No single journey can hope to encapsulate everything China has to offer, but our Grand Tour offers a thrilling and luxurious introduction to this many-faceted land. Expand your understanding of what makes China tick as you travel from the times of its first emperor to Shanghai’s futuristic skyscrapers, from the ancient tea trails of Sichuan to a 300 kph bullet train, on a journey filled with style, wonder and learning.
March to May and September to November are ideal times to visit. Try to avoid the sweltering heat of summer and the freezing winter temperatures of northern China.
Price depends on the experiences and accommodation included, and your time of travel. It is based on two adults travelling for 14 nights and does not include international flights.
3 nights in Beijing, 2 nights in Xi’an, 3 nights at Qing Cheng Mountain, 1 night in Chengdu, 2 nights in Hangzhou and 3 nights in Shanghai
What makes this luxury journey through China special?
- Learn ancient Tai Chi from a master at the iconic Temple of Heaven.
- Enjoy a champagne lunch on the battlements of the Jianshanling section of China’s Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and least-visited stretches.
- Be awed by the thousands of clay soldiers and horses that make up Xi’an’s iconic Terracotta Army.
- Track giant panda in the bamboo forests of Sichuan, and even become their keeper for a day.
- Explore the culinary delights and ancient teahouses of Chengdu.
- Lose yourself in Shanghai, the shining megacity full of contemporary art and historic waterside culture.
Highlights of your luxury China itinerary
The empire’s beating heart
Beijing
Big, bold and endlessly fascinating, Beijing unfolds like a palimpsest. Red lanterns glow in the narrow alleyways, the aroma of Pekinese cuisine drifts through bustling street markets, and soaring skyscrapers rise in sharp contrast to the stately, almost ghostly grandeur of its historic imperial palaces below. With a suite at the exquisite Mandarin Oriental Qianmen as your base, you’ll explore the Forbidden City, wander through the hutongs, take a private tai chi masterclass at the Temple of Heaven and enjoy an authentic Peking duck dinner. No visit to Beijing would be complete without visiting the Great Wall, but we’ll take you to the far less crowded Jianshanling section, where you’ll enjoy a champagne lunch on the battlements of the wall itself.
Meet the terracotta warriors
Xi'an
Travelling from Beijing by bullet train, you’ll soon be in Xi’an. Once the eastern terminus of the Great Silk Road, this ancient city is the China of your imagination. Times have changed since the silk caravans rolled out of town, but Xi’an’s mystique is still very much intact. With your private guide, explore Xi’an’s fourteenth-century city ramparts by bicycle and climb its square pagodas before visiting the Terracotta Army, an awe-inspiring highlight of any visit to this ancient place.
On panda patrol
Qing Cheng Mountain
Continuing by bullet train, you’ll soon be in Chengdu, where a private car will be waiting to take you to the misty, bamboo-cloaked Qing Cheng Mountains just an hour away. Your base is the luxurious Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, perfectly positioned for a deep dive into the area’s extraordinary cultural and natural wonders. Explore the ancient town of Dujiangyan—home to a stunning third-century irrigation system—and the ethereally beautiful Zhongshuge bookstore; wander temple-lined pathways in the birthplace of Taoism; and, for a truly unforgettable experience, spend a day tracking wild pandas in the Wolong Nature Reserve, China’s leading panda conservation site. For panda enthusiasts, a volunteer programme offers hands-on time as a keeper, feeding the animals and helping with their daily care.
Teahouses and Opera
Chengdu
Chengdu, Sichuan’s capital, simmers like a fragrant hotpot—its elaborate arched bridges etched with stories, its rambling old teahouses creaking with age. Here, afternoons drift beneath the shade of ancient trees in People’s Park, where the clack of chess pieces marks the passing hours. Come evening, enjoy the glow of lanterns above the market’s bustling stalls—a romantic backdrop for a fiery Sichuanese meal before taking your seats at the opera, Chengdu-style.
Sampans and silk
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is China’s city of poetry—described by Marco Polo in 1275 as ‘the finest and most splendid city in the world.’ The gardens and pagoda-dotted hills around West Lake remain much as he saw them, with sampans still gliding across the water, and diners tucking into Dongpo pork and Longjing tea beneath temple eaves to the notes of a softly plucked zither. But Hangzhou isn’t just a poetic relic—it’s now a tech hub, home to Alibaba, NetEase, and a wave of fashion start-ups in Dream Town. With the wonderful Amanfayun hotel as your base, enjoy this beguiling city with your private guide. We’ll also take you into the gorgeous nearby Tianmu Mountains where you can wander through wild ginkgo forests, and to the neighbouring silk-producing city of Suzhou, whose gardens and waterways showcase Middle China at its most refined.
Time travelling in Shanghai
Shanghai
Your journey concludes in Shanghai, China’s largest and most dynamic metropolis. Once a quiet and enigmatic entrepot on the East China Sea, Shanghai has transformed into a dazzling, forward-looking metropolis. Space Age skyscrapers sit cheek-by-jowl with grand colonial facades, traditional teahouses and tranquil gardens filled with lotus ponds. Stroll along the famed Bund with an expert historian, gain a glimpse of Shanghai’s future at the Urban Planning Exhibition Centre with its enormous scale model of the city’s planned urban landscape. Step back into Shanghai’s 1930s Golden Age at the Peace Hotel’s Jazz Bar. Delve into delectable Shanghainese dishes like wonton soup and drunken chicken on a private food influencer-led food tour, and cycle through its glorious parks, soaking up the rhythms of life in this most vibrant of cities.
Where you'll stay on your luxury China vacation
Great journeys need great places to lay your head. These are our tried and tested suggestions.
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen
Hidden away within Beijing’s storied Qianmen hutongs, the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen is a masterclass in quiet luxury. Each of its 42 courtyard residences feels like a private sanctuary, complete with serene gardens, high-design interiors and whispers of imperial history. Michelin-starred Cantonese at Yan Garden, inventive cocktails at TIAO, and tranquil tea rituals beneath a century-old maple tree create an experience both deeply local and unmistakably refined. Steps from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the hotel offers a rare blend of cultural immersion and modern indulgence.
Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel
Once a diplomatic guesthouse, The Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel brings a 1950s-style European elegance to Xi’an’s ancient heart. This heritage landmark exudes a vintage swagger, with marble staircases, gilded chandeliers, velvet armchairs and polished parquet floors. Rooms are stately but plush, with balconies overlooking tree-lined avenues and the city’s storied walls. Service is warm, old-world and wonderfully attentive. After exploring the Terracotta Army or Muslim Quarter, retreat to the grand lobby bar for aperitifs and slow jazz, or dine in the Art Deco Italian-inspired restaurant Dolce Vita.
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain
Cradled beneath the misty peaks of Qing Cheng Mountain not far from Chengdu, Six Senses offers a restorative blend of Taoist tranquility and smart, soulful luxury. Its timbered villas with outdoor tubs, koi ponds and bamboo-lined paths hush away all outside noise. There’s nothing to hurry for here, just mountain air and stillness. Every detail—every scent, texture and bite—feels intentional. Spend your days on temple hikes, tea meditations and spa rituals steeped in traditional Chinese Medicine followed by bold Sichuan flavours for dinner.
Temple House
Hidden behind a Qing dynasty courtyard in the heart of Chengdu, The Temple House is equal parts design statement and centuries-old sanctuary. You enter through a traditional teahouse, but inside you’ll find sculptural staircases, bold art and minimalist-chic rooms with floor-to-ceiling views. Staff have that rare combination of warmth and style. Sip craft cocktails at Jing, unwind in the subterranean spa or feast on handmade dan dan noodles at Tivano before diving into Chengdu’s buzzing food scene.
Amanfayun
Concealed within a tea-cloaked valley on the edge of Hangzhou’s West Lake, Amanfayun feels like stepping into an ancient Chinese painting. The resort is actually a restored Tang dynasty village that unfolds along a stone-paved path lined with Buddhist temples, tea houses and moss-covered rooftops. Rooms, set within quiet courtyards fragrant with incense and camellia, are minimalist yet deeply atmospheric. Mornings start with temple bells and mist over the tea fields, while afternoons melt into a calligraphy class, a forest walk or a nourishing spa ritual. For bodily sustenance, tuck into Hangzhou cuisine by candlelight or vegetarian feasts inspired by ancient monastic recipes.
The Peninsula Shanghai
High above Shanghai’s iconic Bund, The Peninsula offers an irresistible blend of Art Deco glamour and modern sophistication. Interiors have an opulence unmatched elsewhere in the city with chandeliers, marble floors and panoramic views of the Huangpu River. Rooms are vast, with a sense of timeless luxury. The rooftop bar, with its dazzling views of Shanghai’s skyline, is the place to sip cocktails, while the Cantonese restaurant serves some of the best dim sum in town. Unparalleled service, impeccable style, and a prime location make The Peninsula an iconic spot for those seeking both tradition and trend.
Customise your private journey through China
All of our journeys are fully bespoke, and can be customised to meet your needs, interests and preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
Relax among the awe-inspiring beauty of the Huangshan Mountains, no more than two hours from Shanghai.
Extend your time with an exploration of southern China: the remarkable rice terraces of Longsheng, the karst landscapes of Guilin and electric Hong Kong are just a few of its treasures.
Steep yourself in the enthralling ethnic minority cultures and rare plants of Yunnan.
Sample rural China at its best in glorious Guizhou, an easy add-on to your time in Chengdu.
Follow the Tea Horse Road in Shangri La, an incredible trek through Tibetan Buddhist areas among stunning Himalayan peaks.
Looking for more inspiration?
We have a huge range of inspiring private experiences and accommodation options available. Get in touch with our China specialists.
ENQUIRELearn more about our luxury holidays, or call our expert Asia team on +44 1367 850566 / 1-855-216-5040 (toll free) to discuss how we can turn your dreams into something truly magical.
“I did not write half of what I saw, for I knew I would not be believed.”