Beijing
Skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old temples on the broad boulevards of the Chinese capital. A new creative culture thrives along hútòng alleys, while world-class dining and high-end shopping define modern life in the
Foshan
Martial arts, traditional ceramics
and Cantonese opera
Standing on the Pearl River Delta and effortlessly bridging the gap between ancient and modern, Foshan wears its illustrious history with pride. It’s a beguiling mix of waterside skyscrapers and centuries-old alleys, and you’ll find that many cornerstones of Cantonese culture have their origins here.
Reconnect with the city’s colourful past as you pay homage to martial-arts superstar Bruce Lee among the memorabilia at his Ancestral Home, or get in touch with the local vibe by joining a morning Tai chi class in Jihua Park. Revisit Shiwan Town’s ceramics stores and you’ll recognise pottery styles that have been popular for 500 years, from reproduction Ming vases to porcelain figures playing ancient instruments.
The old and new co-exist peacefully. Watch spirited Lion Dance and classical Cantonese opera performances at Foshan Ancestral Temple, and then shop for Western designer brands at glittering Baihua Plaza mall nearby. Relive the Foshan of old along carnival-like Tian Yifang Women’s Street, a prime spot for picking up dazzling embroidered silks, puppets dressed in red and gold, and jade trinkets. Trawl for indie fashions in the ornate, stonework mansions of leafy Lingnan Tiandi and sip green tea in its traditional teahouses, or visit after dark as the area becomes a neon-lit bar and clubbing hub.
Foshan’s culinary skill matches its status as a cultural hotspot. Dine out in style at global restaurants around Shunde District, or rekindle your passion for Cantonese street snacks like shrimp-stuffed wonton noodles and rice-flour Xiqiao pancakes at Ririxian Food Street.
Discover also
Dongguan
An intriguing blend of laid-back charm and pulsating energy, Dongguan sits on the Pearl River Delta. The catalyst for the Opium Wars is fast becoming an eco-destination, thanks to the necklace of greenery wrapped around its heart.
Guangzhou
As a bright star in China’s economic boom, many people come to Guangzhou on business, but return to explore its traditional shopping streets and incense-infused temples, or sample Cantonese yum cha eateries at their best.
Jinan
Jinan is known for its artesian wells, many of which are set in serene parks, but it’s also a gateway to China’s spiritual heartland. The home of Confucius and the country’s most sacred mountain are close to the “City of
Pingdu
A gateway to scenic wildlife areas and mountain trails, manufacturing hub Pingdu lies at the heart of Shandong’s productive agricultural belt, so it’s no surprise that residents enjoy fine teas and cuisine using local
Qingdao
The thought of Qingdao brings beer and beaches to mind, but scratch beneath the surface of this Yellow Sea resort, and you’ll find delicate cuisine featuring locally caught seafood, cute colonial streets and revered mountains.
Shanghai
A thriving cultural, culinary and commercial centre, Shanghai is the engine room of China’s economic boom. The pulsating metropolis is a place where ancient sites like Jing’an Temple sit comfortably beside ultra-modern towers.
Shenzhen
A new economic powerhouse with an eye to the future, Shenzhen has risen at breakneck speed beside the Pearl River. Peep behind the gloss to rediscover a city that continues to cherish its Buddhist heritage and Cantonese cuisine.
Wuhan
The capital of Hubei province, Wuhan draws crowds with its Yellow Crane Tower, a replica of the Qing-era marvel, but hidden wonders await in this huge city.
Xi'an
Best known for its terracotta warriors, Xi’an once marked the eastern end of the fabled Silk Road. Brimming with historic landmarks, from the Bell and Drum Towers to the Great Mosque, the ancient city also embraces modern China.
Xiamen
While well known for the Nanputuo Temple and its verdant gardens, along with the historic Hulishan Cannon Fort, the cosmopolitan oasis of Xiamen is fast becoming popular for its blend of beachside charm and modern city living.
Zhengzhou
Tree-lined avenues and restaurants serving Henanese cuisine set the tone for modern Zhengzhou. Yet kung fu and Bronze Age artefacts also come to mind when you think of the city, with its Shaolin temple and ancient ruins located
Ürümqi
Central Asia and China are juxtaposed in Ürümqi’s lively bazaars and shopping malls, Silk Road ruins and modern skyscrapers, and its minarets and pagodas. Uyghur heritage lends the city and its cuisine a unique flavour.
