China in Depth

(19 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Beijing & Great Wall, Xian, Guilin & Yangshuo, Hangzhou, Shanghai & Suzhou, Lijiang, Hong Kong

This is the ultimate luxury tour of China, visiting all of the country's most popular locations and cultural highlights. Tour the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Take excursions to the Great Wall of China and the water town of Suzhou. Stay at luxury resorts in Hangzhou and Lijiang—both locations are surrounded by gorgeous scenery and offer very interesting cultural touring. Also take a boat ride on the Li River and see the Terracotta Warriors.

Begin in Beijing, China's centuries-old capital. With your private guide and driver, tour imperial masterpieces such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Explore the narrow hutongs (lanes) of a traditional residential neighborhood. See lesser-known temples, and venture to a little-visited hilltop for panoramic views over the rooftops of the Forbidden City. Visit markets specializing in pearls, silk, food and furniture, and, if desired, explore new art gallery districts that showcase the city's burgeoning contemporary art scene. One day, take a private excursion to an impressive and less-visited section Great Wall of China.

Next, fly to the ancient capital of Xian, a major stop on the Silk Road. See the famed Terracotta Warriors and the massive city walls. Explore a local night market and the lively streets of the Muslim Quarter. Visit the important Big and Small Goose Pagodas. Tour the impressive Shaanxi Provincial History Museum and the Stele Forest, a fascinating library of tall stone tablets.

Continue to Guilin, home to some of China's most breathtaking scenery. Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo— China's most beautiful river journey—passing through a storied landscape of limestone peaks and rice paddies. From Yangshuo, take a motorized rickshaw or bike tour along the backroads of this picturesque region, exploring local villages with your private guide and driver.

Next, fly to Hangzhou. Take a cruise on beautiful West Lake, visit local tea plantations, Buddhist temples and other cultural highlights of the region. Also, enjoy tickets to Impression West Lake, a performance that takes place on the scenic lake.

Continue overland to Shanghai. En route, stop in Xitang, a picture-perfect water town of narrow canals and traditional architecture. During private touring in Shanghai, experience the unbridled energy of China's most stylish and modern city. Learn about Shanghai's history through the architecture of the Bund, the French Concession, Pudong and other districts. Tour some of China's best museums, including the Shanghai Museum. Also visit up-and-coming neighborhoods filled with art galleries, design shops and stylish new restaurants. One day, take an excursion to Suzhou or another nearby water town to cruise canals lined with Ming Dynasty homes, and tour private gardens that we've chosen as our favorites.

Continue to China's rural, southwestern Yunnan Province. Spend several nights at a luxury resort in Lijiang—one of China's best-preserved traditional villages, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Tour the cultural and scenic highlights of the region: visit hilltribe villages, see ancient Buddhist frescoes, attend a Naxi musical concert, browse the shops and charming streets lining canals in town and visit monasteries and beautiful parks at the base of the mountains.

Conclude in Hong Kong, one of Asia's most attractive and exciting cities, with a spectacular skyline, beautiful harbors and beaches, superb restaurants, bustling markets and much more. With your expert private guide and driver, learn about the historic buildings and modern skyscrapers in Central. Tour interesting residential neighborhoods in the hills. Explore traditional markets, ride a sampan (fishing boat) across Aberdeen harbor and a tram up Victoria Peak, browse the boutiques in the fashionable Soho district and perhaps get fitted for custom clothing at our favorite tailors. Explore local markets to learn about traditional Chinese medicine and unusual food products. Also visit excellent museums, a tea house, and other favorite spots.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world