cities.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
Signature flavours range from Beijing’s roast dishes to Chengdu and Chongqing’s bold, spicy specialities, delicate Hangzhou cuisine, and seafood-focused cooking in coastal cities such as Xiamen and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu you will find relaxed eateries, food streets, and contemporary bistros serving regional classics alongside modern takes on Chinese and international cuisine.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy river-view dinners in Shanghai or Guangzhou, lakeside restaurants in Hangzhou, or skyline vistas from high-rise venues in cities such as Shenzhen and Beijing.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou feature large malls and lifestyle complexes that bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining all under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out traditional streets and markets in Beijing, Chengdu, and Xiamen for handicrafts, textiles, teas, and design pieces that showcase regional styles and materials.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central districts in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chongqing stay bright with late-opening malls, lively shopping streets, and illuminated riverfront promenades.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May) brings mild weather to many eastern cities, with average temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F), making it comfortable for city walking and sightseeing. Summer peak season (June to August) is typically hot and humid in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, with averages of 25–32°C (77–90°F), and is popular for family travel and school holidays. Autumn shoulder season (September to early November) usually offers clear days and pleasant temperatures of about 12–22°C (54–72°F) in many key cities, while winter low season (late November to February) can be cold in northern areas such as Beijing, with averages from -5–5°C (23–41°F), and milder, often cool conditions in southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen.