Burberry Marks 170th Anniversary with Expedition Documentary Series Created with Chinese National Geography

Burberry Marks 170th Anniversary with Expedition Documentary Series Created with Chinese National Geography

(IN BRIEF) Burberry has launched Expedition with Burberry, a new three-part documentary series created with Chinese National Geography magazine as part of the brand’s 170th anniversary celebrations. The series explores China’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage through journeys featuring Burberry brand ambassadors, friends of the brand and special guests wearing the company’s signature outerwear. The first episode follows brand ambassador Chen Kun through Xi’an and the Qinling Mountains, guided by Li Shuanke and Zhang Chenliang of Chinese National Geography. It highlights Tang dynasty landmarks, Huayin Laoqiang folk music, the Hanzhong Tiankeng, ancient forests, meadows, wildflowers and the Qinling Stone Seas formed by glaciers more than two million years ago. The collaboration reflects Burberry’s historic connection to outdoor exploration, dating back to Thomas Burberry’s invention of gabardine in 1879, while also supporting Chinese National Geography’s mission to document nature, ecology and culture. The series aims to encourage audiences to reconnect with nature, appreciate local heritage and reflect on the relationship between people and the natural environment.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 8-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Burberry has unveiled a new three-part documentary series, Expedition with Burberry, developed in collaboration with Chinese National Geography magazine as part of the British luxury brand’s 170th anniversary celebrations.

The series follows journeys through some of China’s most striking natural landscapes, combining outdoor exploration with stories of local culture, communities and geography. Featuring friends of the brand and special guests wearing Burberry’s signature outerwear, each episode highlights a different environment while reflecting the brand’s long-standing connection with the outdoors and the spirit of discovery.

Burberry’s association with outdoor exploration dates back to its founding in 1856. Founder Thomas Burberry, an outdoor enthusiast, developed gabardine in 1879 as a breathable, weatherproof and durable fabric intended to protect people from the elements. The innovation reshaped outerwear and helped establish Burberry’s reputation for practical clothing designed for adventure, travel and changing weather conditions.

The first episode of Expedition with Burberry explores Xi’an and the Qinling Mountains with Burberry brand ambassador Chen Kun. The journey is guided by Li Shuanke and Zhang Chenliang of Chinese National Geography magazine. The Qinling Mountains form a major natural boundary between northern and southern China, creating contrasting climates, ecosystems and landscapes.

The episode begins in the ancient city of Xi’an, where the team visits cultural landmarks from the Tang dynasty, including the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. It also features Huayin Laoqiang, a traditional form of Chinese folk music recognized as part of the country’s cultural heritage. From Xi’an, the journey continues toward the Qinling range, beginning at the Hanzhong Tiankeng near the mountains’ southern base and moving into the central mountain area.

The documentary offers rare views of the Qinling Mountains, including wildflowers, ancient forests, meadows and the Stone Seas, geological formations created by glacial activity more than two million years ago. Two additional episodes will focus on other natural wonders across China, further expanding the series’ exploration of the country’s ecological and cultural diversity.

Josie Zhang, President of Burberry Greater China, said the collaboration with Chinese National Geography is a tribute to China’s cultural heritage and ecological richness. She said Expedition with Burberry encourages people to reconnect with nature, respect local cultures and embrace the exploratory spirit that has long been part of Burberry’s identity.

Li Shuanke, President and Editor-in-Chief of Chinese National Geography, said Thomas Burberry’s pursuit of outdoor exploration aligns with the magazine’s mission to document nature and care for ecology. He noted that China’s geography, from the Qinling Mountains to plateaus and glaciers, offers important opportunities for scientific discovery and deeper understanding of the relationship between humanity and nature.

Chinese National Geography is one of China’s most influential scientific publications, covering geography, ecology, environment, culture, history and exploration. Its reporting spans China’s 34 provincial-level regions and landscapes worldwide, with a strong focus on climate change, ecological conservation, sustainable development and scientific literacy.

Li Shuanke is also a researcher at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His work focuses on geomorphology and Quaternary geological environmental evolution, with field research across Antarctica, the Arctic and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. He has taken part in several national expeditions, including China’s first Arctic scientific expedition and the country’s 7th, 8th and 9th Antarctic expeditions.

Through Expedition with Burberry, Burberry and Chinese National Geography aim to combine fashion, exploration, geography and cultural storytelling, offering audiences a deeper view of China’s landscapes while reinforcing the importance of ecological awareness and respect for local heritage.

Media Contact:

Press.office@burberry.com

SOURCE: Burberry