8-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in China
Embrace the grandeur of the Middle Kingdom with a curated 8-day journey through China's most iconic cities. This itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler, blending thousands of years of history with the sophisticated comfort of 21st-century luxury.
From the private balconies overlooking the Great Wall to the Michelin-starred dining rooms of Shanghai, you will experience China through a lens of exclusivity. With high-speed rail business class and premium transfers, your transition between the ancient and the ultra-modern will be as seamless as it is spectacular.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing, China - Imperial Arrivals
Arrival at Beijing Capital (PEK)
Touch down in the capital and meet your private chauffeur for a luxury transfer to the city center.
Check-in at The Peninsula Beijing
Settle into one of the city's most prestigious addresses, located just steps from the Forbidden City.
Wangfujing Exploration
A gentle afternoon stroll through Beijing's premier shopping street, focusing on high-end boutiques and the famous snack street.
Authentic Peking Duck Feast
Enjoy a private dining room experience at the renowned Da Dong Roast Duck for a modern twist on a classic dish.
Day 2: Beijing, China - The Great Wall Experience
Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour
Travel by private car to the most scenic part of the wall, taking the cable car up to avoid the crowds.
Gourmet Picnic on the Ramparts
Enjoy a catered luxury picnic with champagne overlooking the rolling hills of the Huairou District.
798 Art District
Explore China's contemporary art scene in this converted factory complex with a private gallery guide.
Red Theatre Kung Fu Show
Witness the legendary 'Legend of Kung Fu' show from exclusive VIP seating in the front rows.
Day 3: Beijing to Xi'an, China - High-Speed Luxury
Forbidden City Private Access
A curated tour of the Emperor's palace, focusing on the hidden Treasure Gallery and the Clock Museum.
Business Class Train to Xi'an
Board the Fuxing high-speed train for a 4.5-hour journey in the luxury of Business Class, featuring fully reclining seats.
Check-in at The Ritz-Carlton Xi'an
Arrive in the ancient capital and relax in the contemporary elegance of the high-tech Ritz-Carlton.
Muslim Quarter Night Walk
A sensory-rich guided walk through the historic Muslim Quarter to sample elite local street food delicacies.
Day 4: Xi'an, China - The Terracotta Legacies
Terracotta Warriors Private Viewing
Visit the UNESCO site with an expert archeologist to learn the secrets of the First Emperor's army.
Ancient City Wall Cycling
Cycle or take a golf cart ride atop the massive 14th-century city walls for panoramic views of old and new Xi'an.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Explore this Buddhist landmark and its surrounding fountains, an icon of the Tang Dynasty.
Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show
Enjoy a royal banquet and a spectacular performance recreating the golden age of Chinese culture.
Day 5: Xi'an to Shanghai, China - The Paris of the East
Domestic Flight to Shanghai
Fly First Class from Xi'an Xianyang (XIY) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) for a swift, comfortable transition.
The Bund Luxury Check-in
Check into The Fairmont Peace Hotel, a legendary Art Deco landmark overlooking the Huangpu River.
Yu Garden Private Tour
Wander through the intricate rockeries and ponds of this classical Ming Dynasty garden.
Huangpu River Private Cruise
Charter a private yacht to view the spectacular neon skylines of Pudong and the historic Bund.
Day 6: Shanghai, China - Modern Heights & Culture
Shanghai Museum Guided Visit
Explore one of China's best collections of ancient bronze, ceramics, and calligraphy with a private curator.
Michelin-Starred Lunch
Dine at T’ang Court, one of the few restaurants in mainland China to hold three Michelin stars.
Shanghai Tower Top Floor
Ascend the world's second-tallest building to the 'Top of Shanghai' observatory for 360-degree views.
Jazz at The Peace Hotel
End the evening with cocktails and live music from the world-famous Old Jazz Band.
Day 7: Shanghai, China - Water Towns & Sophistication
Zhujiajiao Private Water Town Trip
Escape the city for the 'Venice of the East' and enjoy a private gondola ride through ancient canals.
Xintiandi Shopping & Tea
Visit the trendy Shikumen architecture district for luxury shopping and a traditional tea ceremony.
Spa Treatment at Banyan Tree
Indulge in a signature oriental massage at the Banyan Tree Spa overlooking the river.
Farewell Dinner at Flare
A final luxury meal at the Ritz-Carlton’s rooftop restaurant, featuring Italian cuisine and skyline views.
Day 8: Shanghai, China - Departure via Maglev
Morning at the French Concession
A final quiet stroll through the leafy streets and colonial villas of the former French Concession.
Shanghai Maglev Experience
Take the world's fastest commercial train to the airport, reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h.
VIP Airport Lounge
Relax in the premium lounge at Pudong International Airport before your long-haul flight home.
International Departure
Board your flight, concluding your 8-day luxury tour of China’s most prestigious highlights.
Best Time to Visit China
The ideal time for this luxury route is during the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild and clear in both Beijing and Shanghai, avoiding the winter chill of the north and the summer humidity of the south. Autumn is particularly beautiful for the Great Wall, as the surrounding foliage turns vibrant shades of orange and red.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), China is primarily a mobile-payment society. It is highly recommended to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your international card before arrival. Tipping is not traditionally required in China, but in high-end luxury contexts, a small gratuity for private guides and drivers is appreciated.
Getting Around China
For this itinerary, the best way to travel between Beijing and Xi'an is the high-speed rail (Gaotie); Business Class offers a level of comfort comparable to international first-class aviation. Between Xi'an and Shanghai, a domestic flight is the most efficient option. Within cities, private car services arranged by your hotel or a tour provider are the most comfortable and reliable way to navigate the bustling urban centers.
