The Ultimate Luxury Trip to China

When you land in Shanghai, we’ll collect you from the airport in luxury transport, taking you straight back to the hotel so you can relax. Our expert guides will be on hand from the start so you can start to learn more about the country, and the sights you’ll see. It’s also the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow guests and start to make new friends.

The adventure begins! We’ll kick off by exploring some of the many highlights of iconic Shanghai. Marvel at the fascinating architecture of The Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower, a unique structure that looks just like jewels suspended on a string. The interior is just as fascinating, with an elevator that soars quarter of a mile into the air, a revolving restaurant, museum and transparent “sky walking”.

Just before lunch, we’ll move to The Bund, a nearby waterfront area which is packed full of history and character. This is where traditional and modern Shanghai converge and it’s a wonderful spot to experience the beating heart of the city.

In the afternoon, we’ll move onto the water itself with a serene river cruise down the Huangpu, providing an opportunity to see Shanghai’s skyline, before returning to the comfort of the hotel for the evening.

After a delicious breakfast in the hotel, it’s off to Shanghai Museum, regarded as one of the best in the country and dedicated to Chinese art. With more than 120,000 pieces, there are bronzes, calligraphy, ceramics, jades, paintings and sculptures on display, along with much more. There’s no better place to discover the beauty of Chinese art through the ages.

After lunch, we’ll move to Yu Garden, a classical garden which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Stretching over five acres, it’s the ideal accompaniment to Shanghai Museum as it also showcases ancient art and carvings, along with traditional Chinese landscaping.

On Day 4, we take a comfortable 90-minute trip by private car to Suzhou, an ancient Chinese city often described as the “Venice of the Orient”. First on the agenda is the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of the four most prestigious classical gardens in China. There is no other garden in the country which has been honoured quite as much, and with relics of a Taoist temple, pavilions, winding streams, pagodas and bamboo forest, it’s not hard to see why.

The day in Suzhou is finished off with a look at Zhou-zhuang Water Town. A settlement which is crisscrossed by rivers and lakes, it features ancient residential housing and stunning waterfront scenery. The day is finished off by travelling back to the hotel in Shanghai for a relaxing evening.

In the morning it’s time to leave Shanghai and fly to Guilin, where you’ll arrive in time for lunch.

After some time to unpack and rest, we’ll head out to discover the stunning beauty of the Guilin landscape. You’ll experience sights such as Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural phenomenon which looks just like an elephant drinking water and Fubo Hill, a wonderful viewpoint which is half-submerged in water.

Day 6 of the tour is all about taking things easy, starting with a tranquil river cruise on the Li River to Yangshuo. As you drift lazily around the bends, you’ll get a glimpse of the real China along the riverbanks, with rice fields, water buffalo and fishermen on bamboo rafts.

When you arrive in Yangshuo you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the traditional town and soak up its special atmosphere.

Remember the fisherman you saw on bamboo rafts? Now it’s your turn to try out this ancient Chinese water transport for yourself with river bamboo rafting in the morning sun. 

In the afternoon, we’ll cycle along Ten-Mile Gallery on rented bikes to experience a landscape which is truly idyllic. You’ll feel like a tiny figure in a painting, surrounded by the majesty of flowing rivers, rolling hills and fields which stretch as far as the eye can see. The road from Yangshuo to Guilin is short and well-kept, making it an easy cycle with lots of opportunities to take dramatic photos.

On Day 8 we bid goodbye to Guilin and depart from the airport to fly to Xian. After a break for lunch, the afternoon includes a visit to the holy Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Muslim Quarter and the Great Mosque, one of the best-preserved in China.

If you’re still raring to go by the evening, there’s a chance to see more of the city with a night bike ride to explore the beauty of the Ming Dynasty city walls.

No trip to Xian would be complete without taking the opportunity to experience the eerie Terracotta Army. The Tomb of Emperor Qin She Huang provides a look at what China was like thousands of years ago with the life-size warrior and horses all depicted in full battle gear.

During lunch, you’ll have the chance to sample the delicious cuisine of traditional Xian food before flying to Beijing in the evening for the final destination on the tour.

On the last full day of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China. An amazing feat of architecture, we’ll be taking you to the Jinshanling section which has been fully restored with battlements, watchtowers, horse blocking walls and gun holes.

In the afternoon, you’ll be immersed in the heart of traditional Beijing, weaving through the Hutong alleyways and seeing life with the locals. We finish off the day with the chance to take it easy and enjoy a rickshaw ride.

An opportunity for a last lingering look at Beijing before we transport you to the airport in comfort. Say goodbye to your new friends and reminisce over the wonderful memories you’ve made in a country which is indescribably beautiful, fascinating and full of surprises.

Book Your Special China Tour Today!

A private tour of China offers the chance to see the country as you’ve never imagined before. With luxurious accommodation and transport, Sandhills Travel offer expert tours of China which take you to the very best of the sights. With top tourist spots and hidden gems, this is a holiday that you’ll remember forever.

Don’t miss out, contact a member of our friendly team to find out more or book your spot!