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Destination of the Month

Discover Your Next Adventure with Destination of the Month

Welcome to our Destination of the Month, your passport to epic travel inspiration and a healthy dose of wanderlust. Every month, we shine the spotlight on a holiday destination that might not be on your radar... or maybe one that’s been patiently waiting to leap from your bucket list.

From the mystical ruins of Peru and sugar-soft sands of the Caribbean to the epic landscapes of Australia, wildlife wonders of South Africa, and everywhere in between, we take you behind the scenes to uncover the hidden gems, local secrets, and must-do experiences that make each destination truly shine. With expertly crafted tours, unforgettable cruises, blissful beach escapes, and culture-packed city breaks, all sprinkled with out-of-the-box magic and exclusive offers, who knows where your curiosity could lead?

Check back each month to see which incredible place takes centre stage next. Your next dream holiday could be waiting in the wings for its moment in the spotlight!

Featured Destination of the Month Offers

Cruise Asia

China Travel Guide | The Surprising Destination You'll Wonder Why You Didn't Visit Sooner

China Travel Guide | The Surprising Destination You'll Wonder Why You Didn't Visit Sooner

China doesn't do things by halves. Cities rise into the clouds. Ancient temples sit beside futuristic skylines. Mountains look like they've been plucked from a painting, and even a simple meal can turn into one of the highlights of your trip. Yet despite being home to some of the world's greatest wonders and holiday experiences, China still feels like one of travel's best-kept secrets. Until now!

Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel

With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching – our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.

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More About This Month's Destination

Terracotta Army, Xi'an

Ancient Wonders & Imperial Legends

China is a living museum, where history doesn’t sit behind glass - it surrounds you. Walk the Great Wall as it snakes across mountains, explore Beijing’s Forbidden City where Ming- and Qing-dynasty emperors ruled for over 500 years, or stand in awe before the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. These legendary landmarks are cornerstones of any China holiday, offering glimpses into dynasties, myths, and monumental ambition that still echo today.

Beijing skyline, China

Cities That Never Stop Evolving

From futuristic skylines to hidden hutongs, China’s cities are electric and endlessly surprising. While Shanghai shimmers with neon lights, rooftop bars, and river views, ever-popular Beijing blends imperial grandeur with buzzing modern culture. But what other cities can you add to your bucket list? Chengdu charms with teahouses, pandas, and laid-back vibes, and Hong Kong fuses east-meets-west energy with dramatic harbour scenery. Each city adds a new rhythm to your China travel story.

Giant Panda eating bamboo

Natural Beauty on a Giant Scale

China’s landscapes feel straight out of a fantasy novel. Cruise between limestone karsts in Guilin, photograph mirror-like rice terraces in Longsheng, trek the colourful valleys of Jiuzhaigou or wander Zhangjiajie’s soaring stone pillars, the inspiration for blockbuster Avatar. China has many natural beauties, but perhaps our favourite? The giant pandas of Sichuan province. A journey southwest to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must for animal lovers wanting to see these nationally treasured bears.

Chinese dim sum

A Culinary Adventure

Chinese cuisine is not one flavour: it’s a thousand delicious identities. Savour fiery Sichuan dishes that tingle and thrill, delicate Cantonese dim sum, hearty northern dumplings, and fragrant Yunnan specialities. From street-side noodles to elegant banquet feasts, every region tells its own food story. Tea ceremonies, night markets, and local kitchens make China holidays a dream for adventurous eaters. And foodie tours allow you to really savour the tastes of China, one province at a time.

Chinese New Year celebrations, dragon surrounded by confetti

Festivals, Traditions & Living Culture

Want to kick your bucket list up a notch? Time your trip with Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, or Golden Week and watch the country burst into colour, fireworks, and celebration. Dragon dances, glowing lanterns, temple fairs, and family feasts showcase traditions passed down for generations. But don’t worry, even outside festival season, everyday rituals like tai chi in parks, calligraphy practice, and evening dances, offer beautiful insight into daily Chinese life.

Bamboo rafting on the Li River

Unique Experiences for the Whole Family

China isn’t just about famous landmarks; it’s a country full of one-of-a-kind experiences. Imagine bamboo rafting along the Li River, experiencing Tibetan culture in Lhasa, or joining a lantern-making workshop in a centuries-old village. Taste tea in a misty Wuyi Mountain plantation, learn Kung Fu from the masters, ride a bullet train, hike Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, or attend a traditional opera in the ancient Zheng Yici Opera Theatre. We know all the best hidden gems and top tours.

Travel Guide

China spans an extraordinary range of climates, landscapes, and experiences. From subtropical south to cool northern plains, there’s always somewhere perfect to explore year-round.

  • Average flight time: 10-12 Hours
  • Most suited for: Culture seekers, Foodies & Adventure Lovers
  • Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB)
  • Time Difference: +8 Hours
  • Best time to visit: Year-round

Weather in Beijing

Average monthly temperature in Beijing (°C)

  • Jan -3°C
  • Feb 0°C
  • Mar 6°C
  • Apr 14°C
  • May 21°C
  • Jun 25°C
  • Jul 27°C
  • Aug 25°C
  • Sep 21°C
  • Oct 13°C
  • Nov 5°C
  • Dec -2°C

Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel

With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching - our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.

Call our experts

Contact the Hays Travel long-haul holiday experts today for personalised advice and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.

0800 098 2977

Enquire today

Submit an enquiry today and one of our experienced Hays Travel holiday experts will get back to you as soon as possible.

Visit us in branch

Visit the Hays Travel holiday experts in branch today for personalised advice, inspiration, and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.