Shanghai
Shanghai (上海) offers one of China's strongest combinations of historical architecture, global business, contemporary skyline, dining and nightlife.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen (深圳) is particularly interesting for technology, electric vehicles, new urban development and proximity to Hong Kong.
Chongqing
Chongqing (重庆) feels unusually three-dimensional.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou (广州) combines Cantonese culture, major commercial districts, modern skyline and historic neighborhoods.
The point
Modern China is not one skyline.
Different cities represent different models of contemporary urban China.
Want the whole handbook offline?
See all chapters
All 80 chapters in one printable PDF, for no-signal days in China. Every chapter stays free here.
Last verified 2026-10-05. Procedures and limits change — check official sources before you travel.