5-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in China
China is a land where ancient traditions meet a hyper-modern future, offering some of the most sophisticated luxury travel experiences on the planet. This five-day route connects the political and historical heart of Beijing with the financial pulse and colonial glamour of Shanghai, all while ensuring you travel in absolute comfort.
From the first-class seats on the world's fastest high-speed trains to private champagne toasts on the Great Wall, every moment of this journey is designed for the discerning traveler. You will skip the crowds with exclusive access and indulge in the finest culinary delights Asia has to offer.
Day 1: Beijing, China - Imperial Grandeur
Arrival & Chauffeur Transfer
Touch down at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Your private chauffeur will whisk you away in a Mercedes S-Class to the historic Peninsula Beijing, located just steps from the Forbidden City.
Forbidden City Private Access
Enter the Forbidden City through a VIP entrance, avoiding the massive public queues. A specialized historian will lead you through the Treasure Gallery and the private quarters of the Qing emperors.
Jingshan Park Sunset
Take a short walk to Jingshan Park. Scale the central hill to the Wanchun Pavilion for a 360-degree panoramic view of the golden Forbidden City rooftops as the sun sets over the capital.
Imperial Dining at Quanjude
Indulge in a signature Peking Duck dinner at Quanjude’s flagship location. Experience the "Peony" carving technique, a high-art presentation of China’s most famous culinary export.
Day 2: Beijing, China - The Great Wall in Style
Mutianyu Great Wall via Private Car
Escape the city for the lush mountains of Mutianyu. Enjoy a private cable car ride to the top of the wall, where you can walk along the ancient ramparts without the typical crowds of Badaling.
Gourmet Picnic on the Wall
Enjoy a curated gourmet picnic with chilled champagne and artisanal local snacks at a secluded watchtower, organized by your luxury tour operator.
The Summer Palace
Return to the city for a private boat ride on Kunming Lake. View the Longevity Hill and the Marble Boat from the water, mirroring how the Empress Dowager Cixi once enjoyed her summer retreat.
Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB)
Dine at TRB Hutong, a world-class French contemporary restaurant housed within a beautifully restored 600-year-old Buddhist temple.
Day 3: Beijing to Shanghai - The High-Speed Pulse
Beijing South to Shanghai Hongqiao
Experience the G-class high-speed train. Relax in the Business Class cabin, featuring fully lie-flat seats and personalized meal service, covering the 1,318km distance in just 4.5 hours.
The Fairmont Peace Hotel Check-in
Arrive at the historic Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund. This Art Deco masterpiece has hosted world leaders and celebrities for decades and offers the best river views in the city.
The Bund Sunset Stroll
Walk the historic waterfront promenade to see the contrast between the 1920s neoclassical buildings on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
Experience the world’s most avant-garde dining. This secret-location restaurant uses lights, sounds, and scents to create a 20-course multi-sensory immersive feast.
Day 4: Shanghai, China - Old World & New Art
Yu Garden & Old City
Explore the intricate Ming Dynasty architecture of Yu Garden. Your guide will take you to a private tea ceremony at the Huxinting Teahouse, the oldest in Shanghai.
Former French Concession
Drive through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession. Explore the high-end boutiques and art galleries of Wukang Road and Fuxing Park.
Jade Buddha Temple
Visit this active spiritual site to see the two magnificent white jade Buddhas imported from Myanmar. Enjoy a quiet moment in the temple’s private meditation hall.
Huangpu River Luxury Cruise
Charter a private cabin on a luxury river cruise. Watch the lights of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower dance across the water while enjoying light hors d'oeuvres.
Day 5: Shanghai, China - Heights of Modernity
Shanghai Tower Viewpoint
Ascend the world’s second-tallest building. Take the fastest elevator in the world to the 118th-floor observation deck for a literal bird's eye view of the Yangtze River Delta.
Michelin Lunch at Yi Long Court
Enjoy refined Cantonese cuisine at the Peninsula Shanghai’s Michelin-starred restaurant, overlooking the bustling river traffic.
Xintiandi Shopping
Finish your trip with some high-end retail therapy at Xintiandi, an affluent car-free shopping district featuring international luxury brands and local designer boutiques.
Maglev to Pudong Airport
End your journey on a high-tech note by taking the Maglev train to PVG airport, reaching speeds of 431 km/h (267 mph).
Best Time to Visit China
The ideal time for this luxury route is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild and clear, perfect for walking the Great Wall or exploring Shanghai's French Concession. Avoid the "Golden Week" (first week of October) and Chinese New Year, as domestic tourism peaks and many luxury services are fully booked months in advance.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), China is largely a cashless society. It is highly recommended to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your international card before arrival. Tipping is not traditionally expected in China, though it is becoming more common to tip private guides and chauffeurs in the luxury sector.
Getting Around China
Intercity travel is best handled via China's phenomenal high-speed rail network, which is faster and often more comfortable than domestic flights when factoring in airport security. Within cities, luxury travelers should utilize the "Luxe" or "Business" tiers on the Didi Chuxing app (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) or arrange for private chauffeured cars through their hotel concierge to ensure seamless, English-speaking service.
