Contemporary China

(16 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Beijing & Great Wall, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Hong Kong

This private tour focuses on the contemporary and futuristic architecture and innovations in some of China’s most fascinating cities.

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. See iconic structures, such as the CCTV Headquarters, the “Bird’s Nest” Olympic Stadium designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron and Zaha Hadid designed buildings (including the Galaxy SOHO). Also visit Gathered Sky by James Turrell and if desired, explore new art gallery districts that showcase the city's burgeoning contemporary art scene. 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.

Fly to Chengdu, a region known for giant pandas, rich cultural heritage and spicy Sichuan cuisine. During private touring, see frolicking giant pandas at a breeding and research center and learn about conservation efforts to help the animals. Also visit the archaeological site of Sanxingdui to learn about the ancient cultures that once inhabited this area. During private city touring, see Chengdu highlights such as Kuanzhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alleys), a historic area filled with shops and restaurants, and People's Park, where locals socialize and play mahjongg. See the Tower of Vitality, an ultramodern art installation at Chengdu SKP, and take a ride on a fully automated driverless metro line. Also sample spicy Sichuan dishes, such as wontons, mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. If desired, enjoy tickets to a performance of Sichuan Opera, which includes the magical art of face-changing.

Continue to Chongqing, a sprawling modern city built on hills overlooking the Yangtze and Jilang rivers. During private touring, see futuristic skyscrapers and jumbles of modern apartment buildings stacked improbably on steep hillsides. Visit the Three Gorges Museum, historic sites such as Luohan Temple and Huguang Guild Hall, and Ciqikou Ancient Town, a former porcelain production center that preserves the look of Chongqing in centuries past. See Liziba Station, where trains pass through a residential building, and other unique structures, such as Hongyadong (Hongya Cave) and Raffles City Chongqing. One day, take an excursion to the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of religious sculptures carved into rock walls and caves. If desired, enjoy a food tour of Chongqing to sample hot pot and dishes made with numbing mala spices.

Next, fly to 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 and other districts. Discover the latest Chinese innovations in technology during visits to the flagship stores of top Chinese tech companies such as Huawei, DJI and Xiaomi, and, if desired, experience a virtual-reality (VR) visit to ancient China. 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. Also see contemporary highlights such as the Bulgari Shanghai Flagship store and the incredible skyscrapers in Pudong including Shanghai Tower. 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. Walk along canals, stopping in small shops and teahouses and tour classical Chinese gardens recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Also travel through the underwater Taihu Tunnel.

Conclude in Hong Kong. One of Asia's most attractive and exciting cities, the fable port town has a spectacular skyline, beautiful harbors and beaches, superb restaurants, bustling markets and much more. With your private guide and driver, learn about the historic buildings and modern skyscrapers (such as I. M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower and Zaha Hadid’s The Henderson) in Central and tour interesting residential neighborhoods in the hills. Visit the M+ art museum and other contemporary art museums and take a ride on the Central–Mid-Levels escalators. Ride 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 a teahouse and other favorite spots around Hong Kong Island and Kowloon according to your interests.

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