The week-long tour aims to boost investment in the north of England, with the potential for billions of pounds of investment, Osborne said.
Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese, Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson, Sheffield city leader Julie Dore and Trafford Council head Sean Anstee are also on the tour.
Commercial secretary to the Treasury Lord O’Neill, who is tasked with implementing the government’s devolution plans, is also on the trip, as well as communities secretary Greg Clark, business secretary Sajid Javid and energy secretary Amber Rudd.
“I want us to forge closer economic and cultural links with China,” Osborne said.
“Our partnership for growth, reform and innovation is helping to deliver record levels of investment and trade in both directions, but there is much more we can do. This trip is all about exploring new opportunities to open up new markets to benefit both economies.”
