Mr Coe said the self-funded delegation would look to strengthen Canberra's economic and cultural ties with the country during the trip to Beijing, Shanghai, Fuzhou and Xiamen.

Mr Coe will be accompanied by Canberra Liberals deputy leader Nicole Lawder, Member for Yerrabi James Milligan and seven advisers.

The delegation will focus on education, tourism, aviation, information technology and health, as well as developing relationships with provincial and municipal governments.

The trip, from March 9 to March 16, comes as Canberra approaches 20 years of sister city relations with Beijing.

Then chief minister Kate Carnell signed the sister city agreement with the Chinese capital in September 2000.

"Our cities can learn a lot from each other," Mr Coe said.

"There are already many Canberra businesses that have strong relationships with businesses in China.

"Our education, technology, construction and tourism industries all have strong links to Chinese markets.

"We have thousands of citizens, residents, students and visitors that come from China that contribute enormously to our city."