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Luxury travel guide

China

China, a land of contrasts blending imperial traditions with rapid modernity, boasts exceptional cultural and natural heritage.

Article reviewed on 19 May 2026.

Introduction to China

China blends millennia-old traditions with rapid modernisation, offering a rich cultural tapestry and global significance.

Questions about this section

How to see giant pandas in China?

Chengdu's Research Centre allows tours to see pandas in their natural habitat.

History of China

China's history spans over 4,000 years, blending imperial legacies with modern transformations.

Questions about this section

What historical sites are in Beijing?

Beijing hosts the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and restored Great Wall sections.

When to Visit China

China's spring and autumn offer ideal conditions for exploring its cultural and natural treasures.

UNESCO Sites and Must-Sees

China's UNESCO heritage sites showcase its rich cultural and natural legacy, from the Great Wall to Suzhou's classical gardens.

Questions about this section

What are China's iconic UNESCO sites?

China's UNESCO icons include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Army.

What are the highlights of the Bund in Shanghai?

The Bund blends colonial architecture with Pudong views, ideal for walks and fine dining.

Chinese Gastronomy

Chinese gastronomy celebrates diversity through eight regional cuisines and the refined art of tea ceremonies.

Chinese Art of Living

Chinese lifestyle blends ancient traditions with modern philosophies.

Questions about this section

What is unique about the Chinese tea ceremony?

Gongfu Cha focuses on the art of tea preparation, reflecting harmony and balance.

What influences Chinese traditional medicine?

Acupuncture, Tai Chi, and herbal remedies aim to balance vital energy (Qi).

Luxury Hotels in China

China's palaces blend heritage and innovation, from Beijing's imperial elegance to Shanghai's modernity and Hong Kong's cosmopolitan luxury.

Questions about this section

What are the best luxury hotels in Hong Kong?

Mandarin Oriental and The Peninsula are iconic; Rosewood and Four Seasons offer contemporary luxury.

Shopping in China

China offers diverse shopping experiences, from traditional markets to luxury boutiques in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Questions about this section

Which areas are best for shopping in China?

Shanghai's Bund and French Concession are ideal for luxury; Hong Kong excels in malls and markets.

Getting Around China

China's transport network blends modern efficiency with vast connectivity, from high-speed trains to world-class airports.

Questions about this section

What transport options are best for travelling in China?

High-speed trains are efficient for intercity travel; taxis and apps work well locally.

Events and Festivals

China's festivals blend millennia-old traditions with vibrant modern celebrations, from Lunar New Year to Mid-Autumn and Dragon Boat festivals.

Questions about this section

What events occur during Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year features parades, lion dances, and fireworks, celebrating family and tradition.

Practical Information

Key tips for travelling to China, from visa requirements to language and currency essentials.

Comparison tables

Travel Seasons in China
SeasonMonthsClimateCrowdsAdvice
PrintempsAvril-MaiTempéré, agréableModéréeIdéal pour explorer les sites UNESCO.
ÉtéJuin-AoûtChaud, humideÉlevéePrivilégier les régions montagneuses ou côtières.
AutomneSeptembre-NovembreTempéré, secModéréeParfait pour les paysages naturels.
HiverDécembre-FévrierFroid, secFaibleIdéal pour le ski ou les festivals locaux.

Climate data may vary by region.

Comparison of Palaces in China
NameStatusAmbianceHighlightsIndicative Budget
Aman Summer PalacePalace historiqueIntime, traditionnelProximité Palais d'étéÀ partir de 1500€/nuit
The Peninsula ShanghaiPalace moderneSophistiqué, Art DécoVue sur le Bund1000-2500€/nuit
Mandarin Oriental Hong KongÉtablissement emblématiqueÉlégance classiqueVue port VictoriaÀ partir de 2000€/nuit
Bulgari Hotel BeijingLuxe contemporainDesign italienArt et jardins privésÀ partir de 1800€/nuit

Representative selection of luxury properties.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants
RestaurantStarsCuisine TypeIndicative Budget
Xin Rong Ji (Pékin)3Cuisine ShandongÀ partir de 200€/personne
Ultraviolet (Shanghai)3ExpérimentalÀ partir de 500€/personne
The Eight (Macao)3CantonaiseÀ partir de 300€/personne
Lung King Heen (Hong Kong)3CantonaiseÀ partir de 250€/personne

Source: Michelin Guide 2023.

China Events Calendar
EventPeriodAudienceReservation
Nouvel An ChinoisJanvier-FévrierFamilles, touristesEssentielle pour les hôtels
Fête des Lanternes15ᵉ jour du Nouvel AnTout publicNon requise
Festival de la Mi-AutomneSeptembre-OctobreFamillesConseillée pour les restaurants
Golden Week1-7 OctobreNationauxHôtels et transports saturés

Dates may vary according to the lunar calendar.

Glossary

CRH/Fuxing
China's high-speed rail network, the most extensive globally.
French Concession
Historic district in Shanghai, known for its European architecture.
Gongfu Cha
Traditional Chinese tea ceremony, focused on art and precision.
MICHELIN Star
Culinary distinction awarded by the Michelin Guide, from 1 to 3 stars.
Mount Huangshan
UNESCO natural site, famous for pines and misty landscapes.
Palace (Atout France distinction)
A title for exceptional hotels in France, globally used for ultra-luxury hotels.
Peking Opera
A performing art blending singing, dance, and acrobatics, UNESCO-listed.
Shaolin Kung Fu
Famous Chinese martial art originating from the Shaolin Monastery.
Victoria Harbour
Iconic harbour in Hong Kong, famous for its night view.
Yabuli
Ski resort in Heilongjiang, known for winter competitions.

What to see and do

  • monument

    Great Wall of China

    Spanning over 21,000 km, the Great Wall symbolises the ingenuity of Chinese dynasties.

    Read more →
  • monument

    Forbidden City

    An imperial residence in Beijing, this 980-building complex is an architectural masterpiece.

    Read more →
  • museum

    Terracotta Army

    Discovered near Xi'an, this army of over 8,000 soldiers guards Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum.

    Read more →
  • park

    Classical Gardens of Suzhou

    These UNESCO-listed gardens showcase Chinese landscaping art from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

    Read more →
  • park

    West Lake in Hangzhou

    This UNESCO site is famed for its poetic landscapes and cultural significance.

    Read more →
  • monument

    Summer Palace in Beijing

    A masterpiece of Chinese garden art, blending nature with imperial architecture.

    Read more →
  • landmark

    Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

    An iconic luxury hotel with spectacular views over Victoria Harbour and Central.

  • landmark

    Rosewood Beijing

    A contemporary palace in Chaoyang, blending modern design with Chinese hospitality.

Practical information

Best time to visit
The best months to visit China are April-May and September-November, offering temperate weather for exploring cultural and natural sites.
Currency
Renminbi (RMB, ¥)
Languages
Mandarin (official), regional dialects (Cantonese, Wu, Min, etc.).
Airports
  • Aéroport international de Pékin-Capital(PEK)Located about 30 km from Beijing city centre.
  • Aéroport international de Shanghai-Pudong(PVG)Shanghai's main air hub, about 40 km from the city centre.
  • Aéroport international de Hong Kong(HKG)Located on Chek Lap Kok Island, about 35 km from Central.
Train stations
  • Gare de Pékin-SudStarting point for high-speed trains to Shanghai.
  • Gare de Shanghai-HongqiaoConnected to Hongqiao Airport, a major hub for high-speed trains.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit China?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit China.

How to travel to China from Europe?

Main entry points are Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, with direct flights from major European cities.

What are the best luxury hotels in China?

Top choices include Aman Summer Palace in Beijing and The Peninsula Shanghai.

What budget should I plan for a trip to China?

Premium trips include five-star hotels (€300-800/night) and fine dining.

Is China a safe destination for travellers?

China is generally safe with low crime rates; follow local rules and stay vigilant in crowded areas.

What languages are spoken in China?

Mandarin is official; English is understood in major cities and tourist areas.

What are the culinary specialities to try in China?

China's cuisine includes eight regional styles; Sichuan (spicy) and Cantonese (refined) are highlights.

What are the major cultural events in China?

Chinese New Year, celebrated in January or February, is the most festive event.

Is China suitable for a family trip?

Yes, with attractions like the Great Wall, Chengdu pandas, and theme parks.

Is China accessible for travellers with reduced mobility?

Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have accessible infrastructure, but historical sites can be challenging.

What is China's climate like across its regions?

China's climate varies: subtropical in the south, continental in the north.

What payment methods are accepted in China?

International cards are accepted in hotels; mobile payments dominate but require local accounts.

Is tipping expected in China?

Tipping isn't common in mainland China but is more accepted in Hong Kong.

How to stay connected to the Internet in China?

Wi-Fi is common, but a VPN is needed for blocked Western sites.

What are the visa requirements for China?

A tourist visa is required for mainland China; Hong Kong and Macau allow visa-free stays for many.

Palaces from our selection in China

15 five-star addresses curated by our concierge desk.

Sources & references

This editorial article is based on the following authoritative sources, listed here for transparency and reader verification.