China Luxury Vacation: Beijing, Shanghai & Yangtze River

Welcome to time-honored China! After landing in Beijing, be warmly welcomed and safely escorted to your hotel by your professional guide and veteran chauffeur.

For the next few nights, you will stay at the Opposite House, designed by the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and characterized by elegant craftsmanship, clean lines, and contemporary silhouettes. It is a good choice to turn on the B&O Bluetooth speaker and take a bath in the oak bathtub, letting the aroma of Bamford's shower gel wash your fatigue away.

Meet your tour guide and start to know China's vibrant capital from Tiananmen Square. Then head to the Forbidden City, China's supreme power seat for more than five centuries. Marvel at the majestic palace architecture and get a glimpse of the royal life of ancient Chinese emperors.

Afterward, walk into the imperial Jingshan Park and climb up to the Wanchun Pavilion standing on the central axle of Beijing to capture a panorama of the spectacular royal palace complex.

Start today's journey with the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors held ceremonies to sacrifice to heaven. Appreciate its classical beauty and feel the solemn atmosphere.

Then, drive to Mutianyu Great Wall and take a cable car up. As the cable car rises slowly, the Great Wall hidden in the dense greenery gradually reveals its magnificent appearance. Finish today's exploration with an exquisite afternoon tea on the Great Wall. Sip your wine in dusk light while overlooking the legendary ancient rampart winding away through mighty mountains.

Have a leisurely morning on your own. The hotel is like an art gallery tucked away in the woods, adorned with encaustic tiles in vibrant colors. On the terrace overlooking the Great Wall, immerse yourself in the greenery and the sound of the wind.

Drive back to the city in the afternoon and taste the famous Peking Roast Duck at Dadong Restaurant. Watch the chef slice the roast duck skillfully and feel the blend of different ingredients, and the aroma bursts in your mouth.

At night, you may like a cup of drink at the Union Bar in the hotel. Order a cup of Golden Darius Sour and unwind in a cozy and modern ambiance.

Say goodbye to Beijing in the morning and head to Xi'an by high-speed train. Lie back in your spacious seat in the business class carriage and enjoy the ever-changing scenery outside the window or just close your eyes to take a nap.

Arriving in Xi'an for about four hours, your private driver will take you to Tanghua Huayi Hotel, an archaistic oasis that will take you back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Passing through the lobby is a courtyard with small bridges, ponds, and precious trees, forming an elegant Tang-style Garden landscape.

Prepare for another day of awe-inspiring exploring, beginning with Terracotta Warriors. Your knowledgeable guide will help you uncover the mystery of the massive mausoleum constructed over 2,000 years ago.

Afterward, return to the city and stroll through Muslim Street to sample local specialties and glance at Chinese Muslims' daily life.

Today immerse yourself in the life of the Xi'an locals. Pay a visit to a local family, learn how to make dumplings and other home-cooked dishes, then enjoy lunch with your hosts. If time allows, accompanied by your guide to the local market to handpick fresh ingredients.

In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Chengdu. Tonight, you will stay at the Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel, a creation by renowned French designer Bruno Moinard nestled within Chengdu's Kuanzhai Alley. Stepping through the entrance, you are greeted by a birdcage-shaped corridor that incorporates classic elements of traditional Chinese architecture - bamboo, blue bricks, and white walls - crafting an elegant and tranquil space.

Ready to meet the cute giant pandas? Arrive at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding early in the morning. Watch the lovely pandas stuff themselves or chase each other. Afterward, head to Wenshu Yuan Monastery. The red walls of the temple and the green bamboo show a strong Chinese-style, and the golden Buddha statue reveals a solemn atmosphere. You may join the locals to burn incense and pray for blessings in the temple.

Conclude the day with tea tasting at Wuxiang Animitta. The Chinese-style flower arrangement in the teahouse and the brocade of the tea table reveals the Zen spirit. Take a seat in the private room, watch the tea artisan skillfully make tea, and taste exquisite Chinese dim sum, with lush green plants outside the window overflowing infinite vitality.

Today we will head to Sanxingdui Museum to marvel at the relics of the ancient Shu kingdom's splendid civilization. Stand in awe of exhibits like the Bronze Sacred Tree and a bronze standing figure. At the cultural relic protection center, glimpse the meticulous process of repairing age-old treasures.

Afterward, return to the city to enjoy Sichuan opera's signature Face Changing performance, a rousing blend of martial arts, dance and folk-art endemic to Chengdu. This dazzling spectacle provides insight into the city's vibrant culture.

In the afternoon, board a train to Chongqing and embark on your Yangtze River cruise, the Century Glory. As the Century Glory sails from Chongqing's neon-lit pier, take in the skyline's neon glow while enjoying pre-dinner cocktails in the Observation Lounge.

After the buffet breakfast, disembark and proceed to Fengdu Ghost Town. While observing the sculptures with different postures on both sides of the stone road, your guide would tell you about China's ghost culture, such as the Bridge of Helplessness, the Eighteen Levels of Hell, and the Black and White Impermanence. Feel the historical thickness and ghostly charm here. At night, head to the gym or indoor pool. Enjoying a spa massage on a cruise ship is also a good choice.

This morning, stand on the deck and enjoy dynamic views while cruising through the majestic Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, two of the three gorges of the Yangtze River.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat to explore the enchanting Goddess Creek. Gliding along the jade-green river, you will be surrounded by verdant mountains on both sides, covered with lush vegetation. Take out your phone and capture the picturesque scenery.

Round off your cruise with a visit to the Three Gorges Dam straddling the Yangtze River. Then, disembark and move on to Yichang airport for your flight to Shanghai, the most futuristic metropolitan of China.

For the following several evenings, you will stay at Banyan Tree Shanghai on The Bund. If you want to enjoy the night view of the Bund, the TOPS bar of the hotel is the best choice. Across the river, Lujiazui is lined with high-rise buildings and flashing neon lights, adding a bit of psychedelic atmosphere to the skyline. Order a cocktail and indulge in this stunning night view.

Uncover the history of Shanghai's past and marvel at the development of this modern city! Start by exploring the Bund, and your guide will tell you stories about the famous buildings built in the colonial era. Then, stroll through the 400-year-old Yu Garden and discover the aesthetic elements of traditional Chinese gardens.

Afterward, take a walk from Fuxing Park to Bugaoli and observe the residents' daily life. Watch the locals dance, discover alleys, and taste street snacks at the local market. For the rest of the day, why not treat yourself to a professional spa massage at the hotel?

Time to say goodbye. You can have some leisure time until being transferred to the airport for your homebound flight.