China for Families

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Beijing, Great Wall, Xian, Shanghai, Lijiang, Hong Kong

This China tour is ideal for any family seeking the best of China's urban culture in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, world-famous sights such as the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, and a few days in Yunnan Province to explore traditional villages and towns at the foothills of the Himalayas. Accommodations are among the most luxurious China has to offer and suitable for families of all ages. All touring is private and highly personalized based on each family's specific interests and requirements.

Begin with in-depth private touring of Beijing, China’s centuries-old capital. Tour imperial masterpieces such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Travel by rickshaw down the narrow hutongs (lanes) of a traditional residential neighborhood. Climb a little-visited hilltop for panoramic views over the rooftops of the Forbidden City. Stop at a local school to meet with Chinese children, visit a private home, and fly kites near the Temple of Heaven. Watch a traditional Peking Opera performance. Watch early morning tai chi exercises in a park. Hike along a stunning section of the Great Wall.

Next, fly to Xian, an ancient capital and a major stop on the Silk Road. See the famed Terracotta Warriors, ride bikes around the ancient city walls, explore ancient temples and pagodas, browse markets, and enjoy a dumpling banquet, a local specialty.

Fly to Shanghai, and experience the unbridled energy of China’s most stylish and modern city. During private touring, learn about Shanghai’s history through the architecture of the Bund, the French Concession, Pudong and other districts. Tour some of China’s best museums, including the Shanghai Museum. Your guide will also take you to Shanghai’s old town to sample dumplings and sweets, and have tea at the city’s oldest teahouse. Watch a performance by renowned Shanghai acrobats. If desired, take an excursion to Suzhou or another nearby water town to cruise canals lined with Ming Dynasty homes and gardens.

Continue to China’s rural, southwestern Yunnan Province. Spend several nights at the Banyan Tree Lijiang, a luxury resort in Lijiang—one of China’s best-preserved traditional villages, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Tour the cultural and scenic highlights of the region: Visit hilltribe villages, see ancient Buddhist frescoes, attend a Naxi musical concert, browse the shops and charming streets lining canals in town, and visit monasteries and beautiful parks at the base of the mountains.

Conclude in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most attractive and exciting cities, with a spectacular skyline, beautiful harbors and beaches, superb restaurants, bustling markets and much more. Stay in a room at The Peninsula and enjoy unbeatable views across Victoria Harbor. With your expert private guide and driver, see some of the world’s most incredible skyscrapers in Central. Ride the Peak Tram to the top of Hong Kong Island, and tour interesting residential neighborhoods in the hills. Dine on dim sum at teahouses. Explore local markets to learn about traditional Chinese medicine and unusual food products. Ride in a traditional sampan boat across Aberdeen Harbor. Visit Ocean Park, a favorite local theme park, or Hong Kong Disneyland. Or, perhaps hike with the whole family in the lush green hills of the New Territories.