Things to do in China

Places to visit in China

• Things to do in Beijing city, culture, food
• Things to do in Chengdu food, nature, culture
• Things to do in Guangzhou city, food, culture
• Things to do in Guilin nature, relax, adventure
• Things to do in Shanghai city, food, culture
• Things to do in Shenzhen city, food
• Things to do in Xian culture, city, food

Best time to visit China

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Beijing

Flying in January-February (excluding Chinese New Year) and September-October shoulder weeks yields fares roughly 25-35% below summer peak; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) on Air China or China Eastern from major hubs consistently show the lowest prices, often dipping under $600 round-trip from the US West Coast.

Chengdu

Flying to Chengdu in January-February (excluding Chinese New Year) and in June-early July typically yields the lowest fares, often 25-35% cheaper than the October Golden Week or summer peak around late July-August. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by 10-15% regardless of season.

Guangzhou

Flying in late January-February (excluding Chinese New Year week) and October-November typically yields the cheapest fares, often 25-40% below summer peak. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently run $50-$120 cheaper than weekend flights on the same routes.

Guilin

The cheapest flights to Guilin typically fall in January-February (excluding Chinese New Year) and again in October's shoulder period after Golden Week, when fares from major hubs can run 25-35% below summer peak prices. Avoid July-August and the Golden Week holidays (first week of October and January-February CNY) for both airfare and crowd savings.

Shanghai

January-February (excluding Chinese New Year) and late November offer the lowest fares, often 25-35% cheaper than peak summer (July-August) or Golden Week (October). Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically saves an additional $50-100 compared to weekend flights.

Shenzhen

Flying to Shenzhen in January-February (excluding Chinese New Year week, when prices spike 40-60%) or September-October shoulder season typically yields the lowest fares, with savings of roughly 20-35% versus the July-August summer peak. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend prices by 10-15%.

Xian

Fly to Xi'an in January-February (excluding Chinese New Year) or late October-November for the lowest fares, typically 25-40% cheaper than the May-October peak travel season. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend pricing by another 10-15%.

Is China expensive?

It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.

Free things to do in China

• Beijing: Tiananmen Square at Sunrise Watch the flag-raising ceremony with thousands of locals in one of the world's largest public squares.
• Chengdu: People's Park (Renmin Gongyuan) Watch ballroom dancers, matchmaking bulletin boards, and hundreds of locals in the city's most beloved teahouse garden
• Guangzhou: Stroll the Pearl River Promenade at Night The illuminated skyline and Canton Tower reflections make for a spectacular free evening walk.
• Guilin: Two Rivers and Four Lakes Waterfront Walk Stroll the illuminated lakeside paths connecting Guilin's historic city lakes, magical at dusk and completely free.
• Shanghai: Bund Waterfront Walk Iconic day-and-night promenade with unbeatable skyline views, no ticket needed.
• Shenzhen: Lianhua Hill Park Climb to the Deng Xiaoping statue for panoramic city views and watch locals do tai chi and fly kites at sunrise.
• Xian: Evening fountain show at Big Wild Goose Pagoda Massive choreographed water-and-light show every night, no ticket required