The Grand Tour of China

Discover the wild side of China

China is a country of people and their stories. Joy and struggle, tradition and innovation. Mighty rivers, endless wilderness, and sprawling megacities. It's a story 5,000 years in the making, and we're just beginning its most exciting chapter.

We'll break through the tourist bubble to uncover the real stories. We'll help you discover the China that lives amid the fragrant sizzle of street woks, in bustling city markets and remote mountain villages, and, most importantly, in the hearts of the people you meet along the way. Be part of the story of a country that will shape the 21st century.

Immediately upon landing, you'll be met by a VIP service representative right at the exit of the plane. They will escort you through expedited passport control and customs procedures and assist with baggage claim. A local guide and a private car will be waiting in the arrivals hall, ready to take you to your hotel.
First Stop: Beijing

Hong Kong is a symbol of modernity, Xi'an is the embodiment of ancient history, and Beijing is a stunning blend of both. As the capital of China since the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368), Beijing encompasses the past, present, and future, all condensed into its cramped quarters and bustling streets. Despite the divide between old and new, one characteristic remains constant throughout the centuries: firm political authority and a vibrant intellectual and artistic scene continue to shape not only China but the entire world.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 AM to begin your day.

Rising above the sea in the east and stretching 5,000 miles to the deserts of China's far west, the Great Wall of China is arguably the greatest man-made wonder of the world. We bypass the more touristy sections and take you directly to the stunning Ming Dynasty ruins outside Beijing, where lonely guards, far from home, once wearily watched over the barbarian lands beyond.

A three-hour drive from Beijing, in the rugged mountains of Hebei Province, lies one of the most picturesque sections of the Great Wall, accessible from the capital. Unlike its closer neighbors, it is free of tourist crowds, and the more remote 10.5-kilometer Jinshanling section, consisting of restored and wild wall, is steeped in centuries of history. A short gondola ride up the mountain, followed by a three-hour hike, offers incredible views of countless watchtowers rising against the endless mountain silhouettes, and offers insight into the thoughts of those ancient soldiers who shared this view hundreds of years ago.

After the hike, celebrate your conquest of the Great Wall—as Mao Zedong said, "A real man must walk it." We'll pack a lunch from Beijing's favorite bakery: spread out a blanket, relax, and enjoy what may be one of the best picnics of your life.

At the end of the day (around 5:00 PM), your guide will return you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
Welcome to the Forbidden City, a grand imperial palace complex that for 600 years was closed to all but China's rulers, their families, eunuchs, and concubines. In 1924, a powerful warlord gave the last emperor only three hours to leave the palace. South of the towering red walls lies Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong rests in a gigantic mausoleum.

Jingshan Park
No trip to the Forbidden City would be complete without a visit to Jingshan Park. Located just across the street, a short climb up Jingshan Hill rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views of the ancient Imperial Palace and Beijing. Created from earth dredged from the Forbidden City's moat, the mound also serves as a bulwark against evil spirits that might threaten the palace.

Hutongs: Ask residents of Beijing's hutongs, the intersecting labyrinths of courtyards and alleys that form the heart of the city, and they'll tell you that anyone living beyond them isn't a true Beijinger. You'll see old men whiling away the night playing Chinese chess or mahjong, shopkeepers selling traditional snacks like jianbing (pancakes) and baozi (steamed buns), and hear cries announcing the arrival of a knife sharpener or cardboard collector. It was in these ancient neighborhoods that the capital's distinctive culture was born, one that continues to thrive today. As you stroll through the streets, you'll spend a day peering into the homes of some of the city's most traditional residents, including the courtyard of a man who achieved fame and fortune thanks to the legendary skill of his cricket fighting. Rest assured, these crickets are treated with the utmost respect and care, more than any other insect we've ever encountered. They have their own special brushes, ginger-infused water in specially carved bowls, and even hand-carved coffins for the very end. To say that fighting cricket culture is little known would be an understatement, as only the most dedicated Beijingers have heard of this underground culture.

High-speed train to Xi'an
Your guide and driver will escort you to the train station and assist you with boarding the train. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. Upon arrival in Xi'an, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel by private car.

Next stop: Xi'an
While Beijing has overshadowed Xi'an as China's new capital, its history and prestige pale in comparison to the old capital, Xi'an, where emperors ruled China for millennia. Home to the Terracotta Army, the eastern end of the Silk Road, and one of China's richest cultural histories, it's home to the ancient city walls of Xi'an.

Walk the Ancient City Walls of Xi'an
The only way into or out of central Xi'an is through the enormous openings in China's oldest, largest, and best-preserved city wall, rising 12 meters. Without a doubt, the best way to see the fortifications is to walk along their top. While walking the walls, be sure to look around to fully enjoy the magnificent views of the ancient city within and the modern metropolis without.

Meals included: Breakfast

Terracotta Warriors
In 1974, while digging a well in the vast countryside outside Xi'an, a group of farmers made a legendary discovery. They stumbled upon a chamber containing 8,000 soldiers belonging to China's fearsome first emperor—a terracotta army buried underground to eternally guard his tomb.

Less than an hour's drive from the city, you'll spend two hours gazing up at the ranks of these ancient guardians—an experience no trip to China would be complete without.

Great Wild Goose Pagoda
Rising proudly outside the city walls (and next to its smaller and younger
"sister," the Small Wild Goose Pagoda) stands the beautiful Great Wild Goose Pagoda. Said to have been modeled after Indian pagodas seen by a wandering monk in the 8th century, it was created to house Buddhist sutras he brought back from his travels. This massive structure is not only one of the oldest in Xi'an but also an important symbol of the city, whose architecture is heavily influenced by styles from as far away as Beijing and Iran.

Muslim Quarter
When Islam entered China along the Silk Road 1,300 years ago, its devout followers, both locals and foreigners, settled in the bustling commercial district of the capital, Chang'an. After centuries of prosperity, this Muslim Quarter remains one of the most vibrant areas of modern Xi'an and is a true feast for the senses, with neon signs, exotic spices, and mouth-watering grilled dishes.

Your guide will return you to your hotel around 5:00 PM. Meals included: breakfast

Kuan Zhai Alleys
High-speed train to Chengdu
Your guide and private driver will accompany you to the train station and help you check in. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival in Chengdu, your local guide will meet you with a private car, who will take you to your hotel.

Next stop: Chengdu
Located in the heart of eastern Sichuan Province, Chengdu is the capital of this southwestern province. Its geographic and political remoteness have always fostered the free-spirited nature of the people of Sichuan, which is reflected in Chengdu's modern cosmopolitan character.

As the economic hub of southwest China and home to a large and thriving student and intellectual community, Chengdu embodies liberal thinking and progressiveness across a wide range of interests and passions. Chengdu's identity as a thriving metropolis, the epicenter of giant panda conservation, and the source of some of the most delicious Sichuan cuisine makes it one of the
Kuan Zhai Alleys is a dynamic collision of traditional architecture and modern culture, where Qing dynasty buildings host some of Chengdu's finest coffee shops, bars, galleries, and boutiques.

Sichuan Opera: Changing Faces
The illusory Sichuan Opera: Changing Faces is shrouded in such secrecy that a Hong Kong superstar is rumored to have once paid a master 3 million yuan to reveal its secrets. Admire this enigmatic art form, along with the acrobatics, comedy, and vibrant characters that make up this regional opera, on a VIP experience made even more Sichuan-inspired by the opportunity to have your ears cleaned by a local artisan during the performance (if you like your ears just the way they are, don't worry, ear cleaning is optional).

Sichuan Hotpot Dinner
A favorite of locals and travelers alike, hotpot is a shared feast featuring some of China's most delicious dishes. Dip meat and vegetables into a large pot of spicy broth and experience the sultry spirit of Sichuan. Those seeking a more culinary adventure can sample some of the restaurant's more exotic ingredients.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Dujiangyan Dam
Along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal, the Dujiangyan Dam is one of China's three greatest architectural masterpieces. Built in 256 BC, it is the oldest irrigation system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally, this dam contributed to the prosperity of Sichuan Province by preventing flooding and diverting water into a basin. Today, this system supports the livelihoods of over 10 million people. The dam embodies the ancient Chinese philosophy that "man should always live in harmony with nature, utilizing its resources." Walk across the cable-stayed bridge over this magnificent irrigation facility and admire the strength of its centuries-old technology. Although the irrigation system was severely damaged during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, it has been partially restored.

Dujiangyan Panda Base
Located about an hour and a half from Chengdu, Dujiangyan Panda Base is one of our favorite places to get up close and personal with giant pandas. The first wild pandas were spotted in this area in 1953, and the bamboo-covered hills of the reserve replicate the natural habitat of these famous animals. The ultimate goal of Dujiangyan Panda Base is to increase the panda population and prepare them for life in the wild. Be sure to look out for the keepers, who can spend time with China's national animal, dressed in panda suits themselves.

At the end of the day (around 5:00 PM), your guide will return you to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast

Your guide and personal driver will escort you to the airport and assist with check-in. The flight is approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival in Guilin, your local guide will meet you in the arrivals hall, and your personal car will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

Next stop: Yangshuo
Yangshuo is one of the most famous cities in all of China, offering travelers a relaxed atmosphere, a rich selection of Western dishes, and picturesque scenery to those lucky enough to visit. Although off the beaten tourist route, Yangshuo is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the pastoral beauty of Guangxi. With its stunning hidden splendor and thriving intercultural community, Yangshuo is the perfect destination for nature lovers, poets, and trendsetters to gather in a relaxed atmosphere.

Explore the countryside on a motorcycle with a sidecar.
Explore the Yangshuo countryside on a relaxing two-hour motorcycle with a sidecar. Travel along the scenic Li River, surrounded by impressive karst peaks and peaceful farmland. The ride includes stops at hidden viewpoints offering stunning views of the region's iconic landscapes. Pass through picturesque villages, dense bamboo groves, and quiet riverside trails, immersing yourself in the serenity of rural life.

Mount Ruyi
Rising above the lush plains of Yangshuo, Mount Ruyi (Ruyi Peak) is a stunning example of the region's world-famous karst landscape. It gets its name from its distinctive shape, reminiscent of the traditional Chinese ruyi scepter, an ancient symbol of good fortune. A cable car, passing over the picturesque area, offers stunning panoramic views. For more adventurous travelers, a suspension bridge and glass walkway offer breathtaking views of the dramatic landscape, while helicopter tours offer a bird's-eye view. This is the best place to experience Yangshuo's natural beauty from a variety of unforgettable perspectives.

West Street
Yangshuo's main street is where this idyllic town was born over 1,400 years ago. Today, West Street remains a bustling commercial hub with a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Despite its immense popularity with tourists, it still retains much of its traditional small-town charm once you venture beyond its confines.

An Impression by Liu Sanjie – A Love Song Written in Light and Mist
When night falls over Yangshuo and the Li River grows quiet, something ancient awakens. Directed by Zhang Yimou, the visionary director behind the films "Hero," "House of Flying Daggers," and the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony, this 70-minute epic performance of folk songs and dances draws on a beloved local legend about a young Zhuang girl whose voice, it was said, could move mountains.

The stage is the Li River itself, and the 12 karst peaks rising above its banks provide a natural backdrop, a theater built not by architects, but by time. Over 600 local performers, farmers, and fishermen, who work the land by day, take to the water at night to bring its story to life. Only the river, the mountains, the songs, and the starlight. A show you're unlikely to forget.

For this experience, we've reserved VIP seats in Zone A1, offering a panoramic view of the stage and the karst silhouettes, so every reflection and every whisper of a folk song reaches you exactly as Zhang Yimou intended.
At the end of the day (around 7:00 PM), your guide will return you to your hotel.

Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River
Rafting down the Yulong, a calmer tributary of the Li River, on a bamboo raft is like stepping into an ancient Chinese painting, where crystal-clear water meanders through a surreal landscape of karst peaks and lush vegetation, while water buffalo periodically plow the fields by the riverbank.

For a morning trip, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery during this invigorating 90-minute ride as your personal gondolier whisks you downstream.

Fan Making in Fuli
Nestled in the picturesque Guangxi countryside and surrounded by karst hills, the village of Fuli offers much more than just traditional rural charm. Fuli is the ancient birthplace of paper fans, and even today, many locals still make a living from this revered craft. Take a close look at their exquisite creations and try making one yourself in this atmospheric and historic setting.

Private Afternoon Tea by the Li River
Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea on a quiet hill overlooking the tranquil Li River, admire the golden hues of a breathtaking sunset, and immerse yourself in a moment of pure serenity.

At the end of the day (around 5:00 PM), your guide will return you to your hotel.

Your guide and private driver will escort you to the train station and assist you with train check-in. Travel time is 2.5–3 hours. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, your local guide will meet you in the arrivals hall with a private car to transfer you to your hotel.

Next stop: Hong Kong
Along with New York, London, and Tokyo, Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world. Once a collection of quiet fishing villages scattered across the islands, Hong Kong developed into a major trading port in the mid-19th century and later an international financial center under British rule. Since 1997, Hong Kong has been a Special Administrative Region of mainland China and remains a vibrant financial hub, blending modern high-rise skyscrapers with remnants of its fishing past.

Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak towers over Hong Kong's tallest skyscrapers and is renowned for its breathtaking views and prestigious residences. To reach the summit, visitors travel along a winding road through Hong Kong's lush subtropical hillsides. At the summit is a vast observation gallery offering breathtaking views of Hong Kong's impressive skyline, including sparkling Victoria Harbor and the surrounding islands. From this vantage point, the dense urban sprawl is framed by emerald hills, creating a stunning panorama.

Man Mo Temple
Located just a few blocks from the Central District in an affluent neighborhood, Man Mo Temple has been a revered site for over a century. Dedicated to two prominent deities—Man Chong, patron of literature, and Mo Tai, patron of war—it attracts those seeking inspiration for intellectual endeavors or solace in difficult times. Ornate wooden carvings, vibrant tiles, and thick incense smoke create an atmosphere of contemplation within the temple.

PMQ
Household in a converted 1950s police housing block, PMQ is a hub of Hong Kong design and innovation. Its minimalist postwar architecture contrasts with vibrant modern studios showcasing local craftsmanship. Visitors can enjoy temporary exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and chic concept stores that celebrate the city's artistic renaissance within the historic building.

The Mid-Levels
Ride the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, which winds through Hong Kong's cascading landscape, connecting the city center with the Mid-Levels residential district. This marvel of engineering passes al fresco restaurants, historic shophouses, and modern high-rises. By day, it serves as a commuting hub for locals, while at night, its elevated position offers views of the neon-lit streets and the city's vibrant nightlife.

A Symphony of Lights aboard the Aqua Luna
All aboard the Aqua Luna, a privately owned traditional Chinese wooden junk, restored to a luxurious standard. Once onboard, cruise the calm waters of Victoria Harbor for a front-row seat to a truly spectacular view of Hong Kong's famous Symphony of Lights, the world's largest permanent light and sound show. As dazzling lights dance across the horizon, immerse yourself in the city's past and enjoy unforgettable views of its future.

At the end of the day (around 5:00 PM), your guide will return you to your hotel.

Chee Lin Monastery
Founded in 1934, the Chi Lin Monastery showcases exquisite Tang Dynasty architecture. Its halls feature intricate interlocking wooden structures, with beams joined without the use of iron nails, highlighting the skill of the era's craftsmen. The monastery is also renowned for its beautiful landscaped gardens, including the renowned Bonsai Garden, which features an impressive collection of meticulously trimmed bonsai trees. Visitors can experience the daily lives of the nuns and enjoy the tranquil greenery, which offers a peaceful retreat from the surrounding concrete jungle.

M+
Immerse yourself in a world of contemporary visual culture at M+, Hong Kong's avant-garde museum dedicated to art, design, and architecture of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Located in the West Kowloon Cultural District and designed by Herzog & de Meuron, M+ houses a remarkable collection of world and Asian art, including one of Asia's most extensive moving image archives. Admire the museum's rooftop gallery, which offers stunning views of Victoria Harbor. M+ is a haven for those who appreciate bold artistic and innovative design.

Stanley Market: Hong Kong's vibrant shopping destination.
This labyrinthine open-air market, located in the coastal village of Stanley, exudes a relaxed charm. Stalls overflow with silk garments, Chinese calligraphy, and painted ceramics, reflecting both traditional and contemporary influences.

At the end of the day (approximately 5:00 PM), your guide will return you to your hotel.

Your guide will accompany you to the airport and help you check in for your flight home.