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China travel guide

Places to visit, things to do and where to stay in 5 destinations across China.

Destinations5 city guides
Flights from$1,048 to Beijing
Things to do121 experiences
Best time to visitDecember to January
CurrencyCNY · ¥
CapitalBeijing

About China

China is in Eastern Asia. Its capital is Beijing, the main language is Chinese and the currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY). Our guides cover 5 destinations across China, including Shanghai, Beijing and Fuzhou. The most comfortable time to visit is generally December to January.

Cheap flights to China

The lowest fares Destina Holidays travellers found to destinations in China in the last 30 days.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, last checked 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Must-see sights in China

  1. The Bund

    The Bund

    Landmark · Shanghai

    A riverside promenade lined with grand colonial-era banks and hotels, facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River. Walk it after dark, when both sides of the river are brightly lit.

  2. Forbidden City

    Forbidden City

    Historic · Beijing

    The vast imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with hundreds of halls and courtyards. Tickets must be booked online in advance, and it is closed on Mondays.

Best time to visit China

Based on recent weather records across 5 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in China are December to January. Conditions vary by region, so open a city guide for monthly temperatures, rainfall and a 7-day forecast.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Know before you go

Currency
Chinese yuan (CNY)1 US dollar ≈ ¥6.69
Language
Chinese
Capital
Beijing
Calling code
+86
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Asia/ShanghaiUTC+8

Upcoming public holidays in China

  • New Year's Day元旦
  • Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)春节
  • Labour Day劳动节
  • Dragon Boat Festival端午节
  • Mid-Autumn Festival中秋节
  • National Day国庆节

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Check visa requirements

Getting to China

The closest airports to the most popular destinations in China.

  • SHA Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport8 mi from Shanghai
  • NAY Beijing Nanyuan Airport8 mi from Beijing
  • FOC Fuzhou Changle International Airport25 mi from Fuzhou
  • CAN Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport18 mi from Guangzhou
  • SZX Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport17 mi from Shenzhen
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China travel FAQ

What are the best places to visit in China?

Popular destinations in China include Shanghai, Beijing, Fuzhou and Guangzhou. Our China travel guides cover 5 cities and regions, with places to visit, things to do, where to stay and the best time to go.

When is the best time to visit China?

Across our China destinations, the most comfortable months to visit are December to January. Weather varies by region, so check each city guide for local temperatures and rainfall.

How much are flights to China?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to China in the last 30 days was $1,048 to Beijing from New York, travelling 27 Nov – 4 Dec.

Which airports should I fly into for China?

Main airports for popular China destinations include Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) for Shanghai, Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) for Beijing, Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) for Fuzhou and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) for Guangzhou.

What are the must-see sights in China?

Highlights include The Bund in Shanghai and Forbidden City in Beijing.

How many hotels can I book in China?

Destina Holidays lists 5,376 properties across our China destinations, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.

What currency is used in China?

China uses the Chinese yuan (CNY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ¥6.69.

What language is spoken in China?

The official language of China is Chinese.

What is the capital of China?

The capital of China is Beijing.

What time zone is China in?

China uses the Asia/Shanghai (UTC+8) time zone.

Which side of the road do they drive on in China?

Traffic in China drives on the right. The international calling code is +86.

What are the upcoming public holidays in China?

Upcoming public holidays include New Year's Day on 1 January 2027, Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) on 6 February 2027 and Labour Day on 1 May 2027. Flights and hotels often fill up early around holidays.

Do I need a visa to visit China?

Visa rules for China depend on your nationality, passport and the length and purpose of your trip. Check our visa requirements page or contact our travel experts before you book.

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