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China travel guide

Places to visit, things to do and where to stay in 2 destinations across China.

Destinations2 city guides
Flights from$1,357 to Shanghai
Things to do121 experiences
Best time to visitApril to May and September to October
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 2 destinations across China, including Shanghai and Beijing. The most comfortable time to visit is generally April to May and September to October.

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 20 Oct 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.

Things to do in China

121 tours, tickets and experiences you can book across China. Pick a type and city to see what is available for your dates.

Best time to visit China

Based on recent weather records across 2 destinations, the most comfortable months for sightseeing in China are April to May and September to October. 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
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China travel FAQ

What are the best places to visit in China?

Popular destinations in China include Shanghai and Beijing. Our China travel guides cover 2 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 April to May and September to October. Weather varies by region, so check each city guide for local temperatures and rainfall.

How much are flights to China?

The cheapest one-way fare Destina Holidays travellers found to China in the last 30 days was $1,357 to Shanghai from San Antonio, travelling 13 Dec.

Which airports should I fly into for China?

Main airports for popular China destinations include Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) for Shanghai and Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) for Beijing.

What are the top things to do in China?

Destina Holidays offers 121 tours and activities across China. The most popular types are city tours (36), art & culture (34), day trips & excursions (33) and tickets & attraction passes (25).

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 3,587 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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