FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“China for Families” – A New Luxury Tour
14-day private tour showcases Chinese culture, cuisine, history and landscapes
Cruising the canals of a Ming Dynasty “water town” and sipping tea at a hillside tea plantation are just two of the family-friendly cultural experiences featured in “China for Families,” a 14-day private luxury tour just introduced by Artisans of Leisure, the New York City-based tour operator. The tour is ideal for families wishing to explore China’s ancient attractions—spectacular landscapes, atmospheric villages and imperial wonders—as well as experience its increasing number of modern charms, such as new luxury hotels and historic buildings converted into world-class restaurants and shops.
“China is an especially compelling family destination now because the country’s infrastructure has improved so dramatically over the last few years,” said Ashley Ganz, president of Artisans of Leisure. “China’s beautiful scenery, influential culture and fascinating historical sites have always enticed travelers. Now there’s the added appeal of new hotels, restaurants and shops that showcase the latest trends in design, cooking and service,” said Ganz.
Artisans of Leisure travel consultants visit China and Hong Kong multiple times each year to inspect hotels, dine at new restaurants, and generally keep up with the rapid changes. “Our clients have sophisticated tastes,” said Ganz, “they rely on us to know the most interesting ways to experience the ‘classic’ sights of China, and also to assess the country’s most recent developments. This tour includes the best China has to offer.”
An unparalleled amount of firsthand knowledge and understanding of luxury travelers comes through in “China for Families.” The destinations and luxury hotels have been carefully chosen, and all sightseeing (with private guides and drivers) is customized to the ages and interests of each family and its members.
Travelers on the “China for Families” tour visit nine major destinations—Beijing, the Great Wall, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Hangzhou, Xitang, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Highlights include:
Historical and Cultural sites
“China for Families” takes in some of China’s most important cultural attractions—from rustic to regal, ancient to modern—including:
- Exploring Beijing’s magnificent imperial past in the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. Riding in a rickshaw through atmospheric hutongs (narrow lanes) in the city’s traditional residential districts.
- Seeing the Terracotta Warriors in Xian. Riding bicycles on top of the massive city walls and wandering among the Silk Road town’s seventh-century pagodas.
- Cruising in a traditional wooden boat through the narrow canals of Xitang, a lesser known but picture-perfect “water town” of whitewashed Ming Dynasty houses, arched stone bridges and willow trees.
- In Shanghai, seeing the futuristic skyscrapers in Pudong, the Jewish Ghetto, and the colonial-era buildings in the French Concession and on the Bund. Exploring the best of China’s new shopping and dining scene.
Food
“China for Families” introduces travelers to China’s traditional fare and exploding contemporary restaurant scene, such as:
- Dining on classical Shanghainese cuisine in a lavish, colonial-era garden villa in Shanghai .
- Touring a tea plantation in Hangzhou, then tasting some of the best tea in China.
- Eating lunch at a courtyard home in the hutongs of Beijing and feasting on Peking duck at a restaurant renowned among locals.
- Enjoying a dumpling banquet, a Xian specialty.
- Having dim sum in a raucous teashop and dinner at the members-only China Club in Hong Kong.
- Sampling local specialties at markets and recommended restaurants.
Landscape and scenery
Experiencing China’s breathtaking scenery is a major part of “China for Families.” Activities include:
- Walking on a spectacular, remote section of the Great Wall.
- Journeying through the stunning landscape along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo—the limestone hills, bamboo groves, rice paddies and rural villages have been immortalized by painters and poets for centuries.
- Touring the scenic spots of West Lake in Hangzhou, one of China’s most famous leisure destinations.
- Exploring Hong Kong’s most fascinating neighborhoods and attractions, all surrounded by the city’s stunning harbor and islands.
The “China for Families” tour includes customized itinerary planning, hand-selected rooms in luxury hotels, flexible cultural touring with expert private guides and drivers, restaurant reservations, regional flights, airport transfers, China visa, admission fees, and access to Artisans of Leisure’s extensive network of associates within China and Hong Kong.
Artisans of Leisure is a luxury tour operator catering to a highly discerning clientele.
For additional information and details about Artisans of Leisure tours, please call 800-214-8144 or 1-212-243-3239, or visit the company’s website www.artisansofleisure.com or blog www.artisansofleisuretraveler.com.
