19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in China
Embark on an extraordinary journey across the Middle Kingdom, where ancient history meets futuristic luxury. This 19-day itinerary is meticulously crafted for the discerning traveler, prioritizing comfort, exclusivity, and cultural depth. From the sweeping ramparts of the Great Wall to the neon-lit skyline of Shanghai, you will experience China through a lens of sophistication.
Forget the crowds and the logistical stress. We've utilized China's world-class high-speed rail network and domestic business-class flights to ensure your transitions are as smooth as silk. Expect private chauffeured transfers, Michelin-starred dining, and stays in some of the world's most prestigious hotel brands as you traverse this vast, beautiful nation.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing, China - The Imperial Arrival
Arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport
Touch down and breeze through the VIP arrival hall. Your private chauffeur awaits to whisk you to your sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Check-in at The Peninsula Beijing
Settle into one of the city's most prestigious addresses, featuring all-suite accommodations and personalized 24-hour service.
Private Sunset at Jingshan Park
Enjoy a short walk to the highest point in the old city for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City as the sun sets over the golden roofs.
Michelin-Starred Duck Dinner
Indulge in the world-famous Peking Duck at the legendary Sheng Yong Xing, where the wine cellar is as impressive as the crispy skin.
Day 2: Beijing, China - Secrets of the Forbidden City
Exclusive Access: Forbidden City
Explore the hidden halls and private chambers of the Palace Museum with an expert historian, avoiding the standard tourist paths.
Hutong Rickshaw Tour
Navigate the narrow alleys of old Beijing in a traditional rickshaw, followed by a private tea ceremony in a restored 18th-century courtyard house.
Houhai Lake Walk
Stroll along the willow-lined banks of Houhai, watching locals play chess and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the Shichahai area.
Aman Summer Palace Dining
Dine at the Naoki restaurant for an exquisite blend of French and Japanese cuisine within the historic grounds of the Summer Palace.
Day 3: Beijing, China - The Great Wall Picnic
Mutianyu Great Wall Helicopter Flight
Take a private helicopter tour for a breathtaking aerial view of the serpentine wall before landing for a hike.
Gourmet Picnic on the Ramparts
Enjoy a catered luxury picnic with champagne on a quiet section of the wall, far away from the souvenir stalls.
Red Capital Club Visit
Return to the city to visit this unique establishment housed in a former government courtyard, showcasing "Red" memorabilia.
Opera at the Red Zen Temple
Witness a private performance of Peking Opera in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
Day 4: Beijing, China - Rituals & Imperial Retreats
Temple of Heaven Tai Chi
Join a private masterclass in Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven, the site where Emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Summer Palace Royal Boat
Board a private imperial-style boat to cruise Kunming Lake, viewing the Longevity Hill and the Marble Boat from the water.
798 Art District Exploration
Wander through the chic galleries and studios of Beijing's premier contemporary art hub, housed in former East German factories.
TRB Hutong Dinner
Conclude your Beijing stay at Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB), offering world-class European cuisine in a 600-year-old temple complex.
Day 5: Beijing to Xi'an, China - High-Speed to the Ancient Capital
Business Class Bullet Train
Experience the Fuxing Hao train, reaching 350km/h. Your business-class seat offers full reclining and gourmet snacks.
Muslim Quarter Market Tour
Join a local foodie expert for a guided walk through the vibrant Beiyuanmen market, tasting handmade Biang Biang noodles.
Great Mosque of Xi'an
Explore one of China's oldest and best-preserved mosques, featuring a fascinating blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
Defachang Dumpling Banquet
Enjoy a traditional Xi'an feast where every dumpling is shaped like the filling inside—from fish to ducks.
Day 6: Xi'an, China - The Terra Cotta Legions
Terracotta Army Private Tour
Visit the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang with an archaeologist-guide to learn the stories behind the 8,000 clay warriors.
Lunch in a Local Village
Escape the tourist traps for a farm-to-table lunch in a rural village near the dig site.
Cycling the Ancient City Wall
Ride a bicycle (or electric golf cart) atop the 14km ancient fortifications, the most complete city wall in China.
Tang Dynasty Dinner Show
Experience the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty through music and dance at the Sunshine Palace.
Day 7: Xi'an to Chengdu, China - Into the Land of Abundance
High-Speed Train to Chengdu
Another smooth ride south through the Qinling Mountains, arriving in the home of the Giant Panda.
Wangjiang Pavilion Park
Walk through the lush bamboo groves and enjoy the Ming Dynasty architecture in this peaceful riverside park.
Tea at Renmin Park
Experience Chengdu's famous slow life at a traditional open-air tea house, including a professional ear-cleaning service.
Spicy Hot Pot Feast
Indulge in a premium Szechuan hot pot experience at Shoo Loong Kan, tailored to your spice tolerance.
Day 8: Chengdu, China - Pandas & Ancient Streets
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Arrive early to see the pandas at their most active during breakfast. Private electric cart transport provided within the park.
Jinli Ancient Street
Stroll through this bustling district reconstructed in the style of the Qing Dynasty, perfect for high-quality silk shopping.
Wuhou Shrine
Learn about the Three Kingdoms period at this solemn memorial dedicated to Zhuge Liang.
Sichuan Opera: Changing Faces
Watch the mesmerizing 'Bian Lian' (Face Changing) performance at the Shufeng Yayun Tea House with VIP front-row seating.
Day 9: Chengdu, China - The Giant Buddha
Private Drive to Leshan
A 2-hour private transfer takes you to see the world's largest stone Buddha, carved into a cliffside.
Leshan Buddha Boat View
Instead of climbing the stairs, take a private boat to see the full 71-meter scale of the Buddha from the confluence of the rivers.
Vegetarian Monastery Lunch
Enjoy a peaceful, high-end vegetarian meal at a monastery near the base of the mountain.
Return to Chengdu
Relax on the drive back and enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel's award-winning spa.
Day 10: Chengdu to Guilin, China - Karst Mountain Magic
Flight to Guilin
A short domestic flight brings you to the dramatic karst landscapes of Guangxi Province.
Reed Flute Cave
Explore this limestone cave system illuminated by multi-colored lights, creating a surreal underground palace.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Visit the symbol of Guilin, a natural rock formation that looks exactly like an elephant drinking from the Li River.
Stays at Shangri-La Guilin
Check into your Horizon Club room with views overlooking the Li River.
Day 11: Guilin to Yangshuo, China - Cruising the Li River
Luxury Li River Cruise
Board a 4-star luxury vessel in a VIP cabin for a 4-hour cruise through the world's most beautiful karst scenery.
Arrival in Yangshuo
Disembark in the charming town of Yangshuo and take a private transfer to your boutique resort nestled in the mountains.
West Street Wanderings
Explore the vibrant, 1,400-year-old West Street, famous for its craft shops and international cafes.
Impression Sanjie Liu Show
Watch an outdoor light and music show performed on the river itself, directed by Zhang Yimou.
Day 12: Yangshuo, China - Rural Elegance
Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River
Experience a traditional, non-motorized bamboo raft ride through the quietest stretches of the countryside.
Cooking Class in a Farmhouse
Learn to make Yangshuo Beer Fish in a private cooking lesson using ingredients picked from the local garden.
Moon Hill Hike
A short but steep hike leads to a massive natural archway with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
Riverside Sunset Drinks
Enjoy craft cocktails at a luxury resort bar overlooking the karst peaks at twilight.
Day 13: Yangshuo to Hangzhou, China - The City of Heaven
Transfer to Guilin Airport
A private car takes you back to Guilin for your flight to the poetic city of Hangzhou.
West Lake Private Boat
Skip the public ferries and board a traditional wooden boat for a private tour of the UNESCO-listed West Lake.
Leifeng Pagoda
Visit the iconic pagoda for a sunset view over the lake and the city skyline.
Enduring Memories of Hangzhou
Watch a spectacular water show choreographed on the lake surface.
Day 14: Hangzhou, China - Tea & Temples
Lingyin Temple
Visit one of China's most significant Buddhist temples, home to hundreds of stone carvings in the Feilai Feng caves.
Meijiawu Tea Plantation
Walk through the terraced tea fields and enjoy a private tasting of premium Dragon Well (Longjing) tea.
Hefang Street
Stroll through this historic shopping street, famous for traditional medicine shops and exquisite silk fans.
Zhejiang Cuisine Dinner
Taste local delicacies like Dongpo Pork at the renowned 28 HuBin Road restaurant.
Day 15: Hangzhou to Shanghai, China - The Paris of the East
High-Speed Train to Shanghai
A quick 1-hour journey brings you to China's most cosmopolitan metropolis.
Bund Architecture Walk
Join an expert for a private walking tour of the colonial-era buildings that line the Huangpu River.
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Ascend the world's second-tallest building for an incredible 360-degree view of the city.
Jazz at the Peace Hotel
Sip a cocktail at the legendary Old Jazz Bar, where the musicians have been playing since the 1940s.
Day 16: Shanghai, China - Old World Charm
Yu Garden & City God Temple
Explore this 16th-century classical garden, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty design.
Nanxiang Xiaolongbao
Taste the famous Shanghai soup dumplings at their most famous origin point in the Old City.
Shanghai Museum
View one of the world's finest collections of ancient Chinese art, bronze, and ceramics in People's Square.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
If you've booked months in advance, enjoy this 3-Michelin-star multi-sensory dining experience (only 10 seats per night).
Day 17: Shanghai, China - The Venice of Shanghai
Zhujiajiao Water Town
A private car takes you to this ancient water village, where you can ride a gondola through historic canals.
Al Fresco Canal-side Lunch
Dine on local river fish and sticky rice in a quiet restaurant overlooking the Fangsheng Bridge.
Return to Shanghai
Spend the late afternoon at the luxury boutiques of the IFC Mall in Pudong.
Huangpu River Dinner Cruise
Charter a private yacht for a dinner cruise to see the neon lights of the Bund and Pudong sparkle.
Day 18: Shanghai, China - Art & Concessions
French Concession Walking Tour
Explore the tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and Art Deco mansions of this chic historic district.
Lunch at Tianzifang
Dine in a converted Shikumen house in this labyrinthine arts and crafts enclave.
M50 Creative Park
Visit the contemporary art galleries at 50 Moganshan Road, the heart of Shanghai's modern art scene.
Farewell Dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund
Celebrate your final night with modern French cuisine and one of the best views of the Pudong skyline.
Day 19: Shanghai, China - The Maglev Departure
Leisurely Breakfast & Spa
Enjoy a final morning of luxury at the hotel before your departure.
Maglev Train Experience
Reach speeds of 431 km/h as you travel from the city to the airport in just 8 minutes.
Departure from PVG
Check in at Pudong International Airport for your flight home, ending your epic journey.
Final Reflection
Relax in the VIP lounge as you prepare for your international departure.
Best Time to Visit China
The best time to experience this luxury route is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild across all regions, from the northern plains of Beijing to the humid karst mountains of Guilin. Avoid the first week of October (Golden Week) and the Chinese New Year period, as domestic travel becomes extremely crowded and many premium services are booked out months in advance.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Renminbi (RMB), often called Yuan (CNY). China has become a largely cashless society, with most transactions occurring via WeChat Pay or Alipay. As a luxury traveler, you can link your international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) to these apps. High-end hotels and Michelin restaurants will accept physical cards, but it is wise to carry some cash for smaller markets or tips. Tipping is not traditional in China, but in high-end luxury settings and for private guides, a gratuity of 10-15% is becoming more common and appreciated.
Getting Around China
This itinerary utilizes the best of China's transportation infrastructure. The high-speed rail network is the world's most advanced; always book 'Business Class' or 'First Class' for the highest level of comfort. For longer distances between Chengdu and Guilin, domestic business-class flights are recommended. Within cities, we advise using pre-booked private chauffeured cars, as local taxi apps (Didi) require a local phone number and can be difficult for non-Mandarin speakers to navigate during peak hours.
