High-energy heavy-ions physics: from RHIC to LHC

A selection of experimental results in high-energy nucleus-nucleus collisions after five years of operation of the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) is presented. Emphasis is put on measurements that provide direct information on fundamental properties of high-density QCD matter. The new experimental opportunities accessible at LHC are introduced, in particular those that may help clarify some of the current open issues at RHIC.