China Castles & palaces + Mountain pictures

• Asia
• World

The capital of China combines the ornate delights of traditional culture with the vibrant life of a modern global city.

Stroll among the many trees, multi-coloured floral displays and holy structures in this fantastic escape from city life.

This majestic former summer residence of the Qing Dynasty is now a world heritage site and favourite Beijing attraction.

Relax local-style in this leafy urban park, where residents come to play cards in the shade, practice tai chi and enjoy the stunning city views from the hilltop pagoda.

Relax local-style in this leafy urban park, where residents come to play cards in the shade, practice tai chi and enjoy the stunning city views from the hilltop pagoda.

This majestic former summer residence of the Qing Dynasty is now a world heritage site and favourite Beijing attraction.

Relax local-style in this leafy urban park, where residents come to play cards in the shade, practice tai chi and enjoy the stunning city views from the hilltop pagoda.

Cycle, hike, rock climb or simply admire the wild mountainous scenery, then sit back and enjoy an extraordinary open-air show.

This majestic former summer residence of the Qing Dynasty is now a world heritage site and favourite Beijing attraction.

This majestic former summer residence of the Qing Dynasty is now a world heritage site and favourite Beijing attraction.

This majestic former summer residence of the Qing Dynasty is now a world heritage site and favourite Beijing attraction.

Cycle, hike, rock climb or simply admire the wild mountainous scenery, then sit back and enjoy an extraordinary open-air show.

Encounter parts of the Great Wall, visit very large cities and get a sense of the extraordinary culture in the birthplace of Chinese civilization.

This majestic former summer residence of the Qing Dynasty is now a world heritage site and favourite Beijing attraction.

Cycle, hike, rock climb or simply admire the wild mountainous scenery, then sit back and enjoy an extraordinary open-air show.

Be dazzled by the gold-and-red heart of Asia, featuring rugged mountain landscapes, huge fast-paced cities and breathtaking monuments to ancient culture.

This majestic former summer residence of the Qing Dynasty is now a world heritage site and favourite Beijing attraction.

Appreciate the historic Bai architecture, admire the city walls and enjoy mountain views from the heart of this lakeside district.

Appreciate the historic Bai architecture, admire the city walls and enjoy mountain views from the heart of this lakeside district.

Home to one of the world’s oldest ancient cannons, this military site once played an important role in China’s defense.