Mapping the Properties of the Quark-Gluon Plasma and the QCD Phase Boundary

This talk will review experimental data from the LHC with specific focus on obtaining information on the phase structure of strongly interacting matter. While the LHC data pertain to the region of the phase diagram very close to vanishing net baryon density, remarks will be made as well on the larger net baryon density regime where appropriate. Production of hadrons and (anti-)nuclei with u,d,s valence quarks delineates the location of the pseudo-critical temperature for the chiral phase transition. Experimental data indicate a strong degree of thermalization for charm quarks. Therefore, hadrons with open and hidden charm are good probes of the deconfined regime of QCD. After a very successful upgrade program, exploration of the QGP at rates increased by orders of magnitude opens new physics opportunities. Challenges and opportunities for future data taking at the LHC will be highlighted. This includes observables that would be accessible only with a new experiment in Runs 5 and 6.