Burberry and Chinese National Geography collaborate on documentary series celebrating China’s great outdoors

Featuring friends of the brand and special guests wearing Burberry’s signature outerwear, the series follows journeys through some of China’s most spectacular landscapes. Each episode is driven by curiosity, spotlighting local cultures and communities while venturing into the outdoors to explore the country’s diverse environments.

Showcasing China’s natural wonders, the series reflects Burberry’s long-standing affinity for the outdoors. Since 1856, the brand has championed the spirit of adventure. Founder Thomas Burberry was an outdoors enthusiast and had the vision to protect people from the weather. He invented breathable, weatherproof and durable gabardine in 1879, revolutionising outerwear and allowing people to the freedom to embrace the elements.

The first episode of ‘Expedition with Burberry’ uncovers the secrets of Xi’an and the Qinling Mountains with Burberry brand ambassador Chen Kun, guided by Li Shuanke and Zhang Chenliang of Chinese National Geography magazine. A natural barrier dividing northern and southern China, the Qinling range creates strikingly contrasting climates and landscapes. The journey begins in the ancient city of Xi’an, exploring Tang dynasty landmarks such as the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and experiencing national cultural heritage through a performance of Huayin Laoqiang, a traditional form of Chinese folk music. The team then travels from the Hanzhong Tiankeng at the mountains’ southern base towards the central range.

The documentary’s premiere gives unprecedented views into the Qinling Mountains, revealing wildflowers, ancient forests, meadows and the Stone Seas, created by glaciers more than two million years ago. Two more episodes will showcase other natural wonders across China.

‘Through ‘Expedition with Burberry’, we are thrilled to explore China’s natural and cultural landscapes with Chinese National Geography. This meaningful collaboration is a sincere tribute to China’s profound cultural heritage and precious ecological environment, encouraging people to reconnect with nature, honour local cultures and embrace the timeless exploratory spirit at the heart of our brand.’

Josie Zhang

President of Burberry Greater China‘Thomas Burberry’s pursuit of outdoor exploration resonates with our philosophy of documenting nature and caring for the ecology. China possesses one of the world’s few complete horizontal natural zones – from the Qinling Mountains, a geographical dividing line, to its plateaus and glaciers – offering vast horizons for scientific discovery. This collaboration blends geographical understanding with immersive natural experiences, inviting us to reconsider the relationship between humanity and nature. Through ‘Expedition with Burberry’, we hope to present the authentic geographical landscapes of China and respond to the universal concern for natural habitats. Respecting nature and cherishing local culture is an attitude our times demand.’

Li Shuanke

President and Editor-in-Chief of Chinese National Geography

Notes Chinese National Geography

Chinese National Geography is one of China’s most influential scientific journals. Guided by its mission ‘open the door to nature, reveal the essence of humanity’, it covers geography, ecology, environment and culture alongside history and exploration. Its reporting spans all 34 provincial-level regions of China, as well as landscapes and cultures worldwide, highlighting the planet’s natural and cultural diversity. The magazine also places strong emphasis on climate change, ecological conservation and sustainable development, promoting understanding of the relationship between humans and nature while advancing environmental awareness and scientific literacy.

Li Shuanke

Li Shuanke is a Researcher at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and President and Editor-in-Chief of Chinese National Geography.

He specialises in geomorphology and Quaternary geological environmental evolution field research across Antarctica, the Arctic and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. He has participated in multiple national expeditions, including serving as team leader of China’s first Arctic scientific expedition and joining the 7th, 8th and 9th Antarctic expeditions.

Li Shuanke joined Chinese National Geography in 1997, later leading its transformation into a multiplatform scientific media organisation. His publications include ‘Dream Continent: Antarctica‘, ‘Crown of the Earth: The Arctic’, ‘The Ultimate Beauty’, ‘Into Zhangye’ and ‘Colourful China’.