Discover China

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Beijing & Great Wall, Xi’an, Guilin & Yangshuo, Shanghai & environs

This private luxury tour includes exploring the classic highlights of China.

Begin in Beijing, China's centuries-old capital filled with UNESCO World Heritage sites. With your private guide and driver, tour imperial masterpieces such as the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), 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 hilltop for panoramic views over the rooftops of the Forbidden City. Also visit other cultural highlights and enjoy time to explore fashionable districts filled with specialty boutiques and restaurants. One day, take a private excursion to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu.

Continue by high-speed train to Xi’an, an ancient capital that was once a major stop on the Silk Road. During private touring, see the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, walk on the massive city walls, and visit the UNESCO-inscribed Big and Small Goose pagodas. Also explore the lively streets of the Muslim Quarter, see the Great Mosque, and sample Muslim food specialties such as mutton dumplings, persimmon doughnuts androu jia mo (marinated meat stuffed in flat bread).

Next, fly to Guilin and transfer to rural Yangshuo, a UNESCO-inscribed region of breathtaking karst landscapes along the Li River. Stay at an atmospheric luxury resort built in the traditional style of the region. During private touring, enjoy a private cruise on a traditional bamboo raft through a storied landscape of limestone peaks and rice paddies on the Li River. Also visit local villages and, if desired, take a private biking tour on the backroads of this picturesque region.

Conclude in Shanghai and experience the unbridled energy of China's most stylish and modern city. During private touring, learn about Shanghai's history through the architecture of the Bund, the French Concession, the Old Town, Pudong and other districts. Tour some of China's best museums, including the Shanghai Museum East or the Shanghai Museum on People’s Square. See traditional highlights such as Huxinting Teahouse (Willow Tea Garden) and Yu Garden. Enjoy plenty of time to browse sophisticated neighborhoods filled with stylish boutiques, art galleries, design shops and upscale cafes and restaurants.

One day, take a private excursion to atmospheric Suzhou or another nearby water town, such as Zhujiajiao or Tongli, to cruise canals lined with whitewashed Ming dynasty buildings. Walk along canals, stopping in small shops and teahouses and tour classical Chinese gardens recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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