To ensure a seamless experience, your guide will be waiting for you outside the secure customs area with a sign with your name on it. The guide will assist you in meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel with an English-speaking guide.

Head to the center of Beijing with your private guide and vehicle to spend the day exploring the must-see sites of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and a traditional “hutong” neighborhood. Start with a walk across the sprawling expanse of Tiananmen Square. Built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and serving as the front door to the Forbidden City, the present square is one of the largest in the world, stretching a vast 44 square hectares and featuring the Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People’s Heroes, Great Hall of the People, and the Mao Zedong Memorial. Many historically important moments have unfolded in this public setting.

From here, cross the street and enter through the towering gates of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest number of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The expansive palace complex is comprised of 9,999 buildings spread across 74 hectares and protected by a 19-foot deep moat and a 32-foot tall wall, divided into two parts. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation, while the Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Twenty-four emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties reigned over China from the Imperial Palace here until 1924. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Spend the afternoon exploring a nearby hutong, a network of traditional working-class neighborhoods tucked behind Beijing’s ever-growing landscape of skyscrapers. The hutongs are a tightly knit community of siheyuan, a compound of low-rise houses built around a central courtyard, connected by a series of narrow lanes and alleys best navigated by bicycle, rickshaw or on foot. The gray-tiled houses and identical crisscrossing alleys are ripe for discovery – tucked in the courtyards are local artisans, small businesses and even restaurants.

Today’s tour involves a fair amount of walking at a leisurely pace. Comfortable walking shoes and adequate protection from the sun are highly recommended.

With food being such a prominent part of Chinese culture, there is a wide range of cuisines that must be experienced when visiting China. From groundbreaking fusion dishes to traditional delicacies, Beijing has it all. Be sure to try out the local favorite, Peking duck. Tonight, you will be able to indulge in an unforgettable gastronomic experience accompanied by a private guide. Reservations will be made in advance at the restaurant of your choice, and round-trip transportation in a private vehicle will also be provided. Our Destination Experts can provide top recommendations for anything from fine Chinese dining to high-end international restaurants.

Please note: Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

Spend the day exploring two of Beijing’s most visually captivating sites with your private guide and driver. Start the day with a visit to the Summer Palace, which dates to the 12^th century, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast imperial encampment of temples, ornate pavilions, and halls set in a park around Kunming Lake. Occupying an area of 294 hectares, three-quarters of which is water, the compound features a sprawling archetypal Chinese garden that is ranked amongst the most noted gardens in the world and a truly picturesque setting to explore. The Long Corridor is a must-see – this covered walkway is decorated with more than 14,000 lavish paintings.

Then drive out of the city to take in the awe-inspiring Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located 45 miles northeast of the city. By far China’s most iconic architectural wonder, it captivates the imagination of generations of travelers intrigued by this feat of engineering. This well-preserved section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles and holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. Construction began during the 6^th century Northern Qi Dynasty, and it was restored in the early years of the Ming Dynasty (spanning from the 14^th to 17^th century).

An abundance of natural springs in the area give this section of the Great Wall a lush verdant ecosystem, and the rolling forested hills make for an impressive panoramic photo regardless of the time of year. Take a cable car to the top of the hillside to explore the 26-foot-high granite walls. The 22 watchtowers stretch along the top of the mountain ridge as far as the eye can see, an impressive military barrier against invading forces from the north. Today’s lunch will be had at a local restaurant near the Great Wall. If you are interested and traffic permits, it is possible to stop for a quick photo at the 2008 Olympic sites of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube along the drive.

Today’s tour involves a fair amount of walking at a leisurely pace. Comfortable walking shoes and adequate protection from the sun are highly recommended.

Enjoy a private transfer between the train station and your hotel with an English-speaking guide.

Transfer from Beijing to Pingyao via the high-speed bullet train. The train ride is approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy a private transfer between the train station and your hotel with an English-speaking guide. The transfer includes use of a golf cart from the hotel to the Old Town Gate.

The Ancient City of Pingyao is the most authentically preserved walled town in China, and a delight to discover. Spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your private driver and guide. The iconic Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, picturesque red lantern-lined streets, well-preserved courtyards and latticework of ancient houses and lanes give the city a unique atmosphere – this is the China of yesteryear that many travelers long to find.

Start with an orientation walk along the ramparts of the Old City Wall. Standing 39-feet tall, the wall has 72 watchtowers and 6 gates: one each in the north and south walls, and two gates each on the east and west wall giving the city the aerial appearance of a giant turtle. From here, continue to the Temple of the City God of Pingyao, a well-preserved Taoist temple constructed during the Song Dynasty. The temple features elaborate woodcarvings, stone sculptures, and murals and covers an awe-inspiring 8,733 square yards. Stop for your included lunch at a local restaurant.

Next visit the Yamen County Government Office, the former government offices dating back to the North Wei Dynasty from 386 to 534. Offering a unique look into the former feudal nature of Chinese society, the compound includes a trial hall and former prison on its grounds. From here, head to Rishengchang Exchange Shop, considered to be the first draft bank in China’s history. At its peak in the 19^th century, the bank controlled almost half of the Chinese economy. The exchange shop is now home to a museum delving into the Shanxi commerce system.

End the day by strolling along Ancient Ming-Qing Street, lined with stone and brick homes flanked by granite thresholds. The street was ancient China’s answer to Wall Street, home to major traders and a wide range of shops. The modern version of the street is a vibrant pedestrian arcade lined with red lanterns and a wide range of restaurants and shops, courtyard guest homes and local markets. At the end of the day, transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.

The outskirts of Pingyao hold a treasure trove of ancient sites that will appeal to guests interested in Chinese Buddhism and luxurious Qing Dynasty architecture. With your private guide and driver, start with a visit to the Wang Family Compound, one of the Four Families of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in Shanxi Province, located in Jingsheng town approximately 22 miles from Pingyao. The grandiose compound is typical of the Qing Dynasty Shanxi courtyard home. The former residence of the descendants of the Wang Family, the structure is decorated with stone, wood and brick sculptures and serves as a fantastic museum of architectural art. The collection includes furnishings, old coins, porcelain, rare stones and jade carvings, and it is also possible to wander through the various homes on the compound and take in the opulence characteristic of the Qing Dynasty from 1644-1911 in Shanxi Province.

Next visit the Shuanglin Temple, located in Qiaotou Village approximately 4 miles from Pingyao. The temple is home to more than 2,000 color ancient painted sculptures dating to the Song Dynasty and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Buddhist imagery at Shuanglin Temple includes numerous sculptures of Bodhisattva, more commonly associated with Mahayana Buddhism found in India and the sub-continent. A local lunch is included before returning to your hotel.

Enjoy a private transfer between the train station and your hotel with an English-speaking guide. The transfer includes use of a golf cart from the hotel to the Old Town Gate.

Transfer from Pingyao to Xi'an via the high-speed bullet train. The train ride is approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy a private transfer between the train station and your hotel with an English-speaking guide.

The Terracotta Warriors are the most iconic site in Xi’an, an impressive marvel that went undiscovered until 1974. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, spend the day visiting the Terracotta Warriors and enjoy a unique opportunity to spend a half hour with Mr. Yang Xinman, the local farmer who accidentally discovered the warriors while drilling a series of water wells. The incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses, and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210 BC. Incredibly, each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits, protected inside enormous hangars specially constructed for the archeological dig. From here, visit Mr. Yang’s home and spend a half hour chatting with him about how he and other farmers made this incredible discovery. Mr. Yang does not speak English, but your guide will be able to translate for you. Stop for a local lunch before returning to the city center to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. An important Buddhist site, the simple and elegant Pagoda is housed on the grounds of the attractive Da Ci’en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic world-famous 16-year pilgrimage to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals. At the end of the day, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Board a flight with direct service from Xi'an to Guilin. Approximate flight time is 1.5 hours.

Transfer from Guilin airport to Yangshuo with a private vehicle and English speaking guide. The transfer is approximately 1.5 hours.

Enjoy a deluxe local dinner followed by the Sister Liu Show. This spectacle was created by the Oscar winning Zhang Yimou and presents the local culture through a cavalcade of lights and cast of 500 using a private bay as the theatre and local mountains as the backdrop. This is sure to be one of the most memorable activities of your trip.

The Li River meanders gently among the dramatic karst peaks of Yangshuo, making this area one of the best places to witness China’s natural splendor at its finest. Today, accompanied by your guide, get an opportunity to fully take in the beauty of this fairy tale land on a private tour. Begin by transferring to the village of Yangdi where you will board a bamboo boat and float down the river towards the Nine Horse Fresco Hill. Feel mesmerized by the otherworldly landscapes around you and try spotting all of the horses in the majestic rocky face of this storied mountain. From here, take a scenic hike towards the village of Xingping. Today’s journey is a blend of walking and short cruises, allowing you to truly experience this fascinating part of China; it also offers an alternative view of this famous river, as well as the rural landscapes and local community.

Transfer from Yangshuo to the Guilin airport with a private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide. The transfer is approximately 1.5 hours.

Board a flight with direct service from Guilin to Shanghai. Approximate flight time is 2.5 hours.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

With food being such a prominent part of Chinese culture, there is a wide range of cuisines that must be experienced when visiting China. From groundbreaking fusion dishes to traditional delicacies, Shanghai has it all. Be sure to try out the local favorite, delectable soup dumplings. Tonight, you will be able to indulge in an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Reservations will be made in advance at the restaurant of your choice, and round-trip transportation in a private vehicle will also be provided accompanied by a private guide. The guide will help you get settled into the restaurant and can assist with navigating the menu, but will not be joining you for dinner. Your Destination Expert will provide top recommendations for anything from fine Chinese dining to high-end international restaurants.

Please note: Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

Shanghai’s architecture is unique from the rest of the country. Lining the western bend of the Huangpu River, The Bund is a popular pedestrian area that parallels the river with a dramatic backdrop of majestic Shanghai buildings dating to the 1920s and 1930s. Step back in time and discover and the best of 20th-century Shanghai architecture with your private guide driver, exploring an area that was the former Shanghai International Settlement. The buildings were constructed in a wide range of European architectural styles, with a theme of restoration of ancient traditions. The resulting skyline is an eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque Revival themes, along with Neo-Classical and Beaux-Arts styles. Most notable is the rich collection of Art Deco style buildings which Shanghai is well-known for. See the outside of the former Sassoon House (the current Fairmont Peace Hotel) and Broadway Mansions (now known as the Shanghai Mansions), which belong to the early modernist school of architecture. At the end of the tour, transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.

Despite Shanghai’s impressive size and modern cosmopolitan identity, there are pockets of traditional Chinese gardens and culture hidden throughout the city and its outskirts. Start the day by heading into the Yangtze River Delta near Shanghai to Zhujiajiao with your English-speaking guide and private driver. The delta area gave rise a collection of historical water towns that crisscross the countryside and have given the region the nickname of the “Venice of the East” due to the prevalence of canals. While modern architecture and infrastructure have all but made these canals obsolete, these villages have thriving centers that haven’t changed for hundreds of years. Zhujiajiao is a scenic water town easily accessible from Shanghai. Drive an hour from central Shanghai, and explore the 1700-year-old picturesque town. Its beauty lies in its lovely streams, which reflect the traditional houses built on their banks. Large and small gondola-like boats in typical Chinese style ply the waters all around the city. Marvel at the architecture during a boat ride through the canals before driving back to Shanghai for lunch.

Dine at NanXiang restaurant and sample NanXiang Xiao Long Bao, a traditional style of Shanghai bun. In the afternoon, visit the Yu Gardens, the largest of Shanghai’s ancient gardens, dating to the mid-16^th century. The expansive grounds feature the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with six pavilions each with their own unique design, laid out in the Suzhou style. The Grand Rockery in the center of the garden is a popular photo stop, with replica peaks, cliffs, and caves. The Yu Gardens are a year-round delightful retreat from Shanghai’s frenetic pace, as the changing seasons offer a different experience and a moment of quiet contemplation. Adjacent to the gardens is the City God Temple, surrounded by a network of local snack vendors and souvenir shops that make for a colorful walk into the Yu Garden. At the end of the day, transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.

Blending contemporary luxury, unequaled service, and exotic Oriental charm, the Waldorf Astoria Beijing offers a timeless experience in the heart of Wangfujing. A dramatic copper building, offering a refined sanctuary in the downtown business district of Beijing. This distinctive hotel boasts an ideal location near extensive shopping options and culturally significant Siheyuan - traditional courtyard residences. This opulent hotel in Beijing offers spacious and sumptuously appointed guest rooms and suites, some featuring courtyard views and furnished terraces. Gastronomes will be impressed with two lavish restaurants: a stylish brasserie and an elegant Chinese restaurant. The sophisticated Peacock Lounge provides a chic, welcoming space to savor signature Waldorf Astoria dishes and an extensive selection of premium beverages. Discover a sense of balance and well-being in the tranquil spa featuring a range of signature treatments that blend traditional Chinese medicine philosophies with innovative, modern techniques to attune the body and relieve a tired mind.

Jing's Residence has 19 rooms and is nestled amongst dusty curio shops and bustling restaurants in the old walled city of Pingyao, a small boutique hotel that is located in a nicely-renovated old mansion. The design of the hotel fits in harmoniously with the traditional surroundings of this ancient city. The Residence is ideally located in the heart of the old town and encompasses a series of grey-brick pavilions built around a set of four courtyards in the authentic architectural style of northern China. Tables and chairs are located outside each pavilion where guests can relax while reading, drinking tea, or soaking up the historical atmosphere. In addition to the luxurious accommodations, the Residence also features a dining room where guests can enjoy an extensive menu of international and local favorites. The Residence also provides an exclusive meeting space, a cozy library and a bar that make it the perfect home-away-from-home for discerning travelers.

Originally established in 1953, the legendary Xian People's Hotel embraced in a beautiful landscaped garden and located right in the heart of Xian was refurbished into a luxury hotel. Reopened in 2014, Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian features an Italian restaurant, bars, cigar lounge, spa, and state of the art facilities. The hotel is only 45 minutes to the airport and Terracotta Warriors, and is within walking distance to many famous historical sites.

The Yangshuo Sugar House opened in 2017 and is a luxurious retreat set against a dramatic backdrop of hills overlooking the beautiful panorama of the Li River and surrounding limestone karsts. Once a working sugar mill, this hotel is now a modern retro heritage resort, combining stylish simplicity, tandem with its picturesque setting. Designed by Don Gong of Vector Architect, the vision for Yangshuo Sugar House is to integrate the new with the old, paying homage to the unique history of these heritage buildings. All rooms and suites are modern in design and feature simple yet strong lines and a combination of local stone and bamboo in the perfect balance of hard and soft. All tastes are catered for at the resort's all-day dining restaurant, Sugar House. While 1969 Bar, featuring an in-house rum distillery, provides the perfect place to relax and socialize. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Spa, Living boutique, (an events center hosting up to 200 guests) and a private pier. The hotel was listed as the #2 New Aesthetic Hotel Hot List by Conde Nast Traveler China in 2017.

Combining the history and culture of the celebrated Shanghai Bund with a taste for 21st century sophistication, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund offers a heritage ambiance, legendary service, and timeless amenities to make your stay truly memorable and distinct. Housed within the two-building complex are well-appointed rooms and suites, stylish environments for dining and lounging, extensive banquet facilities with stunning views, luxury spa, fully-fitted gym, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more, all crafted onto a picture perfect setting that speaks volume of the grandeur and finesse that is uniquely theirs.