China’s vast history dates back at least five millennia and ensures that any visitor leaves wowed by the places and people that have defined it, from emperors to warriors and philosophers to priests.

Xi’an

Ancient City Wall Ruins Park, Copyright: iStock

Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, is an ancient Imperial city known the world over as the home of the extraordinary Bingmayong, or Terracotta Army: the more than 2,000 life-size clay soldiers guarding the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China who was buried in 210 BC. Seeing them in person truly takes the breath away.

Terracotta Army, Copyright: iStock

Giant Goose Pagoda, Copyright: iStock

This UNESCO World Heritage site sits just outside the city and is easily reached from the elegant The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an. The hotel’s interiors pay homage to the region’s unique architecture, history and culture through patterned motifs created by local artisans. 

For guests staying at W Xi’an, Woobar is arguably the city’s hottest spot for nightlife and buzzing gatherings, while step-out balconies offer panoramas of Qu Jiang, the city’s most exclusive district, home to luxury retail and cultural treasures alike.

At JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an Southwest, guests enjoy views of the Wall Site Park which dates from the Tang Dynasty as well as immersive experiences based on the historical stories and sites that surround them, combining for a special blend of tradition with modern luxury.

W Xi’an

The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an

Beijing

Beijing skyline, Copyright: iStock

The Chinese capital of Beijing, meanwhile, boasts countless national treasures and ancient sites like the Forbidden City, the former Imperial Palace, along with The National Museum of China with its vast collection of priceless relics. They are both within easy reach of The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street, as is the extraordinary sight of the Mutianyu section of The Great Wall of China. The hotel’s design is based on traditional oriental cultural aesthetics, while experiences include traditional Chinese tea ceremonies that also reveal much about the country’s past.

Ancient royal palaces of the Forbidden City, Copyright: iStock

The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing

Shanghai

The Bund, Copyright: iStock

Another destination famed and beloved for its storied history is Shanghai. China’s largest city with 26 million people became especially renowned in the early 20th century, a period reflected in elegant Art-Deco-style architecture along The Bund, an elegant sweep of buildings overlooking the Huangpu River.

An alluring mix of traditional glamour and futuristic style, W Shanghai sits on The Bund and offers sublime views over the river and Pudong skyline beyond, while WET® Bar is a Shanghai rooftop icon, perfect for a martini – and maybe an envy-inducing Instagram post.

 Jing’an Temple, Copyright: iStock

Yuyuan Garden, Copyright: iStock

Shanghai’s history dates back much longer, however, as seen at Yuyuan Garden, the Temple of Confucius and the Shanghai Museum, with its stunning collections including bronzes, ceramics, painting, calligraphy and sculpture.

The Pudong district is more recent, having been founded in 1870 as an industrial area, but today it boasts one of the world’s most extraordinary silhouettes of futuristic skyscrapers. Nowhere is that more visible than from Flair, the 58th-floor bar at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong which offers unforgettable views and experiences – just like China itself.

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

W Shanghai