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
Zhengzhou
Ancient cultural relics, martial arts
and captivating nature
With at least 3,500 years of history, Zhengzhou is one of China’s oldest cities. Ruins of this ancient Shang Dynasty city’s walls are a reminder to locals of a storied past. Carved bone figurines and vessels from the bronze foundries which survived the city’s extensive WWII bombing are on show in the pyramid-shaped Henan Museum.
Bustling shopping malls and upmarket fashion boutiques cluster along Dunmu Road north of the train station, although the shopping is at its most fervent at sleeker mega-malls like The Mixc. There are plenty of delightful Chinese craftworks from the local area on sale too, such as Miyu jade jewellery and delicate lacquerware handicrafts.
The powerful Yellow River flows past the north of the city and in the Scenic Area, Zhengzhou’s prettiest park, you can marvel at the two huge carved stone heads and amble along forest paths. Zhengzhou People’s Park is a calm oasis in the city frequented by locals, and a great place to wander through the bamboo forest to work up an appetite. Sample local cuisine, like lǐ yú bèi miàn, baked carp with noodles, or the more typical dish of hui mian noodles, from one of the city’s many restaurants or street food vendors. Zhengzhou is surrounded by picturesque mountains such as Songshan, one of the Five Great Mountains of China. Nearby, enduring Chinese culture originated at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shaolin Monastery, which is set amid rolling verdant hills. The martial art of kung fu was created here and Chan Buddhist monks continue to practise the discipline under the ornately painted eaves. Zhengzhou hosts the Shaolin Wushu Festival, drawing kung fu practitioners from across the globe.
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.
Foshan
With a seamless blend of modern energy and ancient customs, Foshan is a 21st-century powerhouse backed by 5,000 years of history. As well as being the city of Bruce Lee, it’s also home to rich musical and creative traditions.
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.
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.
