China in Depth

(21 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Beijing & Great Wall, Xi’an, Guilin & Yangshuo, Hangzhou, Shanghai & environs, Chengdu, Lijiang, Hong Kong

This is the ultimate luxury tour of China, visiting the country's most popular locations and cultural highlights.

Begin in Beijing, China's centuries-old capital filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites. With your private guide and driver, tour imperial masterpieces such as the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Explore the narrow hutongs (lanes) of a traditional residential neighborhood, see lesser-known temples, and venture to a hilltop for panoramic views over the rooftops of the Forbidden City. Also visit other cultural highlights and enjoy time to explore fashionable districts filled with specialty boutiques and restaurants. One day, take a private excursion to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu.

Continue by high-speed train to Xi’an, an ancient capital that was once a major stop on the Silk Road. During private touring, see the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, walk on the massive city walls, and visit the UNESCO-inscribed Big and Small Goose pagodas. Also explore the lively streets of the Muslim Quarter, see the Great Mosque, and sample Muslim food specialties such as mutton dumplings, persimmon doughnuts and rou jia mo (marinated meat stuffed in flat bread).

Next, fly to Guilin and transfer to rural Yangshuo, a UNESCO-inscribed region of breathtaking karst landscapes along the Li River. Stay at an atmospheric luxury resort built in the traditional style of the region. During private touring, enjoy a private cruise on a traditional bamboo raft through a storied landscape of limestone peaks and rice paddies on the Li River. Also visit local villages and, if desired, take a private biking tour on the backroads of this picturesque region.

Fly to Hangzhou, a city famed for its tea, important historic sites and beautiful lakeside setting. During private touring, visit local tea plantations, tour Buddhist temples and monasteries, explore the historic city center, take a private boat ride on scenic West Lake, tour gardens and visit other cultural highlights. Also, enjoy tickets to Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, a spectacular performance on West Lake.

Continue by high-speed train 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, the Old Town, Pudong and other districts. Tour some of China's best museums, including the Shanghai Museum East or the Shanghai Museum on People’s Square. See traditional highlights such as Huxinting Teahouse (Willow Tea Garden) and Yu Garden. Enjoy plenty of time to browse sophisticated neighborhoods filled with stylish boutiques, art galleries, design shops and upscale cafes and restaurants.

One day, take a private excursion to atmospheric Suzhou or another nearby water town, such as Zhujiajiao or Tongli, to cruise canals lined with whitewashed Ming dynasty buildings. Walk along canals, stopping in small shops and teahouses and tour classical Chinese gardens recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Fly to Chengdu, a region known for giant pandas, rich cultural heritage and spicy Sichuan cuisine. During private touring, see frolicking giant pandas at a breeding and research center and learn about conservation efforts to help the animals. Also visit the archaeological site of Sanxingdui to learn about the ancient cultures that once inhabited this area. During private city touring, see Chengdu highlights such as Kuanzhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alleys), a historic area filled with shops and restaurants, and People's Park, where locals socialize and play mahjongg. Also sample spicy Sichuan dishes, such as wontons, mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. If desired, enjoy tickets to a performance of Sichuan Opera, which includes the magical art of face-changing.

Continue to atmospheric Lijiang, a well-preserved traditional town in the foothills of the Himalayas in Yunnan Province. During private touring, explore the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of traditional wood architecture. See ancient Buddhist frescoes, visit Buddhist monasteries, take in views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and learn about the culture and history of the local Naxi ethnic minority. Other options include a private tasting of pu’er tea (a Yunnan specialty), a Naxi cooking class, a private Naxi music concert, hiking in the foothills, and private excursions to mountain villages or Tiger Leaping Gorge, a UNESCO-inscribed river valley.

Conclude in Hong Kong. One of Asia's most attractive and exciting cities, the fable port town has a spectacular skyline, beautiful harbors and beaches, superb restaurants, bustling markets and much more. With your private guide and driver, learn about the historic buildings and modern skyscrapers in Central and tour interesting residential neighborhoods in the hills. Ride a tram up Victoria Peak, browse the boutiques in the fashionable Soho district and perhaps get fitted for custom clothing at our favorite tailors. Explore local markets to learn about traditional Chinese medicine and unusual food products. Also visit a teahouse, excellent museums such as M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and other favorite spots around Hong Kong Island and Kowloon according to your interests.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Beijing VIP assistance at airport upon arrival. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Beijing Full-day private city tour Day 3 Beijing & Great Wall Full-day private excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Summer Palace Day 4 Beijing – Xi’an Morning private tour. Private transfer to train station for business-class bullet train to Xi’an. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 5 Xi’an Full-day private tour, including Terracotta Warriors Day 6 Xi’an – Guilin – Yangshuo Morning private tour. Private transfer to airport for flight to Guilin. Private touring in Guilin en route to hotel for 2 nights Day 7 Yangshuo Morning private bamboo raft cruise on the Li River. Afternoon private tour of Yangshuo villages and countryside. Evening Impression Liu Sanjie performance  Day 8 Yangshuo – Guilin – Hangzhou Private transfer to airport for flight to Hangzhou. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private tour of Old Town Day 9 Hangzhou Morning private tour of tea plantations, gardens and Hangzhou. Afternoon private boat ride on West Lake Evening performance Day 10 Hangzhou – Shanghai Private transfer to train station for business-class bullet train to Shanghai. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 11 Shanghai Full-day private city tour Day 12 Shanghai & environs Continue private city touring or excursion to Suzhou or another nearby water town Day 13 Shanghai – Chengdu Private transfer to airport for flight to Chengdu. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 14 Chengdu & panda center Full-day private excursion to Dujiangyan Research Center of Giant Panda Breeding and Sanxingdui Museum Day 15 Chengdu – Lijiang Private transfer to airport for flight to Lijiang. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private tour of the Old Town Day 16 Lijiang Full-day private tour. Evening Naxi music performance Day 17 Lijiang Continue private touring, including nearby villages Day 18 Lijiang – Hong Kong Private transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 19 Hong Kong Full-day private city tour Day 20 Hong Kong Half-day private tour Day 21 Depart Hong Kong Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Beijing: The Peninsula Beijing, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing or Four Seasons Beijing Xi’an: The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an Yangshuo: Banyan Tree Yangshuo Hangzhou: Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, The Silk Lakehouse or Amanfayun Shanghai: The Peninsula Shanghai or Capella Shanghai Chengdu: The St. Regis Chengdu or Upper House Chengdu Lijiang: Hylla Lijiang or Amandayan Hong Kong: The Peninsula Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong or Upper House

Cost

From $43,605 Per person (double occupancy)