Things to do in China
7 destinations in China, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
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?
A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.
- Beijing
- About $25 a day on a shoestring, about $182 comfortably.
- Chengdu
- About $20 a day on a shoestring, about $129 comfortably.
- Guangzhou
- About $19 a day on a shoestring, about $139 comfortably.
- Guilin
- About $21 a day on a shoestring, about $133 comfortably.
- Shanghai
- About $21 a day on a shoestring, about $171 comfortably.
- Shenzhen
- About $24 a day on a shoestring, about $166 comfortably.
- Xian
- About $20 a day on a shoestring, about $119 comfortably.
Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.
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.
Cheap eats in China
- Guijie (Ghost Street) in Beijing, Spicy crayfish (mala xiaolongxia) or hot pot Plates $3-8
- Long Chaoshou Restaurant in Chengdu, Zhong dumplings and red-oil wontons Plates $1.50-4
- Tao Tao Ju in Guangzhou, Dim sum morning yum cha (har gow, siu mai, cheung fun) Plates $1-3
- Zhengyang Night Market Stalls in Guilin, Beer fish (pijiu yu) and stuffed Li River snails Plates $1-3
- Yang's Dumplings (佳家汤包) in Shanghai, Pan-fried sheng jian bao (soup dumplings) Plates $1-2
- Laojie Beef Hotpot (老街牛肉火锅) in Shenzhen, Fresh-sliced beef hotpot with dipping sauces and vermicelli Plates $3-6