Vintage China In-Style

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to our luxurious Peninsula Hotel in the heart of the capital.
 

Your expertly guided, full-day exploration begins in Tiananmen Square. Covering more than 100 acres in the heart of the city with a scale reminiscent of Moscow’s Red Square or the Piazza San Marco in Venice, it ranks as one of the grandest public plazas in the world. Then follow in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty emperors as you explore the magnificent palaces, courtyards and pavilions of the sprawling Forbidden City . It is said that there are 9,999 rooms within these imposing walls and although you won’t see everyone, your guided tour offers a fascinating look into the splendor of Imperial life centuries ago.

After a lunch of delectable dumplings, you'll tour the resplendent Summer Palace. Set on wooded hills surrounding a tranquil lake, this assemblage of pavilions, palaces and gardens offers a fascinating look into Imperial life long ago. From April to November, our tour of the Summer Palace includes a boat ride on Lake Kunming, a delightful and tranquil way to experience the architectural landmarks and sublime natural beauty of this World Heritage Site c. Tonight’s festive Peking Duck banquet is accompanied by wine and local beer.  Meals B+L+D
 

From imperial palaces and ancient hutongs to vibrant markets and modern landmarks, Beijing offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your sightseeing to your own interests and pace, choosing from a selection of included excursions. Meals B
 
Hutong Family Visit, Temple of Heaven & Taiji: Discover the heart of traditional Beijing on this immersive, privately guided experience. Wander through historic hutongs to visit a local family and gain insight into daily life in these timeless neighborhoods. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Enjoy a gentle Tai Chi session with locals, offering a peaceful glimpse into centuries-old wellness traditions. Meal L
 
Cooking Class, Lama Temple & Jingshan Park:  Delve into Beijing’s cultural and culinary heritage on this enriching half-day exploration. Begin with a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare classic Chinese dishes under expert guidance. Visit the revered Lama Temple, the city’s most important Tibetan Buddhist monastery, before ascending Jingshan Park for sweeping panoramic views over the Forbidden City and Beijing’s historic skyline. Meal L
 
Private Guide and Car for the Day: Enjoy the ultimate flexibility with a private guide and dedicated driver at your disposal. Design your day around personal interests—whether exploring historic landmarks, shopping districts, hidden hutongs, or cultural highlights—at a relaxed pace. With expert local insight and seamless transportation, this tailored experience ensures a comfortable and efficient way to discover Beijing exactly as you wish.
 

After breakfast, depart for a scenic drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of China’s most beautifully preserved and least crowded stretches. Ascending by cable car, you'll walk atop the Great Wall here at Mutianyu as our expert guide shares dramatic stories of its past. Take time to explore the ramparts and enjoy sweeping mountain views before descending and continuing to the nearby Brickyard at Mutianyu. Settle into your stylish room and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Later, stroll through the surrounding village with your guide, gaining insight into local life and traditions. This evening, savor an elegant dinner at the Brickyard, where refined cuisine and a serene setting provide a memorable close to the day. Meals B+L+D
 

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Xian, China’s ancient capital for 13 dynasties. Upon arrival in Xi’an, you’ll be met and escorted to the elegant Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel, ideally located within the ancient city walls. After check-in, set out with your guide to explore the lively Muslim Quarter, where fragrant street foods and local specialties offer a delicious introduction to Xi’an’s rich culinary heritage. Meals B
 

Farmers stumbled upon the site while digging a well in 1974; today the Terra Cotta Army is still regarded as China’s greatest archaeological discovery. Set out this morning to visit the excavation site and marvel at the exquisite details of these clay warriors buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. It has been estimated that more than half a million laborers and craftsmen worked for nearly 40 years to complete the tomb - and the thousands of terra cotta soldiers, horses and chariots that were to serve the emperor in the afterlife. After lunch, stroll along Xi’an’s remarkably preserved ancient city walls, where sweeping views stretch across the historic old town and modern skyline beyond. Walking these storied ramparts offers a compelling glimpse into China’s imperial past and the enduring grandeur of this legendary capital.  Meals B+L
 

After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to the station to board the train to Chengdu. Inaugurated at the end of 2017, this brand new High-Speed Rail service has reduced the travel time from nearly 15 hours to less than 5 hours. Traveling at speeds up to 155 mph, you’ll enjoy First Class seating for this exciting and scenic journey. On arrival in Chengdu, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the luxury Ritz-Carlton.
 
This evening, you’ll enjoy a Hot Pot Dinner, which showcases the region’s Sichuan specialty. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy VIP seating for an evening at the Sichuan Opera, an ancient art form where the performers use lightning-fast mask changes to show different emotions; it is not uncommon for some skilled actors to change masks more than 10 times in 20 seconds.   Meals B+D
 

After breakfast, your driver and guide will take you to the Dujiangyan Panda Center for our special Panda Encounter. Taking you behind the scenes, this unforgettable experience offers a rare and unique opportunity to learn about Giant Pandas from the Center’s staff. You’re sure to get close to these amazing creatures – figuratively and literally – as you’ll have an opportunity to participate in their care while visiting their enclosures. Afterwards, you’ll tour the Center’s gardens, getting a chance to see the pandas in an open-air environment. Next, gather in the food center to help make food the furry residents. Lastly, enjoy lunch in the staff canteen to complete this morning’s Panda Encounter.
 
This afternoon, visit the Jinsha Site Museum to discover one of China’s most important archaeological finds, revealing the ancient Shu civilization that flourished over 3,000 years ago. Through beautifully presented artifacts, gold masks, and ritual objects, the museum offers a fascinating window into Chengdu’s deep cultural roots and enduring heritage. Meals B+L
 

Your private car and driver will take you to the airport for your included flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted into the heart of the city where you’ll check in to the Peninsula Hotel, a luxury landmark overlooking the historic Bund.  
 
This afternoon, visit Yuyuan Garden, a classic example of refined southern Chinese garden design, where tranquil ponds, sculpted rockeries, and graceful pavilions create a timeless retreat. As evening falls, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Bund to watch Shanghai’s glittering skyline come alive at sunset, before returning to your hotel or choosing to dine at one of the city’s world-class waterfront restaurants. Meals B
 

This morning, immerse yourself in the country's rich history with a visit to the Shanghai Museum East. Housing a renowned collection of ceramics, jade, bronze, coins and other treasures from China's dynasties, the museum is regarding as one of country's best.  Afterwards, travel to Zhujiajiao Water Town, an ancient town on the outskirts of Shanghai that is known locally as 'pearl stream.' Enjoy an atmospheric boat ride to take in the traditional homes, bridges and serenity of the town. Meals B
 

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your homeward journey.  Meals B