China hotels that are in the heart of the action

Once you arrive, you'll never want to leave this piece of paradise. It's the pique of perfect with a private beach at your beck and call, outdoor pool, in-house spa and breathtaking views that could very much stretch onto forever.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: Yalong Bay National Resort District, Yalong Bay, Sanya
• Why we love it: This is a side of China you don't see too often, reminiscent of tropical islands though without the price tag.

Located two minutes from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, The Peninsula is one of the most emblematic hotels in the capital. It stands out for its spectacular Chinese-style entrance.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: 8 Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing, Dongcheng, Beijing
• Why we love it: This hotel is all luxury, from its stunning pool to spacious rooms. It's got an impeccable 9.9 guest rating through HotelsCombined.

W Guangzhou boasts impressive architecture, including a three-tier waterfall at the entrance and a three-story glass gallery suspended along the building. This hotel is centrally located and has multiple awards to its name.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: No 26 Xian Cun Road, Pearl River New Town, Tianhe, Guangzhou
• Why we love it: For anyone seeking a luxe and action-filled stay, the W has plush rooms and an in-house nightclub, so you can dance all night long.

Sheraton Huzhou has an unusual design and is in the form of a ring rising from the south bank of Taihu Lake in Huzhou. It offers easy access to the nearby hot springs and bamboo forests.

• Star rating: 4.5 stars
• Location: No. 5858 Taihu Road, Changxing, Huzhou
• Why we love it: The Sheraton is known the world over for its iconic shape. Make it your next Instagram hero pic.

The St. Regis Shenzhen is located on the 28 upper floors of Kingkey 100, the tallest building in Shenzhen. The hotel's 28-meter indoor pool comes with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer fantastic views of the city.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: No. 5016 Shennan Road East, Luoho District, Futian, Shenzhen
• Why we love it: Every feasible wall within this hotel has sprawling window panes, letting you capture those panoramic city views.

The Okura Garden Hotel is located in the heart of the old French Concession west of the Huangpu River. It was built by the French between 1924 and 1926 and the decor reflects the hotel’s French heritage. The Shanghai Municipality considers the Okura Garden Hotel to be an architectural heritage site.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: 58 Mao Ming Nan Road, Huangpu, Shanghai,
• What we love about it: In a city overun with high-rise, this hotel prides itself for its well groomed and ample garden space.

Once you arrive, you'll never want to leave this piece of paradise. It's the pique of perfect with a private beach at your beck and call, outdoor pool, in-house spa and breathtaking views that could very much stretch onto forever.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: Yalong Bay National Resort District, Yalong Bay, Sanya
• Why we love it: This is a side of China you don't see too often, reminiscent of tropical islands though without the price tag.

Contemporary style meets Chinese tradition in the illustrious The Westin. This architectural feat draws in the youthful with its quirky shape and in-house night club and beauty parlour and naturally there's 24/7 access and service to suit.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: No.396-398 Xian Yue Road, Siming, Xiamen
• Why we love it: It's quirky design and spacious rooms gives it a certain character we're smitten with.

Drawing inspiration from its surroundings, this hotel is designed to resemble a temple and continues the theme inside with brilliant reds and golds adorning common areas and bedrooms. To assist travellers, it offers free on-site parking as well as a tour desk if you'd prefer someone else take the lead.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: 10 Renmin North Rd 1st Section, Jinniu Qu, Chengdu Shi
• Why we love it: It's all about comfort within the walls of Tibet Hotel with large beds and spacious rooms and bathrooms to lounge around in.

Once you arrive, you'll never want to leave this piece of paradise. It's the pique of perfect with a private beach at your beck and call, outdoor pool, in-house spa and breathtaking views that could very much stretch onto forever.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: Yalong Bay National Resort District, Yalong Bay, Sanya
• Why we love it: This is a side of China you don't see too often, reminiscent of tropical islands though without the price tag.

Stay close to the city's most popular attractions without busting the budget at this well-received hotel. It's a 4-star chain with all the trimmings including free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, family rooms, buffet breakfast and Chinese restaurant.

• Star rating: 4 stars
• Location: 90 Jingwei Street, Daoli, Harbin
• Why we love it: It's central location is the Holiday Inn's real shining point, as well as its wealth of rooms making it suitable for large groups on tour.

Stay close to everything without sacrificing comfort in this 5-star hotel. From its front door you can stroll to Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Quancheng Square and spring ancient street. Shops are connected to the building on the ground level - as is a nightclub.

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Location: 3 Tian Di Tan Street, Lixia, Jinan
• Why we love it: The InterContinential Jian is built with a green ecological design.