China holidays
This massive East Asian country contains multitudes within its borders, from infinite deserts and winding rivers to some of the world’s fastest-growing megacities. On your holiday in China, walk where emperors once walked, take a high-speed rail to a futuristic urban core and feast on mouth-numbing Sichuan food. Along the way, you’ll discover sacred temples, snow-capped mountains and plenty of reasons to return again and again.
Top destinations in China
Beijing
Ancient history meets modern energy in the busy streets of the Chinese capital. Explore pagoda-like temples, glittering skyscrapers and narrow alleyways full of dumpling restaurants and teahouses.
Hong Kong
A hodgepodge of modern architecture, subtropical rainforests and lush mountains put this small but mighty city high on many travellers’ wishlists.
Shanghai
Futuristic towers overlook Old City temples where food vendors sell delicious soup dumplings. Welcome to Shanghai, China’s thriving megacity of fascinating contrasts.
China: fast facts
Language
Mandarin Chinese
Currency
Chinese yuan (¥)
Time zone
UTC+8 (CST (China))
China holiday highlights
See the Great Wall
A visit to the Great Wall is one of the top things to do in China. Construction began over 2,500 years ago to repel invaders. You can access popular portions of the wall from Beijing, but prepare for crowds. If you want a rustic experience, consider a tour of the more remote Jiankou section, which is also near Beijing but requires a steep, 45-minute hike.
Discover ancient dynasties
China’s dynastic rulers left their mark on the country with grand monuments and palaces that still humble visitors. Visit the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing, a magnificent palace complex nearly 600 years old. Head just outside the city to see the Summer Palace, a stunning imperial garden. And witness a life-size army of terracotta warriors and horses outside Xi’an.
Travel the Silk Road
Journey in the footsteps of history on the Silk Road, an ancient trade route that carried goods between China and the West. The route begins in Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China, and stretches through the northwest into Central Asia. Don’t miss highlights like the multicoloured rock formations of Zhangye National Geopark and the singing sand dunes of Dunhuang, which hum in the wind.
Things to do in China
Top attractions
Originally built to protect against invasions, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometres. Today, you can explore its historic sections, such as Mutianyu, where you can even take a toboggan ride down. In Beijing, step into royal history at the Forbidden City and see the Dragon Throne. Don’t miss the stunning views along the Yangtze River, China’s longest.
Beaches
You may have come here for history, food and high-tech cities, but the beaches in China are also enchanting. Take a two-hour train ride from Beijing to Beidaihe, a seaside resort lined with villas. Check out Putuoshan Island near Shanghai for picturesque beaches, pine forests and Buddhist monuments. And explore China’s surf scene on the tropical island of Hainan, where big swells abound.
Nature
As the third-largest country in the world, China boasts amazing biodiversity. Cruise down the Yangtze or Li rivers, both bordered by staggering mountain peaks. Marvel at the jagged karst mountains of Yangshuo, or visit the rippling rice terraces of Yuanyang. Serious adventurers should consider heading north to see towering sand dunes in the Gobi Desert.
Culture and museums
The museums in China are worth your time. Recent additions include a futuristic science fiction museum in Chengdu, a sound art museum in Beijing and the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, home to a 24-metre-tall solar telescope. To explore China’s history and artistic legacy, head to the massive National Museum of China in Beijing, where you’ll find a vast collection of ancient artefacts.
Cuisine
Don’t miss iconic dishes like dim sum, dumplings and Peking duck in their homeland. The best restaurants in China put a modern spin on traditional flavours — you can find creative outposts with Michelin stars in Beijing and Shanghai. Sample the local delicacy, ‘huo guo’ (a spicy hotpot), in foodie-favourite Chongqing. In Xi’an, the culinary scene is influenced by the region’s Muslim heritage.
Family friendly
Visiting Shanghai with kids? Make time for Shanghai Disneyland, where eight themed lands promise fun for all ages. In Chengdu, see giant pandas up close at the breeding research base. If you’re travelling with teens, head to Zhangjiajie’s Tianmen Mountain, where they can ride the world’s longest cable car and take in views of towering cliffs and forests.
Find the best time to visit China
Weather in China
March – May: Spring is a great time to visit cities like Beijing and Shanghai, as the cherry blossoms are in bloom. May means the start of monsoon season in some places, so monitor weather alerts and be ready to change your plans.
June – October: Summers can be very hot and humid in many parts of the country. Southwest China tends to have more temperate weather throughout the year, so consider this region during hot months.
November – February: This enormous country is home to a variety of climates. Winter can be the best time to visit southern China, where the weather is mild, while regions like the Tibetan Plateau experience harsh winters.
Events in China
Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival (January to February): Shanghai’s top attraction hosts a standout Lunar New Year event, with towering sculptural lanterns that light up the night in brilliant colour.
Great Wall Marathon (May): Each year, around 2,500 runners take on the steep steps and rugged paths of the Great Wall during this challenging race. Prefer to watch? Join the crowds of spectators who gather to cheer them on along the historic route.
Dragon Boat Festival (May or June): All across China, rowers race long, dragon-shaped boats on rivers and lakes as part of this popular tradition. Cheer from the banks while you nosh on ‘zongzi’ — rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Know before you go
Getting around China
Public transportation
Buses: Buses and coaches are a convenient way to travel across this enormous country. Intercity routes are connected by a wide network of regional operators. Buses are typically air-conditioned and comfortable for long distances.
Trains: China’s vast rail network makes travel easy and scenic, with routes connecting major cities and offering views of landscapes like the Gobi Desert. Opt for high-speed trains for quick trips or overnight sleepers with private compartments for longer journeys.
Boats: Ferries are a popular way to explore China’s coastal regions and islands. You can take scenic boat rides to destinations like Putuoshan, a Buddhist island, from Shanghai and Zhoushan.
Domestic flights
China’s extensive air network makes flying a practical way to cover long distances. Major airlines like Air China serve cities nationwide, while budget carriers such as Spring Airlines and 9 Air offer cheaper options. For shorter routes, high-speed trains are often quicker and easier.
Driving
You’ll need a Chinese driving licence to get behind the wheel. While it is possible to get a temporary permit, it’s often more convenient to hire a driver, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local traffic rules.
FAQs about China holidays
More holiday inspiration
How to get cheaper hotels: Five hacks to save big
Do I need a visa travelling from the United Kingdom?
