Highlights from an incredible private China tour, including Shanghai, Xitang, Hangzhou, Beijing and Hong Kong.

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For centuries, Hangzhou has been regarded as one of China’s most beautiful and relaxing destinations. The region’s charms—scenic West Lake, ancient Buddhist temples, and abundant tea plantations—have changed little since Hangzhou was the imperial capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The emperors may be long gone, but a luxurious lifestyle remains. The Fuchun Resort—one […]

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The tea ceremony is one of Japan’s most interesting and enduring artistic traditions. More than a ritual for preparing and drinking tea, the tea ceremony is a means to aesthetic appreciation and social interaction that has had a profound influence on Japanese art, architecture, gardens, cuisine and philosophy. What happens during a traditional Japanese tea […]

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Istanbul’s Grand Covered Bazaar is a perfect spot for one-stop-shopping for traditional Turkish goods. There is something for everyone in its thousands of shops, including jewelry and kilim (traditional Turkish rugs). Lamps and tea sets made of colored glass are plentiful and recall the glittering jewels of the spectacular treasury at Topkapi Palace. The bazaar […]

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