Destinations · 5 city guides

Five ways
into China.

Start with the classics, then follow your appetite. Each guide includes a first-time route, where to stay, what to eat and the practical details that matter.

北京01
History · First visits

Beijing

Imperial scale, hutong rhythm.

China’s capital rewards an early start: palaces and courtyards by day, neighborhood kitchens after dark.

Ideal stay
3 days
Best time
Apr–May · Sep–Oct
Airport
PEK / PKX
Open city guide
上海02
Food · Design · Nightlife

Shanghai

Future-facing, lane by lane.

Art deco facades, leafy former-concession streets and a skyline that changes mood with the hour.

Ideal stay
3–4 days
Best time
Mar–May · Oct–Nov
Airport
PVG / SHA
Open city guide
西安03
History · Street food

Xi’an

Where the Silk Road begins.

Ancient walls, Tang-era stories and one of China’s most memorable street-food cultures.

Ideal stay
2–3 days
Best time
Apr–May · Sep–Oct
Airport
XIY
Open city guide
成都04
Food · Pandas · Slow travel

Chengdu

Slow tea, bold flavor.

A relaxed southwestern city of teahouses, creative neighborhoods, pandas and thrilling Sichuan food.

Ideal stay
3–4 days
Best time
Mar–Jun · Sep–Nov
Airport
CTU / TFU
Open city guide
广州05
Dim sum · Architecture

Guangzhou

A city built around the table.

Cantonese food traditions, subtropical streets, riverside architecture and a global trading spirit.

Ideal stay
2–3 days
Best time
Oct–Mar
Airport
CAN
Open city guide