From the rugged mountain interior of Emei Shan to the coastal city of Shanghai, China is home to diverse landscapes and climates.

The best time to visit China is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the country experiences warm and dry weather but there are perks to visiting any time of the year.

Spring is ideal for hiking through blooming valleys, exploring ancient cities in mild weather and seeing colourful cherry blossoms in places like Beijing and Hangzhou. Autumn offers crisp air, foliage and harvest season, so food festivals and markets are full of local produce.

China’s northern regions have hot and dry summers (June to August), while destinations on the eastern coastlines and in the south are a bit more humid. There’s a chance of snow across most of the country in the winter (December to February), but it's more likely in the northern reaches.

Rainfall in Shanghai and the east coast is abundant between April and September but almost non-existent for large chunks of the year in Central and Western parts of the country. If you don’t mind rain, this is a great time to visit when the forests are lush and the rice terraces are strikingly green.

Tourism generally peaks in summer, but if you don’t mind crowds, this is a great time to visit the coastal regions, high-altitude destinations like Tibet and river cruises like the Yangtze. Plus, with a local leader by your side, they’ll steer you away from the big crowds.

If you’d still like the weather to be somewhat warm, a shoulder season month like November or May might be best – you’ll usually only need a light jacket or fleece, but the bulk of the crowds are gone.

Learn more about the best time to visit China

China's early history was full of dynastic rule and imperialist expansion. Each dynasty contributed something different to the history books from the Great Wall during the Qin and Ming dynasties to the Tang Dynasty’s artistic expression. The Republic of China was formed in Nanjing in 1912 after a military uprising. Mao Zedong became Chairman of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and society was systematically converted to communism.

Hong Kong and Macau returned from foreign rule and enjoyed a period of rapid economic growth. It basked in the international spotlight as the host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics, and with a growing global influence, China is now a global superpower.

China’s cultural identity is dominated by the Han, but there are another 105 million people who identify from over 50 other ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang (southern China), Hui (northwest China) and Uyghur (Central Asia) – each with unique traditions and customs.

As one of the world's oldest civilisations, China has gifted the world everything from martial arts to mah-jong. Not to mention its world-famous cuisine. Mythology and spirituality are infused in dance, art, music and literature, and many contemporary customs are also attributed to its ancient past.

Despite its modernisation, much of China clings to age-old traditions, including the Five Elements theory of wood, fire, earth, metal and water; the yin and the yang; the Chinese Lunar Calendar and Zodiac. This culture clash is strong in large cities like Beijing where hutongs and temples stand alongside modern skyscrapers.

China is the third-largest nation in the world (by total land area) after Russia and Canada. It shares its border with 14 countries including Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia in the north, and India, Laos and Vietnam in the south.

Soaring peaks, high plateaus and deserts occupy the western half of this vast country. In the southwest, Mount Everest and the Himalayas form the border with India, Nepal and Bhutan. In the north, the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts stretch from west to east along the Mongolian border. The terrain slopes into broad plains and deltas in the east. Two major rivers flow through central China – the Yellow River in the north and the Yangzi in the south – where rice paddies flourish.

Along with 16 other countries, China is known as ‘megadiverse’ – a grouped classification of biodiverse countries that contain over 70 per cent of the world’s endemic flora and fauna. China itself is home to over 550 species of mammals, 1221 species of birds, 146,000 types of flora and 10,000 species of fungi. 

Things to try in China

Sichuan hot pot

Taste a bit of Chinese history by dipping into a fiery Sichuan hot pot filled with meat, vegetables, noodles and chilli. While each region in China has different varieties, Sichuan claims the spiciest. 

Cantonese dim sum (yum cha)

Sitting down to a dim sum banquet is one of Hong Kong's great culinary experiences. Bamboo baskets of salty dumplings and pots of cleansing tea change hands in this traditional feast that will fill your bell for hours. 

Green tea

China is home to one of the world's largest tea-drinking cultures, with most locals sipping a few cups of tea daily. Green tea may have recently become popular in Western societies, but it’s been used as a medicine in China for thousands of years. 

Peking duck

This famous roast duck dish from Beijing dates back to Imperial China. It has to be one of the best flavour combos in the world: succulent slices of duck served between delicate pancakes with green onions and a sweet hoisin sauce. 

Street snacks

Much of Asia's best food is found in markets, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and street-side stalls. Think baozi (steamed stuffed buns), jiaozi (dumplings), jianbing (fried chive pancakes), yang rou chan (lamb kebabs) and so much more. China may be famous for giant feasts served on a lazy susan, but don't forget to check out its budget bites. 

Learn more about Chinese food

Find out what to drink in China

1. Beijing

China's capital combines ancient and modern, from walking through the Forbidden City to sipping bubble tea in a neon-lit street. Start your day wandering through galleries and cafes at the 798 Art Zone, then find peace at the colourful Lama Temple – once a residence for a prince, it’s now a Tibetan Buddhist temple. For a great view of Beijing, hike up Jingshan Park’s central hill and take it all in. When hunger hits, head to Wangfujing Snack Street for traditional Chinese delicacies, like deep-fried scorpions (if you’re feeling brave).

2. Chengdu

Chengdu has a laidback vibe, spicy food and giant pandas. The city’s teahouses are great for people watching and slowing down, just like the locals. Head to the Giant Panda Breeding Base to see the gentle giants munching on bamboo, playing, and of course, napping – everything they do is cute. This city’s spicy cuisine is largely regarded as the best within China, so even if you’re hesitant about spice, we recommend giving it a try.

3. Emei Shan

One of China’s sacred Buddhist mountains – Emei Shan – is filled with misty forests, ancient temples and peaceful trails for hardcore trekkers and casual walkers. Take the cable car to the Golden Summit for incredible views from over 3000 metres (9843 ft) up. Don’t skip the gems like Crouching Tiger Monastery or the quiet villages and countryside at the base – but don’t worry, your local leader will show you where to go.

4. Yangshuo

Yangshuo is a charming town that gives you a real taste of local life, with limestone karsts rising above rice paddies and the winding Li River – basically a real-life painting. Rent a bike, cruise through the countryside and maybe even stop for lunch at a local home with fresh, homegrown food. Whether you’re into tai chi, kung fu, calligraphy or just drifting down the river, this is the place to slow down and learn something new.

5. Hong Kong

This massive city may be filled with glass towers, neon lights and nonstop energy but hop on a ferry and you’re minutes from islands and sunny beaches. Explore the Temple Street night market with a local leader for the best food, fortune tellers and unexpected finds, or catch a light show over Victoria Harbour for a classic skyline moment. Mix in a tram ride up to Victoria Peak, some dim sum and a stroll through old-school neighbourhoods like Sheung Wan and you’ll see why Hong Kong is a perfect blend of modern and tradition.

6. Xi’an

Xi’ an was once China’s imperial heart and you can still feel the history everywhere, from the ancient city wall (which you can bike!) to the winding alleys of the Muslim Quarter. There’s plenty of regional eats at local restaurants and a visit to the Bell and Drum Towers. You should also explore the peaceful Great Mosque tucked into the old streets, then head out to see the Terracotta Warriors – thousands of life-sized soldiers and horse statues and now one of the world’s most incredible archaeological finds.

7. Mt Qingcheng

Mt Qingcheng is the spiritual birthplace of Taoism, where philosopher Zhang Ling laid down its roots back in 142 AD. You can ride a cable car up for the views, then hike past temples tucked into the forest that reflect Taoist teachings. When you’re back down at the base, stroll through Tai’an Ancient town – its quiet streets and centuries-old homes reflect the peace within the mountains.

8. Lhasa

Crisp mountain air and colourful streets tucked into a quiet valley make Lhasa a peaceful place that was once hidden from the world. Wander the Old Town and watch Tibetan Buddhists perform meditative koras circling the incense-scented streets and visit the sacred Jokhang Temple – the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll also see the Polata Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama!

9. Huangshan

Also known as Yellow Mountain, Huangshan is famous for its 72 jagged peaks that create some of China’s most stunning scenery. You can hike the shorter Eastern Steps trail or challenge yourself with the longer Western Steps, or take a cable car up and check out the dramatic limestone peaks without breaking a sweat. Either way, the views here are unforgettable.

10. Zhangjiajie National Park

For a truly otherworldly experience, visit Zhangjiajie National Park – the inspiration for the floating mountains in the Avatar! Its towering sandstone pillars and misty peaks will have your jaw dropping as you hike trails that wind through cliffs and lush valleys or take the Bailong Elevator – a glass lift built right into the cliffside.

Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and big vendors in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. They’re less likely to work in smaller cities or towns.

WeChat and Alipay are the most prominent payment methods in China. We strongly suggest you set up either WeChat or Alipay on your phone before arriving. You'll need to link a credit or debit card to the app and set up a data roaming package so that you can make payments locally. A transaction fee may also be charged for foreign accounts. Please check the terms and conditions when setting up an account.

ATM access is most widely accessible and reliable with Bank of China or HSBC. That said, it's rare to make cash payments in China nowadays, and even if vendors accept cash, they may not have the right change.