Beijing, empire and present
Explore the capital through imperial architecture, contemporary art and a privately guided Great Wall experience timed away from the busiest hours.
Imperial memory, living culture and extraordinary modernity
China, The Middle Kingdom Reimagined
The journey
A privately guided journey through China's great historic capitals, contemplative landscapes and restless contemporary creativity.
Expert interpretation and seamless logistics transform scale into intimacy, connecting imperial heritage, regional cuisine, design and daily life.
Duration13 nights
Best timeApril to May & September to October
Travel stylePrivate cultural grand tour
AccommodationLandmark hotels, heritage retreat & lakeside sanctuary
The itinerary
Day by day,
beautifully considered.
This is the journey's natural rhythm. Every stage can be refined around your dates, interests and preferred pace.
Xi’an & the first emperor
Travel by high-speed rail for specialist archaeological context, the Terracotta Warriors and the city's layered food traditions.
Hangzhou, landscape as art
Slow the rhythm beside West Lake with private gardens, tea country and a refined retreat shaped around Chinese ideas of landscape.
Shanghai, looking forward
End amid architecture, collections, ateliers and exceptional dining in a city continuously reimagining itself.
Departure or China beyond
Private onward assistance, or extend to Yunnan, Chengdu, Guilin or Hong Kong.
The experience
Considered in every detail.
- Beijing's imperial sites with specialist private interpretation
- A privately timed encounter with the Terracotta Warriors
- Hangzhou's gardens, tea culture and West Lake
- Shanghai through design, art and contemporary gastronomy
Included with ELEGANS
- 13 nights in hand-selected luxury accommodation
- Daily breakfast and six curated dining experiences
- First-class rail and domestic flight as described
- Private specialist guiding and transfers
- Dedicated ELEGANS journey concierge
Not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Meals and beverages not specifically described
- Optional private access and aviation supplements