Journey Friday: China

China is a place where you can eat breakfast beside a 600-year-old palace wall and end the night under a neon skyline. It has ancient heritage, dynamic cities, and landscapes that shift from limestone peaks to tea terraces. It suits curious explorers, history enthusiasts, and food lovers alike.

How long and when to go

Plan at least 8 nights, but two weeks lets you add the landscapes and slow the pace. The best seasons are March to May and September to November. If you want a river cruise (usually 4-5 nights), November is a lovely time.

Beijing: imperial power and culture

Start with the Forbidden City, the Ming dynasty palace at the heart of the capital. Nearby, the Monument to the People's Heroes anchors Tiananmen Square. Set aside a day for the Great Wall, ideally at a less crowded section. Then visit the Lama Temple, where incense drifts through some of the city's most atmospheric halls.

For shopping, stroll Wangfujing, where historic streets meet modern malls and snack stalls.

Where to stay:

• The Peninsula Beijing is a luxurious base steps from Wangfujing.

• Grand Hyatt Beijing is the best pick for families, with space and a central location.

Xi'an: the Terracotta Warriors

Fit Xi'an in between Beijing and Shanghai. Standing before thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, guarding an emperor for over 2,000 years, is a highlight of any China trip.

Shanghai: the city of the future

Shanghai feels like the 1990s fast-forwarded. The Huangpu River splits the city in two: colonial-era buildings line the Bund on one side, and futuristic towers rise in Pudong on the other. Don't miss:

• Shanghai World Financial Center for skyline views

• Shanghai Museum at People's Square, for bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy

• Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, to see the city's growth in miniature

• Shanghai Folk Art Museum, for traditional crafts and culture

• Yu Garden, a serene Ming dynasty garden in the old city

• Nanjing Road, for shopping and people-watching

Where to stay:

• Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund for classic glamour and river views

• Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li for a quiet, low-key retreat in restored lane houses

Hangzhou: tea and lakeside calm

Just a one-hour train ride from Shanghai, Hangzhou is an easy escape. Wander the tea fields, then see the show on the lake at dusk.

Guilin and Yangshuo: China's green heart

Cruise the Li River past limestone peaks and emerald rice fields. It's the postcard China you've seen in paintings.

Chengdu: pandas and Sichuan flavors

Visit the Giant Panda Reserve early in the morning, when the pandas are most active. Then eat your way through Sichuan cuisine, which food lovers will not want to miss.