12 Days • 11 Nights
Luxury China: Private Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll walk a quiet section of the Great Wall away from the crowds, tour the Forbidden City with a historian, meet the Terracotta Warriors before the gates open, cruise the Li River on a private boat, and dine at the finest tables in Shanghai. Every transfer is private, every hotel a landmark, every experience curated.
For travellers who want China's icons with the utmost comfort and access, there is nothing like it.
Trip Highlights
- Five-star landmark hotels throughout
- A private, quiet stretch of the Great Wall
- The Forbidden City with an expert historian guide
- Priority access to the Terracotta Warriors
- A private Li River cruise from Guilin
- Michelin-starred and signature dining in Shanghai
- Private guides, drivers and first-class rail
- Twelve days of effortless luxury
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Met privately and chauffeured to your five-star landmark hotel. Tonight, a Michelin-starred welcome dinner to begin a journey of pure indulgence.
A private day at a quiet, beautifully restored stretch of the Great Wall, walking the ramparts in peace, with a gourmet picnic or a Peking duck dinner tonight.
The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven with a private historian bringing the dynasties to life, and time in the hutongs.
Travel first-class by high-speed train to Xi'an, with an evening at the illuminated Bell Tower and a private tasting in the Muslim Quarter.
Enter the Terracotta Warriors ahead of the crowds with priority access and an expert, then cycle the Ming city wall at your own pace.
Fly south to Guilin and your luxury retreat among the karst peaks, with a relaxed evening by the illuminated lakes.
A private boat down the Li River past its painterly peaks, with a gourmet lunch aboard and time to drink in the finest scenery in China.
A private day among the rice fields and karst hills of Yangshuo, with a cormorant-fishing display and a village visit.
Fly to Shanghai and your landmark hotel on the Bund, with the skyline glittering across the river.
A private tour of the Yu Garden, the Old City and the Bund, with the afternoon free for the boutiques and a rooftop aperitif.
A final indulgent day — a water town, the museums or the spa — with a farewell fine-dining dinner tonight.
A final gourmet breakfast before your private chauffeured transfer to the airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private chauffeured transfers and a private expert guide in each city
- 3 nights Beijing, 2 nights Xi'an, 3 nights Guilin, 3 nights Shanghai in five-star landmark hotels
- Daily gourmet breakfast, a Michelin-starred welcome dinner, a Peking duck dinner and a private Li River lunch
- A private Great Wall experience and the Forbidden City with a historian
- Priority access to the Terracotta Warriors
- A private Li River cruise and Yangshuo countryside
- Shanghai fine dining, the Bund and a rooftop experience
- First-class high-speed rail and business-cabin flights where available
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from China
- China visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (essential for a journey of this value)
- Meals and premium beverages beyond those stated
- Personal purchases and additional experiences
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a China tourist (L) visa arranged in advance, though visa-free transit and regional schemes exist for some passports. We can advise, and your passport should be valid at least six months
- The Great Firewall: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and many Western sites are blocked in China. Install a reputable VPN and download offline maps before you arrive
- Currency & payments: The currency is the Chinese yuan (RMB). China is largely cashless via WeChat Pay and Alipay; set these up if you can, and carry some cash as a backup
- Language: English is not widely spoken outside hotels, which is exactly why your guide and private driver make all the difference
- Getting around: China's high-speed trains are superb and some legs use domestic flights, all arranged for you with seat reservations
- Altitude: Tibet (Lhasa 3,650m) and Shangri-La sit high; we build in gentle acclimatisation, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor
- Best seasons: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal nationwide; summer is hot and can be rainy, and the far north is bitterly cold in winter
- Etiquette: Tipping was not traditional but is now expected for guides and drivers on tours. A little patience and a smile go a long way
- Health: Drink bottled or boiled water only, and carry hand sanitiser. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: Buy a local SIM or an eSIM for data, and bring a universal adapter (China uses types A, C and I at 220V)
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary, such as a Peking duck dinner or a dumpling banquet. Other meals are left free so you can explore China's incredible regional food.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own licensed guide and private driver in each city, so there is nothing to arrange on the ground.
Do I need a visa for China?
Most visitors need a China tourist visa arranged in advance, though some passports qualify for visa-free transit. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
Will my phone work in China?
Roaming works but Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked by the Great Firewall, so install a VPN before you travel. A local SIM or eSIM gives you reliable data.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather and clearest skies. Summer is hot and busier; winter is cold in the north but quiet and atmospheric.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels, cities and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a Yangtze cruise, Tibet or Hong Kong. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between cities?
By China's excellent high-speed trains and, for longer hops, domestic flights — all included and arranged with reservations.
What kind of hotels do we stay in?
China's finest five-star and landmark hotels, chosen for location, service and character. We confirm the exact properties with you and tailor to your preferences.
What makes this different from the classic tours?
Private expert guides, priority and after-hours access, a private Li River boat, first-class rail, the best hotels and Michelin dining throughout — China's icons with total comfort and no queues.
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