From the archive: down the Yangtze with Paul Theroux, 1982
Despite the big filthy cities alongside it, the travel writer finds the river largely unchanged over hundreds of years. By Chris Hall
September 2021
Forbidden territory: on horseback to the source of one of Earth’s most formidable rivers
In this extract from his new book, Colin Thubron is in Genghis Khan country, tracking the source of the mighty Amur in Mongolia
April 2020
The bittersweet story of Marina Abramović's epic walk on the Great Wall of China
In 1988 Abramović and Ulay trekked from opposite ends of the wall to meet in the middle – but this Herculean act of love and performance art was doomed from the start
March 2020
From the Observer archive
From the archive: Martin Amis on tour with Elton John and Watford FC
For reasons unknown, the revitalised football club and their glamorous chairman travel to China
February 2020
What to do if you have booked a trip to China from the UK
The FCO has updated advice on travel to China in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. Here’s what you need to know – about flights, insurance, cancelling or booking alternatives
January 2020
‘The Godfather of trains’: the Trans-Mongolian from Moscow to Beijing
World’s fastest driverless bullet train launches in China
May 2019
My best shot
EC Tong's best photograph: a huge-scale recreation of Chinese harvests past
‘It’s an open-air show about life in Lijiang long ago, using Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a backdrop’
December 2018
Hong Kong hotlist
Find serenity (or 10,000 Buddhas) in Hong Kong’s top temples
Hong Kong hotlist
Hong Kong's brilliant beach escapes
November 2018
China's new high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou
China will be the world’s top tourist destination by 2030, by which time a vast network of high-speed rail services will link the country. We take the first bullet train out of Hong Kong
Beyond Beijing: six Chinese cities you need to know
By 2030 China will overtake France as the world’s largest tourist destination, making culturally rich cities such as Suzhou, Lanzhou and Qingdao major attractions
China will be the world’s most visited country by 2030
Hong Kong hotlist
Hong Kong at night: mixology, a jailbird bar and floodlit horse races
The Guardian picture essay
Tea and history: an evocative brew in Chengdu, China
October 2018
Hong Kong hotlist
Hong Kong’s best views: from the Peak to the penthouse
In a city as vertiginous as Hong Kong, there are stunning views around every corner – both manmade and natural
September 2018
A backpacker’s guide to China: a one-month itinerary
Hong Kong hotlist
Beyond dim sum: a guide to Hong Kong's international cuisine
August 2018
Hong Kong hotlist
Trinkets, T-shirts and toys: discover Hong Kong’s retro shopping scene
Skip the shiny malls and dig beneath the surface for a taste of Hong Kong’s vintage cool – from propaganda posters to secondhand Prada
July 2018
Hong Kong’s fight to save its neon shimmer – a photo essay
Neon signs once dominated Hong Kong’s skyline but are under threat from new regulations and technology. Fortunately, heritage groups are working to preserve them
