East Asia

China

Ancient walls and modern skylines

Nine nights between two of China's most compelling cities: Shanghai's Art Deco Bund and futuristic skyline, and Beijing's imperial palaces, hutongs, and a private morning on the Great Wall.

Duration: 9 nights
Best season: March – May, September – November
Indicative: From £4,800 per person

The Itinerary

Day by day

Day 1
Arrival in Shanghai
Fast-track airport service, private transfer to a river-facing suite, and a slow evening on the Bund.
Day 2
The Bund and beyond
A private guide through Shanghai's Art Deco Bund, Yu Gardens, and a rooftop dinner with skyline views.
Day 3
Suzhou by bullet train
A morning train to Suzhou for classical gardens, a canal boat, and a private silk workshop visit.
Day 4
Flight to Beijing
Private transfer to the airport, then Beijing — settled into a courtyard hotel near the Forbidden City.
Day 5
The Great Wall, privately
A private section of the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling, with a picnic breakfast before the crowds arrive.
Day 6
Imperial Beijing
The Forbidden City with an expert historian, followed by a hutong walking tour and a Peking duck dinner.
Day 7
Temples and tea
The Temple of Heaven at dawn, a private tea ceremony, and an afternoon at the 798 art district.
Day 8
Summer Palace
A private boat on Kunming Lake, then the Summer Palace gardens with a local scholar.
Day 9
Departure
A final breakfast in the courtyard, then a private transfer to Beijing Capital or Daxing airport.