Holidays in China

The great wonders in China include Beijing's imposing Forbidden City and Xi’an’s mystical Terracotta Warriors, dating back thousands of years. When you've filled up on culture, you can feast upon the incredibly varied food, from

spicy Sichuan to southern stir-fries.

From ancient history to wondrous sights: Discover China

Amazing ancient history, deliciously eclectic food, stunning scenery, world-famous landmarks and dazzling cities…

We think trips to China should be on everyone’s bucket list. Everyone’s. Whether you’re an explorer itching for your next adventure, a family looking for something a bit different or simply someone that just needs a break somewhere far, far away, China holidays have something truly unforgettable to offer you.

With beautifully diverse landscapes and fascinating cultures to immerse yourself in, China is the ideal destination for trips of all kinds. Planning holidays to China can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start, but don’t fret, we’ve got this — here’s our top tips for the best things to see and do in this phenomenal country.

Culture and sightseeing in China

Our fantastic China tour packages take you to some of the most incredible places in the country. Combine China package holidays with a tour (or two!) for the trip of a lifetime. Alternatively, you can do things your own way. However you choose to do it, don’t miss these cultural highlights:

Adventurers and culture fanatics have got to explore Beijing’s Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 9,999 rooms filled with artifacts, it’s the largest ancient palatial structure in the world (at twice the size of the Vatican) and the singular most popular tourist destination in China.

Visit Xi’an to see the Great Mosque of Xi’an, as well as the ancient Ming-era city walls, the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi. The labyrinthine Muslim Quarter is not to be missed, and the many pagodas and museums are worth setting some time aside for, too.

Climb the 240 steps on Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest outlying island, to the 111-foot Tian Tan Buddha, or ‘Big Buddha’ statue. Ride a cable car from Tung Chung for spectacular views of the island and the South China Sea.

China’s wildlife and adventure

Animal lovers, take a tour of the exhibits at Chendu’s giant panda research centre, a sanctuary that breeds and cares for these amazing endangered animals, as well as other pandas and over 20 other species’ too. China is also home to two zoos, and both Beijing and Chongging Zoos offer a fun day out for all the family.

If boat tours are your thing, there’s nothing quite like meandering along the Yangtze, the world’s third largest river, with the most popular stretch being The Three Gorges (the Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges are truly spectacular).

Of course, trips to China would be incomplete without experiencing the Great Wall of China first hand, and you’ve got to do it in style — take a cable car to the restored Mutianyu section for breathtaking views of the Great Wall and the surrounding scenery. You can even take a toboggan down for a bit of extra excitement.

Luxury holidays to China

A little bit of extra luxury with your holiday is the way to go, and our selection of China holiday packages are all a cut above the rest. Sip a cocktail by the pool with fantastic views of Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon skyline at the Harbour Grand Hong Kong, and when you can pull yourself away, get some retail therapy in the upscale department stores of Kowloon.

Our Platinum hotel, InterContinental Hong Kong, offers luxury like you’ve never experienced it before, with 2-Michelin Star restaurants and 3 temperature infinity pools. Plus, take luxury one step further and upgrade to a Harbour View room for one of the greatest views in the world. Luxury China holidays done right.

Where to eat and drink in China

With world-famous dishes and cuisines, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something <em>bad</em> to eat in this deliciously diverse country, but with so much choice, where do you start? Here’s our recommendations for the best food and drink spots that make China holidays extra special:

Visit the ancient trading route of Silk Road in Shanghai for incredible bowls of noodles and the best Peking Duck you’ve ever tasted. Lost Heaven Silk Road is a fusion restaurant like no other, expertly blending cuisine from across China and other parts of Asia to create dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
Hop between the many coffee shops, bars and restaurants in the arty enclave of Tianzifang, Shanghai (and browse the beautiful craft boutiques and shops for souvenirs while you’re there).
The Michelin-Starred dining at the Kowloon Shangri-La or Intercontinental, Hong Kong is divine. With multiple restaurants to choose from at each hotel, every meal will be a dining experience to remember.

The best of China’s events and festivals

If you visit at the right time, holidays to China can involve cultural festivals you’ll never forget. Some events for your diary:

It goes without saying that Chinese New Year, which falls in January/February each year, is the key annual event. The festival lasts until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar month — expect plenty of food, fireworks and festivities. Head to one of the colourful temple fairs in Beijing or see the beautiful traditional Lion Dance performances in Guangzhou. If you’re in Hong Kong, you’re in luck: the fireworks display is truly spectacular.
Held in May/June each year, around the summer solstice, is the Duanwu (Dragon Boat) Festival, held in many cities on water. It’s been running for 2000 years and there’s nothing quite like it. Grab some of the traditional celebratory Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and watch the race of colourful dragon-shaped boats.

Now we’ve convinced you that China is the one to visit (and we have, haven’t we?), check out our China package holidays and hotel deals — you’ll be gazing down at the Great Wall from your cable car before you know it!