Asia and the Pacific
A vast nation with regions boasting unique experiences, climates and cuisines, every corner of China poses a spellbinding attraction. Booming modern metropolises are intertwined with rich history and traditions, while enchanting natural scenery provides further allure.
Beijing is a bureaucrat’s town that also happens to be packed with beautiful, powerful sights like the Forbidden City. From Beijing, the Great Wall of China is a straightforward, must-do excursion. Stand atop this world-renowned ancient structure and watch it weave into the distance and over the horizon.
Shanghai is Beijing’s noisier, cooler little sister, a city with a more cosmopolitan feel and a diverse range of nightlife venues and restaurants. Walk down The Bund and check out the juxtaposition of architecturally daring modern skyscrapers and 19th-century structures.
Guangzhou, close to the iconic and energetic metropolis of Hong Kong, is an up-and-coming Chinese destination at the mouth of the Pearl River. It has its own handful of incredibly ancient relics, a booming designer hotel scene and a sub-tropical climate that in the winter makes a welcome change from the cooler north. Hong Kong itself is one of China’s most famous business and touristic hubs, where a busy skyline contrasts with verdant mountainside and the dazzling waters of Kowloon Bay.
Shenzhen on the south China coast is synonymous with innovation. This strikingly futuristic city features several thriving technology districts and serves as a gateway between Hong Kong and the mainland. Admire breathtaking architectural feats, embellished with LED lights at nightfall, and stroll through airy, picturesque parks that interrupt the urban jungle.
Head north along the coast to discover Hangzhou, one of China’s ancient capitals famed for its tranquil lakes, historical sites and traditional architecture. Explore hilltop pavilions, shrouded in local mythology, and savour mesmeric views over the Qiantang River.
Taipei, situated in the north of Taiwan, offers a livelier nightlife but still retains a traditional charm, with temples and fascinating museums complementing thriving music, shopping and culinary scenes. The city is also underpinned by staggering natural beauty, from the rolling hills of Yangmingshan National Park to the hot springs of the Beitou District.