14-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in China
Embarking on a 14-day luxury journey through China is an immersion into a land of dramatic contrasts, where 5,000 years of history converge with futuristic metropolitan brilliance. This itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the comfort of first-class transport, the exclusivity of private heritage tours, and the indulgence of world-renowned fine dining.
Your route traverses the imperial grandeur of Beijing, the ancient silk-road legacy of Xi'an, the misty karst peaks of the Li River, and the high-octane glamour of Shanghai. Expect seamless transitions facilitated by private chauffeurs and high-speed rail, ensuring every moment is spent soaking in the majesty of the Orient rather than navigating its complexities.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing - Imperial Arrival & Hutong Elegance
VIP Airport Arrival
Touch down at Beijing Capital International Airport and breeze through customs with VIP meet-and-greet service before a private transfer to your hotel.
Hutong Rickshaw Tour
Explore the historic narrow alleys of Beijing in a private rickshaw, visiting a local family in a traditional courtyard home for a tea ceremony.
Jingshan Park Sunset
Climb the hill at Jingshan Park for an unrivaled panoramic view of the Forbidden City’s golden roofs at sunset.
Welcome Dinner at TRB Hutong
Savor contemporary European cuisine set within a 600-year-old temple, blending historic architecture with Michelin-level gastronomy.
Day 2: Beijing - The Great Wall in Style
Mutianyu Great Wall Private Access
Travel by private car to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, taking the cable car up to avoid the crowds and walk the ancient ramparts.
Gourmet Picnic on the Wall
Enjoy a catered luxury picnic with champagne overlooking the winding stone fortifications and lush mountain scenery.
Sacred Way & Ming Tombs
Walk the path of the emperors lined with massive stone animal sculptures at the UNESCO-listed Ming Dynasty burial grounds.
Peking Duck Feast
Dine at Da Dong, world-famous for its 'super lean' roast duck and artistic presentation of traditional Chinese ingredients.
Day 3: Beijing - Imperial Grandeur to Xi'an
Forbidden City Private Tour
Enter the world’s largest palace complex with an expert historian, accessing quiet courtyards away from the main tourist paths.
Summer Palace Boat Ride
Relax on a private traditional boat across Kunming Lake, viewing the Longevity Hill and the exquisite Marble Boat.
Business Class Rail to Xi'an
Transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for the 4.5-hour journey to Xi'an in a lie-flat business class seat on the Fuxing Bullet Train.
Late Night Muslim Quarter Walk
Take a guided stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, sampling exotic spices and viewing the Great Mosque's unique architecture.
Day 4: Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls
Terracotta Army Museum
Stand face-to-face with the thousands of life-sized soldiers crafted for the first Emperor of China in his massive mausoleum.
Dumpling Banquet Lunch
Experience Xi'an's culinary heritage with a multi-course dumpling feast featuring dozens of shapes and flavors at Defachang.
City Wall Cycling
Cycle atop the best-preserved ancient city wall in the world, offering a unique perspective of the old and new city skyline.
Tang Dynasty Show
Witness the color and music of the Tang Dynasty with a high-production cultural performance and traditional royal dinner.
Day 5: Xi'an to Chengdu - Giant Pandas & Sichuan Spice
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Visit this architectural marvel built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang.
High-Speed Train to Chengdu
Board your 3-hour luxury train ride south into the Sichuan basin, watching the landscape shift to lush, subtropical green.
Jinli Ancient Street
Wander through the beautifully restored Qing-style buildings, enjoying local snacks and traditional Sichuan folk art.
Authentic Sichuan Hotpot
Experience the numbingly spicy and aromatic flavors of a premium hotpot dinner at a top-tier Chengdu establishment.
Day 6: Chengdu - Panda Conservation & Culture
Panda Research Base
Arrive early to see the Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at their most active during morning feeding time in a lush bamboo park.
Wuhou Shrine & Tibertan Quarter
Explore the shrine dedicated to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms, followed by a walk through the colorful Little Lhasa district.
People's Park Tea House
Relax like a local at the Heming Tea House, enjoying fine jasmine tea and a traditional Sichuan ear-cleaning service.
Sichuan Opera & Mask Changing
Enjoy a VIP box seat for the 'Shu Feng Ya Yun' show, featuring the incredible art of bian lian (face changing) and fire breathing.
Day 7: Chengdu to Guilin - Mountains and Mysticism
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Visit the world's oldest functioning non-dam irrigation system, a UNESCO site demonstrating ancient engineering brilliance.
Mount Qingcheng Hike
Take the cable car up this sacred Taoist mountain, famous as the inspiration for the scenery in Kung Fu Panda.
Flight to Guilin
Take a short evening flight to the picturesque city of Guilin, the gateway to the karst mountain landscapes.
Guilin Night Lakes Walk
A gentle stroll around the illuminated Banyan and Cedar Lakes, featuring the Sun and Moon Pagodas.
Day 8: Guilin to Yangshuo - The Li River Cruise
Luxury Li River Cruise
Board a 4-star superior cruise for a 4-hour journey through the heart of the karst mountains, passing scenery seen on the 20 RMB note.
Arrival in Yangshuo
Disembark in the charming town of Yangshuo and take a private golf cart transfer to your boutique hotel among the peaks.
West Street Wanderings
Explore the oldest street in Yangshuo, filled with mix of traditional shops, cafes, and global influences.
Impression Sanjie Liu Show
Watch a spectacular outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou, using the actual Li River and karst mountains as a stage.
Day 9: Yangshuo - Rural Bliss & Aerial Views
Helicopter Tour of Karst Peaks
Take to the skies for a 15-minute luxury helicopter flight over the dramatic landscape of Yangshuo and the Yulong River.
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
Float down the tranquil Yulong River on a traditional bamboo raft, steered by a local polesman through emerald waters.
Countryside Sidecar Adventure
Ride in a vintage sidecar motorcycle through local rice paddies, orchards, and ancient villages.
Gourmet Farm-to-Table Dinner
Enjoy a refined dinner at your resort featuring locally sourced 'Beer Fish' and organic vegetables from the Yangshuo valley.
Day 10: Yangshuo to Shanghai - Transition to the Future
Yangshuo Cooking Class
Visit the local market to buy ingredients and learn to cook traditional Guilin dishes in a scenic rooftop kitchen.
Reed Flute Cave
On the way back to Guilin airport, explore this massive limestone cave filled with multicolored stalactites and stalagmites.
Flight to Shanghai
Board your 2.5-hour flight to China's most modern metropolis, Shanghai.
Bund River Cruise
Take a private boat tour along the Huangpu River to see the neon-lit futuristic skyline of Pudong and the colonial architecture of the Bund.
Day 11: Shanghai - Art Deco & Imperial Gardens
Yu Garden & Old City
Visit this exquisite Ming Dynasty garden and the surrounding bazaar for a glimpse into old Shanghai.
Michelin-Starred Dim Sum
Dine at Yi Long Court for some of the city's finest Cantonese cuisine and handmade dim sum.
The Bund Architectural Walk
Enjoy a private guided walk of the 'Museum of Buildings,' learning about the history of the various concessions and banks.
ERA Intersection of Time
Witness a high-tech acrobatic show that tells the story of China from its ancient origins to its digital future.
Day 12: Shanghai - Water Towns & Modern Marvels
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Travel by private car to the 'Venice of the East,' enjoying a private gondola ride through the ancient canals and stone bridges.
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Ascend the world's second-tallest building to the 'Top of Shanghai' for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
Propaganda Poster Art Centre
Visit this unique hidden museum to see an extensive collection of historical posters from the Mao era.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet Experience
If you've booked months in advance, enjoy this 3-Michelin-star immersive multi-sensory dining experience at a secret location.
Day 13: Shanghai - French Concession & High Fashion
Former French Concession Walk
Wander through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession, visiting Fuxing Park and Sinan Mansions.
Xintiandi Lunch & Shopping
Dine in the shikumen-style brick buildings of Xintiandi, followed by high-end boutique shopping for local designer fashion.
Shanghai Museum
Explore one of the world's finest collections of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy.
Farewell Dinner on the Bund
Celebrate your final night with a table at Mr & Mrs Bund or Hakkasan, overlooking the spectacular lights of Pudong.
Day 14: Shanghai - Departure via Maglev
Leisurely Breakfast & Last Look
Enjoy a final luxury breakfast at your hotel and perhaps a quick stroll along the riverfront to soak in the atmosphere.
Maglev Train Experience
Take the world's fastest commercial electric train to Pudong Airport, reaching speeds of 431 km/h (267 mph).
Airport VIP Lounge
Relax in the premium lounge before your international flight home, reflecting on an epic journey through the heart of China.
Departure
Bid farewell to China as you board your flight, taking with you memories of imperial palaces and misty mountains.
Best Time to Visit China
The ideal times to visit China for a luxury tour are during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is temperate and comfortable across most regions, from the northern plains of Beijing to the southern hills of Yangshuo. Autumn is particularly beautiful for its clear skies and golden foliage. It is highly recommended to avoid the 'Golden Week' national holidays in early May and early October, as crowds are at their peak and luxury availability becomes scarce.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Renminbi (RMB), often referred to as the Yuan. While China has rapidly moved toward a cashless society using mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay, international visitors can now link their foreign credit cards to these apps. Major luxury hotels and high-end restaurants accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), but carrying some cash is useful for small vendors. Tipping is not traditionally expected in China, though it is becoming more common to tip private tour guides and drivers as a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service.
Getting Around China
China boasts one of the world’s most advanced transport networks, making luxury travel incredibly efficient. High-speed 'Bullet' trains are the preferred way to travel between cities like Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, with Business Class cabins offering lie-flat seats and personalized service. For longer distances, such as traveling to Guilin or Chengdu, domestic flights with major carriers like Air China or China Eastern provide frequent connections and premium cabins. Within cities, private chauffeured cars are the most comfortable option, easily arranged through your hotel or luxury travel provider.
