13-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in China
Embark on a journey through China that balances the weight of ancient history with the pulse of modern luxury. This 13-day route is designed for travelers who seek the finest experiences, from private tours of the Great Wall to Michelin-starred dining in Shanghai's French Concession.
Travel in style across the mainland using the world-renowned high-speed rail network in first-class cabins and relaxing in some of the world's most prestigious hotel brands. This is more than a tour; it is a deep dive into the cultural heart of China with every detail polished to perfection.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing, China - The Imperial Arrival
Arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport
Touch down and meet your private chauffeur for a seamless transfer to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.
Check-in at Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Settle into your suite in the Wangfujing district, where contemporary luxury meets traditional hutong charm.
Private Hutong Rickshaw Tour
Explore the historic alleyways of old Beijing in a private rickshaw, visiting a local family for a traditional tea ceremony.
Peking Duck Feast at Da Dong
Enjoy a sophisticated welcome dinner featuring the world-famous crispy skin duck at this award-winning establishment.
Day 2: Beijing, China - Forbidden Glories
Private Access: The Forbidden City
Walk through the Meridian Gate with an expert historian to explore the world's largest palace complex without the crowds.
Gourmet Lunch at TRB Hutong
Dine in a converted 600-year-old temple, enjoying modern European cuisine with a distinct Beijing backdrop.
Jingshan Park Panoramic View
Climb the artificial hill for a stunning 360-degree view of the golden roofs of the Forbidden City.
The Legend of Kung Fu Show
Witness a high-energy performance at the Red Theatre featuring top-tier martial arts and modern choreography.
Day 3: Beijing, China - The Great Wall Exclusive
Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour
Travel by private car to a less crowded section of the wall, featuring a cable car ride and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Champagne Picnic on the Ramparts
Enjoy a curated luxury picnic with chilled champagne while overlooking the winding stone fortifications of the Wall.
Summer Palace Royal Retreat
Stroll through the ornate gardens and take a private boat ride across Kunming Lake at the Qing Dynasty's summer residence.
Relaxation at Aman Summer Palace
End the day with a spa treatment at this ultra-exclusive resort located right at the gates of the palace.
Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an, China - High-Speed Elegance
First Class High-Speed Rail to Xi'an
Experience the smooth 4.5-hour journey in a spacious first-class seat, watching the Chinese countryside fly by at 300km/h.
Check-in at The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an
Arrive in the ancient capital and settle into your modern luxury accommodation in the high-tech district.
Ancient City Wall Cycling
Take a private guided bike ride or golf cart tour along the top of the massive 14th-century fortifications.
Muslim Quarter Street Food Exploration
Follow a food expert through the vibrant markets to sample high-end interpretations of Shaanxi street snacks.
Day 5: Xi'an, China - Army of Emperors
The Terracotta Warriors VIP Access
Visit the UNESCO site with a private guide, including access to a lower-level viewing platform for an up-close look at the soldiers.
Artisan Workshop Experience
Visit a local master’s workshop to see how the terracotta replicas are crafted using ancient methods.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Explore this Buddhist landmark and its surrounding musical fountain gardens as the sun begins to set.
Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show
Indulge in a dumpling banquet followed by a theatrical performance of Tang Dynasty music and dance.
Day 6: Xi'an to Yangshuo, China - Karst Landscapes
Domestic Flight to Guilin
Take a short morning flight south to the scenic province of Guangxi, where a private driver awaits.
Drive to Yangshuo
Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour private transfer through the dramatic karst limestone mountains.
Check-in at Banyan Tree Yangshuo
Retreat to your riverside villa, designed to blend perfectly with the surrounding bamboo groves and peaks.
Bamboo Raft Sunset Drift
Relax on a traditional (yet comfortable) bamboo raft as you float down the Yulong River at dusk.
Day 7: Yangshuo, China - River Serenity
Private Li River Luxury Cruise
Charter a private boat for a four-hour journey down the Li River, the landscape that inspired the 20-yuan note.
Lunch at a Riverside Retreat
Savor local specialties like Beer Fish at a quiet, upscale restaurant overlooking the river bends.
West Street Artisan Shopping
Browse high-quality silk, calligraphy, and tea in the historic district of Yangshuo with a private guide.
Impression Sanjie Liu Show
Watch a spectacular outdoor performance on the river itself, directed by the visionary Zhang Yimou.
Day 8: Yangshuo to Chengdu, China - High-Speed to Sichuan
High-Speed Train to Chengdu
Board the direct train from Guilin to Chengdu, cutting through the misty mountains of Southern China.
Check-in at The Temple House
Enter your luxury residence through a restored Qing Dynasty courtyard in Chengdu’s ultra-chic Taikoo Li district.
Taikoo Li Fashion Walk
Explore this open-air luxury mall where historic temples are integrated with high-end designer flagships.
Sichuan Hotpot Experience
Dine at a premium hotpot establishment like Haidilao's flagship or a more exclusive boutique hotpot venue.
Day 9: Chengdu, China - Panda Encounters
Private Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Arrive early with a private guide to see the pandas at their most active during morning feeding time.
Traditional Tea House Visit
Relax at the Heming Tea House in People's Park, experiencing the slow-paced lifestyle of Chengdu locals.
Jinli Ancient Street Walk
Stroll through the beautifully preserved street, sampling local snacks and viewing intricate folk crafts.
Sichuan Opera & Face Changing
Enjoy a VIP box at the Shufeng Yayun Teahouse for a performance of acrobatics, music, and the magical face-changing art.
Day 10: Chengdu to Shanghai, China - The Paris of the East
Flight to Shanghai Hongqiao
Fly into Shanghai’s central airport for a quick transfer to the historic Bund waterfront.
Check-in at The Peninsula Shanghai
Stay at the only modern building on the Bund, offering unrivaled views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline.
Private Bund Architecture Walk
Learn about the colonial history and neoclassical architecture of the world-famous waterfront with a local historian.
Dinner at Mr. & Mrs. Bund
Experience innovative French cuisine by Paul Pairet at this high-energy, stylish restaurant overlooking the river.
Day 11: Shanghai, China - Gardens & Concessions
Yu Garden Private Tour
Explore this 16th-century classical garden early in the morning before the crowds arrive in the Old City.
Dim Sum at Nanxiang Mantou Dian
Savor the city's best Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in a private dining room overlooking the Nine-Turn Bridge.
French Concession Exploration
Wander through the tree-lined avenues of the former French Concession, visiting chic boutiques and art galleries.
Jazz Night at The Peace Hotel
Sip cocktails while listening to the legendary Old Jazz Band in one of the most storied hotels in Asia.
Day 12: Shanghai, China - Future & Traditions
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Ascend the world's second-tallest building for a bird's-eye view of the megalopolis from the 118th floor.
Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Trip
Travel 1 hour outside the city to 'The Venice of Shanghai' for a private gondola ride through ancient canals.
Farewell Cocktails at Flair
Enjoy drinks on the highest outdoor terrace in China at the Ritz-Carlton Pudong, facing the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Ultra-Luxury Dining at Ultraviolet
If you've booked months in advance, experience Paul Pairet's 3-Michelin-star multi-sensory secret dining journey.
Day 13: Shanghai, China - The Maglev Departure
Leisurely Morning at the Hotel
Enjoy a final world-class breakfast buffet with views of the bustling Huangpu River.
Shanghai Museum Visit
Spend your final hours admiring one of the world's finest collections of Chinese art and bronze.
Maglev Train Experience
Take the world's fastest commercial electric train to Pudong Airport, reaching speeds of 431km/h.
Departure from PVG
Board your business class flight home, reflecting on 13 days of unparalleled Chinese discovery.
Best Time to Visit China
The best time to embark on 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 and dry across most regions, from the northern plains of Beijing to the humid karst mountains of Yangshuo. Avoid the 'Golden Week' national holiday in early October, as crowds are at their peak and luxury availability becomes scarce.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). While major luxury hotels and high-end restaurants accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), China is primarily a cashless society using mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay. It is highly recommended to set up the international version of Alipay before arrival. Tipping is not traditionally required or expected in China, though it is appreciated for private guides and drivers on high-end tours.
Getting Around China
This itinerary utilizes a mix of premium transport methods. Intercity travel is best handled by China's High-Speed Rail (HSR) network in First Class or Business Class seats, which offer exceptional comfort and punctuality. For longer distances, such as Xi'an to Guilin, domestic flights are efficient. Within cities, private chauffeured cars are the standard for luxury travelers, providing door-to-door service and bypassing the complexities of local public transit.
