China Unlocked
Beyond the Great Wall
China is a country of staggering contrasts, where ancient dynasties, futuristic skylines, sacred mountains and vast natural landscapes exist side by side. From imperial capitals and giant pandas to high-speed railways and dramatic national parks, China constantly balances tradition with relentless modern transformation.
Beijing and Dalian
Beijing combines imperial grandeur with modern ambition, where ancient palaces, vast public squares and futuristic architecture reveal China's past and future in one city. By contrast, coastal Dalian offers a more relaxed atmosphere, blending beaches, green spaces and distinctive Russian-influenced heritage.
Chengdu and Leshan
Chengdu is famous worldwide for giant pandas, relaxed teahouse culture and Sichuan cuisine, while nearby Leshan is home to the enormous eighth-century Giant Buddha carved directly into a cliff face above the meeting point of three powerful rivers.
China spans five time zones, borders fourteen countries and is the third-largest country by total land area.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou is one of China's great commercial cities, combining centuries of maritime trading history with rapid modern development. Towering skyscrapers stand beside traditional temples and lively street markets, while the Pearl River waterfront reflects the city's energy, prosperity and global outlook.
Shanghai
Shanghai is China's most dazzling modern metropolis, famous for futuristic skyscrapers, colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife beside the Huangpu River. Beneath the glass towers and luxury shopping streets lies a city deeply connected to its history, culture and international identity.
Wuhan
Wuhan stands at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Han rivers and has long been one of China's most important transport and industrial centres. Vast in scale and rapidly modernising, the city blends historic landmarks, universities and striking contemporary urban development.
Xi'an
Xi'an was once the eastern starting point of the Silk Road and served as China's imperial capital for centuries. Today, it is best known for the extraordinary Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, Buddhist pagodas and a fascinating blend of Chinese and Islamic heritage.
Xining
Xining sits on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and acts as a cultural crossroads between Han Chinese, Tibetan and Muslim traditions. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, the city offers monasteries, bustling markets and an important gateway into western China and Tibet.
Zhangjiajie National Park
Zhangjiajie National Park is one of China's most spectacular natural landscapes, famous for towering sandstone pillars which inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Deep valleys, glass bridges, cable cars and forest trails create an unforgettable landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.
The China videos
Eight short videos from the journey — click any thumbnail to open it on YouTube.
Take the full travel guide with you
The downloadable travel guide provides a detailed commentary along with a collection of pictures. The guide is intended to inform and encourage you.