Why visit China?
China offers ancient cities, fast-changing skylines, and vast landscapes, from karst peaks to desert and coastline. You can walk through centuries of history in one moment, then experience cutting-edge design and technology in the next.
What to expect
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen anchor the country with global connections and distinct urban character. Inland hubs such as Chengdu and Chongqing bring you closer to mountain scenery, tea-growing regions, and panda country, while coastal cities like Xiamen and Hangzhou mix waterfront views with historic streets.
Plan your trip
You can combine several regions in one journey, pairing major gateways with nearby historic towns or nature reserves. China also connects easily onwards across North Asia and beyond, with high-speed rail and a wide domestic flight network supporting longer itineraries.
Discover China
Discover China
Top experiences in China
Explore Beijing's imperial landmarks
Stroll between vast palace courtyards, ceremonial gates, and historic neighbourhoods that trace the story of China’s former dynasties.
Take in Shanghai's skyline and riverfront
Walk along the waterfront promenade and watch the city’s famous towers light up above the curves of the river.
Cruise the West Lake in Hangzhou
Glide past small islands, arched bridges, and tree-lined shores that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.
Discover Chengdu's panda conservation centres
Visit dedicated research bases where you can observe giant pandas in leafy enclosures designed to mirror their natural habitat.
Wander old streets in Xiamen and Gulangyu
Step into car-free lanes lined with restored mansions, seaside paths, and small museums telling the city’s maritime story.
Feel the energy of Shenzhen and Guangzhou
Experience modern districts, riverside walks, and creative zones that showcase southern China’s design and technology focus.
Soak up mountain views near Chongqing
Use the city as a base for misty river valleys, cliffside trails, and scenic boat journeys through rugged gorges.
Sample teahouse culture in Sichuan
Spend an unhurried afternoon sipping local tea in traditional courtyards, watching games and quiet conversations unfold around you.
Experience China’s way of life
Getting around
China has an extensive domestic flight network and one of the world’s largest high-speed rail systems, linking cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou with frequent services. Urban metros, ride-hailing apps, and taxis make it easy to move between stations, business districts, and historic quarters.
Local life & culture
City life blends long-standing traditions with modern rhythm, from morning exercise in public parks to contemporary art districts in former industrial zones. You will notice varied dialects, festivals, and customs as you travel between northern capitals, river cities in the interior, and trading hubs along the coast.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in classical gardens, lakeside promenades, bamboo forests, or mountain viewpoints reached by cable car and walking trails. Hot-spring resorts, teahouses, and riverfront parks in and around cities offer quiet corners to rest between days of sightseeing or business meetings.
A taste of China
National dishes & specialties
China’s regional cuisines are remarkably diverse, from hearty northern wheat-based dishes to the bold flavours of Sichuan and the delicate styles of Jiangnan near Shanghai and Hangzhou. Seafood-rich menus are common in coastal centres such as Xiamen, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Chinese cities you will find everything from small local eateries to stylish cafés and contemporary dining rooms in office districts. Food streets, underground mall food courts, and riverside promenades make it easy to sample regional flavours alongside international favourites on a single day.
Signature & scenic dining
Many cities offer memorable meals with views, whether from rooftop spaces overlooking Shanghai’s skyline, lakefront restaurants in Hangzhou, or river-facing venues in Chongqing and Guangzhou. Refined fine-dining kitchens in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen showcase both inventive tasting menus and elevated takes on classic regional dishes.
Retail therapy in China
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen feature large shopping centres that mix international labels with local designers, cinemas, and dining floors. Newer lifestyle complexes often combine office towers, hotels, and landscaped plazas where you can pause between shops.
Markets & local crafts
Historic commercial streets and covered markets in cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xiamen are good places to look for handicrafts, teas, and souvenirs. You can browse everything from traditional ceramics and textiles to calligraphy supplies and decorative items created by contemporary artisans.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening malls give Chinese cities a lively atmosphere, especially in central districts and around major metro hubs. In some neighbourhoods you will also find small night-time markets and snack streets where shops, stalls, and cafés stay open into the evening.
Best time to visit China
Spring shoulder season (March to May): Many regions see mild days around 15–22°C (59–72°F), with blooming parks and generally comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Summer peak season (June to August): In most cities temperatures often range from 26–32°C (79–90°F), with higher humidity in the south and school holidays bringing busier attractions.
Autumn shoulder to low season (September to November): Skies are often clearer with temperatures around 12–22°C (54–72°F), making this a popular time for city breaks and scenic travel after the summer heat.