0203 019 3722
Highlights of China
A luxury tailor-made journey combining Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Yangtze River and Shanghai
13 nights from £4,750 per person sharing, including accommodation, guides, flights and transfers
Best time to go: March to November
This tailor-made adventure in China starts in Beijing where you will explore the Forbidden City and a section of the Great Wall of China, before moving on to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors. From there to Chengdu to see giant pandas, followed by a luxury journey along the mighty Yangtze River, and concluding with an exploration of Shanghai. Private guides will enrich your understanding in each destination. All our tailor-made tours can be adjusted to suit you and Highlights of China is designed to give you a taste of what can be achieved.
Day 1: UK to Beijing
Overnight flight from the UK to Beijing.
Day 2: Beijing
On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and driven to Four Seasons Beijing for some rest and relaxation. Maybe treat yourself to a restorative massage or a refreshing swim. Contemporary, elegant and oozing sophistication, and located within the Yansha district - the city's most dynamic business and entertainment area - Four Seasons Hotel Beijing (images below) is an excellent base from which to explore.
Day 3 & 4: Beijing
For a thousand years, Chinese emperors have ruled from their palaces in Beijing and, with the expertise of a private guide, your knowledge and understanding of this dynamic city will be enriched as you visit the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City. In Hongqiao Market, you can haggle for silk scarves and fine pearls before taking a cycle rickshaw ride around ancient hutong alleyways. At Mutianyu, you can even climb the panoramic ramparts of the Great Wall of China, a true Wonder of the World. Overnight at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
Day 5: Beijing to Xian
Enjoy watching the countryside race by during the 5 hour high-speed train journey to Xian. You’ll be staying at the Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel in the former Imperial Palace grounds in the heart of Xian, a Chinese town shrouded in ancient history. Within walking distance of the City Wall, Great Mosque and Goose Pagodas, this grand building is reminiscent of the spectacular Soviet Palaces of Russia, built to impress and display a sense of power and luxury. Originally established in 1953, the hotel has been completely refurbished, reopening its doors as a luxury hotel a couple of years ago.
Day 6: Xian
The 8,000 strong army of Terracotta Warriors, complete with their attendant chariots and horses, is nearby. Assembled by emperor Qin Shi Huang in 221 BC but only rediscovered by a farmer as recently as 1974, and now one of the highlights of any tour of China. Within Xian itself other marvels await, including the graceful Great Mosque, the dazzling Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the tasty street food of the delightful Muslim Quarter.
Overnight at Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel
Day 7: Xian to Chengdu
After a short flight from Xian, we'll meet you at the airport in Chengdu and take you to the Ritz-Carlton Chengdu. Overlooking Tianfu Square, the hotel is located in the heart of this vibrant city, capital of Sichuan province. Chengdu is famous as the gateway to Giant Panda sanctuaries, traditional tea houses and vibrant markets and the Ritz-Carlton provides a new level of luxury, style and glamour in the city. You can spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or head out to explore. Chengdu is Asia's first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and its food is the most mouthwatering in China.
Day 8: Chengdu
Chengdu's Panda Breeding & Research Centre is the best place to get close to this iconic, endangered species. You can’t help but fall in love with the playful cubs tumbling around the nursery. In the evening, you'll enjoy some authentic Chinese culture at an opera-like Bian Lian show, where the stage performance is enlivened by dramatic movement and vibrant masks. Overnight at Ritz-Carlton Chengdu
Days 9 to 11: Chengdu to Yangtze River
Today, we'll drive you to Chongqing to board the luxurious Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer for 3 nights. The Yangtze is the third longest river in the world, and slices through some of the most picturesque parts of China. When you board in Chongqing, it’s immediately clear that you’ll be travelling in considerable style aboard your 5* boutique floating hotel. Meals on board are sumptuous, views from the deck sublime and shore excursions, led by expert historians and naturalists, will truly bring the landscape to life.
Day 12: Yangtze River to Shanghai
From the gentle pace of life on the river, it's time to hit the bright lights of bustling Shanghai. A quick flight from Yichang and you'll be fully immersed in this heady Paris of the East. The elegant Peninsula Shanghai sits right on the Bund, the historic boardwalk along the Huangpu River. Wander out at night to see the city sparkle and be sure to enjoy the panoramic views from the hotel's rooftop cocktail bar.
Day 13: Shanghai
Shanghai may be powering forward – and ever skywards – but there's still plenty of fascinating history to discover. Explore with a guide to unearth the best of this city, old and new, from the beautiful Yu Gardens and the winding alleys of the Old Town to the cutting-edge artistic centre of Moganshan.
Overnight at Peninsula Shanghai
Day 14: Shanghai to UK
Sadly, your China adventure is now over. We'll drive you to the airport for your flight home.
Time to Start Planning?
Please call us on 0203 019 3722 or complete the quick and easy form below. Our China travel specialists look forward to arranging the perfect itinerary for you and will gladly refine our proposal until you are 100% happy. Think of us as your private travel concierge,
at no extra cost. With ATOL protection and 24/7 support whilst you're away.
International callers should dial +44 203 019 3722