16-Day Ultimate China Luxury Escapes & Grand Epic Journey
Embarking on a journey through China doesn't mean sacrificing comfort for culture. This 16-day route is meticulously designed for those who demand the finest: staying in heritage palaces, dining at Michelin-starred establishments, and gliding between ancient capitals on the world's most advanced high-speed rail network in Business Class.
From the mist-covered limestone karsts of Yangshuo to the neon-lit futuristic skyline of Shanghai, you will witness the breathtaking contrast of a nation that honors its 5,000-year history while racing toward the future. Prepare for an epic journey where every logistical detail is handled with white-glove precision.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing, China - The Imperial Welcome
Luxury Transfer & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) where your private chauffeur awaits. Check into the legendary Peninsula Beijing, an all-suite hotel located just steps from Wangfujing.
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
Take a leisurely stroll through one of Beijing's most famous shopping streets, exploring high-end boutiques and the historic department stores.
Peking Duck Banquet
Enjoy a sophisticated welcome dinner at Sheng Yong Xing, a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its perfectly roasted duck and extensive wine cellar.
Evening Cocktails
Sip on artisan cocktails at Yun Summer Lounge, offering panoramic views of the Forbidden City's golden roofs.
Day 2: Beijing, China - Secrets of the Forbidden City
Private Tour: Forbidden City
Enter the palace of the Ming and Qing emperors through a VIP fast-track entry. Your private historian will lead you through restricted areas and the Treasure Gallery.
Imperial Garden Lunch
Dine at TRB Hutong, located in a restored 600-year-old temple, offering world-class European cuisine with a Chinese twist.
Jingshan Park Viewpoint
Ascend the hill at Jingshan Park for the iconic 360-degree view of the palace complex and the Beijing skyline.
Hutong Rickshaw Exploration
Navigate the narrow alleys (Hutongs) of old Beijing in a traditional rickshaw, ending with a private tea ceremony in a local courtyard home.
Day 3: Beijing, China - The Great Wall in Style
Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour
Avoid the crowds at the Mutianyu section. Take the cable car to the top and enjoy a private gourmet champagne picnic on a restored watchtower.
Farm-to-Table Lunch
Enjoy a rustic yet refined lunch at the Brickyard at Mutianyu, overlooking the wall from a converted tile factory.
Summer Palace Sunset
Relax on a private dragon boat as you cruise Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace, the former retreat of the Empress Dowager Cixi.
Contemporary Chinese Dining
Visit Jing Yaa Tang for their famous roasted duck and modern interpretations of regional Chinese classics.
Day 4: Xi'an, China - Journey to the Ancient Capital
Business Class High-Speed Rail
Experience the world-renowned Fuxing train. Travel from Beijing to Xi'an in under 5 hours while enjoying flat-bed seats and meal service.
Ancient City Wall Cycling
Rent a tandem bike or take a golf cart around the top of the 14km Ancient City Wall, the best-preserved city wall in China.
Muslim Quarter Street Food Tour
Follow a local foodie through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, sampling hand-pulled noodles and persimmon cakes in hidden courtyards.
Tang Dynasty Show
Watch a spectacular performance of music and dance at the Tang Dynasty Palace, reflecting the peak of Chinese culture.
Day 5: Xi'an, China - Terracotta Army VIP Access
Terracotta Warriors & Horses
Visit the UNESCO site with a private guide. Access the VIP viewing platform for an unobstructed look at the 8,000 life-sized soldiers.
Dumpling Banquet
Feast on a traditional dumpling banquet at Defachang, where each dumpling is handcrafted to look like the ingredient it contains.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Explore this Buddhist landmark and the surrounding North Square, home to the largest musical fountain in Asia.
Fine Dining at Ritz-Carlton
Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Jing Xuan, offering exquisite Cantonese cuisine in a stunning high-rise setting.
Day 6: Chengdu, China - The Land of Abundance
High-Speed Rail to Chengdu
Board another high-speed train through the Qinling Mountains to the spicy capital of Sichuan province.
Taikoo Li Shopping
Explore this open-air, low-rise luxury shopping hub built around the historic Daci Temple.
People's Park Tea House
Experience the local "slow life" at Heming Tea House. Sip jasmine tea and try a traditional ear-cleaning service.
Sichuan Opera & Face Changing
Enjoy a private box at the Shufeng Yayun Tea House to watch the mesmerizing "Face Changing" performance.
Day 7: Chengdu, China - Pandas & Spice
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda
Arrive early with a private guide to see the pandas at their most active during breakfast. Visit the Red Panda area for a closer look.
Authentic Sichuan Hot Pot
Brave the heat at Shoo Loong Kan for an authentic, premium hot pot experience in a stunningly decorated traditional setting.
Jinli Ancient Street
Walk through this Ming-style street for traditional crafts, sugar painting, and local snacks.
Modern Sichuan Fusion Dining
Dine at The Bridge, a restaurant suspended over the Anshun Bridge, offering elevated Sichuan flavors.
Day 8: Guilin, China - Into the Karst Peaks
Flight to Guilin
Take a short domestic flight to the scenic heart of Guangxi. A private driver will meet you for the transfer to Yangshuo.
Reed Flute Cave
Explore this majestic limestone cave illuminated by colorful lights, featuring centuries-old ink inscriptions.
Hotel Check-in: Alila Yangshuo
Check into a stunning luxury retreat housed in a converted sugar mill, set against the backdrop of the karst mountains.
Riverside Dining
Enjoy a quiet, upscale dinner at the hotel's Sugar House Restaurant, featuring local ingredients like Beer Fish.
Day 9: Yangshuo, China - Li River Serenity
Private Li River Cruise
Skip the large tourist ferries and board a private 4-star luxury boat for a cruise from Yangshuo to the scenic Xingping section.
Xingping Ancient Town
Explore this 1,000-year-old town and visit the spot depicted on the back of the 20 RMB note.
Cormorant Fishing Demonstration
Witness a private demonstration of the ancient art of cormorant fishing at sunset on the riverbank.
Impression Liu Sanjie
Watch the world's largest natural theater show, performed on the Li River with 600 local actors and the mountains as a backdrop.
Day 10: Yangshuo, China - Rural Elegance
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting
Drift down the peaceful Yulong River on a hand-punted bamboo raft. This is the quiet "Little Li River" without motorboats.
Countryside Bike Ride
Take an e-bike or mountain bike through local rice paddies and orchards, stopping at Moon Hill for a photo opportunity.
Private Cooking Class
Learn to cook local specialties in a luxury farmhouse setting, using herbs and vegetables picked from the garden.
West Street Evening
Explore the bustling West Street for souvenirs and a taste of Yangshuo's lively nightlife before returning to your quiet resort.
Day 11: Shanghai, China - The Magic City
Flight to Shanghai
Fly from Guilin to Shanghai Hongqiao or Pudong. Transfer to your hotel on the historic Bund.
The Bund Walk
Walk the legendary waterfront, admiring the colonial-era architecture on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other.
Michelin-Starred Cantonese
Dine at Yi Long Court for world-class Cantonese cuisine in a setting reminiscent of a 1920s Shanghai noble's home.
Jazz Bar Experience
Listen to the Old Jazz Band at the Peace Hotel, a legendary group of musicians who have played for world leaders.
Day 12: Shanghai, China - Old and New Shanghai
Yu Garden & City God Temple
Visit the exquisite Ming Dynasty Yu Garden before it gets crowded. Explore the surrounding bazaar for traditional crafts.
Xiao Long Bao Lunch
Taste the world's best soup dumplings at the original Din Tai Fung or the premium Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
French Concession Private Tour
Explore the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, visiting the villas of Wukang Road and Fuxing Park.
Huangpu River Dinner Cruise
Book a private table on a luxury yacht to see the neon lights of Shanghai from the water while enjoying a gourmet meal.
Day 13: Shanghai, China - Heights of Modernity
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Ascend the world's second-tallest building. Take the world's fastest elevator to the 118th floor for breathtaking views.
Lujiazui Lunch
Dine at Scena in the Ritz-Carlton Pudong for high-end Italian cuisine with floor-to-ceiling views of the Pearl Tower.
M50 Art District
Visit the hub of contemporary Chinese art, featuring galleries, studios, and street art in a converted textile mill.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
If you've booked months in advance, experience this 3-Michelin-star immersive multisensory dining journey (limited to 10 guests).
Day 14: Hangzhou, China - Paradise on Earth
Train to Hangzhou
A short 1-hour high-speed train takes you to Hangzhou, famously described by Marco Polo as the finest city in the world.
West Lake Private Boat
Enjoy a private wooden boat cruise on the UNESCO-listed West Lake, passing the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
Amanfayun Check-in
Stay at the Amanfayun, a secluded resort designed like a traditional Chinese village near the Lingyin Temple.
Hangzhou Cuisine
Dine at 28 HuBin Road, famous for its Dongpo Pork and beggar’s chicken, paired with local Longjing tea.
Day 15: Hangzhou, China - Tea and Temples
Lingyin Temple
Explore one of China's most significant Buddhist temples and the nearby Feilai Feng (Peak Flown from Afar) rock carvings.
Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea Village
Visit the mountain village where the world's most expensive green tea is grown. Enjoy a tea-infused lunch at a local plantation.
National Tea Museum
Learn about the deep cultural roots of tea in China at this beautifully landscaped museum.
Enduring Memories of Hangzhou
Watch an incredible music and light performance staged directly on the surface of West Lake.
Day 16: Shanghai, China - The Grand Finale
Return to Shanghai
Take the high-speed train back to Shanghai for any last-minute shopping at the high-end Plaza 66 or Nanjing Road.
Maglev Train Experience
Take the world's fastest commercial train to Pudong Airport, reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h.
Airport VIP Lounge
Relax at the airport VIP lounge before your international flight home, reflecting on your epic journey through China.
Departure
Board your flight home with memories of a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit China
The best times for this luxury route are Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant across all regions. Spring brings blooming flowers to the Summer Palace and West Lake, while Autumn offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures for exploring the Great Wall and the Sichuan mountains. Avoid the "Golden Week" national holidays in early October and the Lunar New Year in January/February, as crowds are immense and prices skyrocket.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Yuan (CNY). China is a largely cashless society; while luxury hotels and high-end restaurants accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), most daily transactions are done via WeChat Pay or Alipay. It is highly recommended to link your international credit card to these apps before arrival. Tipping is not traditionally expected in China, though it is becoming more common to tip private tour guides and drivers in the luxury segment (approx. 100-200 RMB per day).
Getting Around China
Intercity travel is best handled via China's magnificent High-Speed Rail network. For journeys over 3 hours, Business Class is recommended as it offers reclining beds, lounge access, and premium meal service. For longer distances, such as Chengdu to Guilin, domestic flights in Business Class are efficient. Within cities, private chauffeured cars (booked through your hotel or Trip.com) are the most comfortable and reliable way to navigate, as they bypass the complexities of local traffic and language barriers.
