Days 1-2
Arrive into Beijing and meet your private guide and chauffeur for the approximately 45-minute transfer into the city. Check in to Rosewood Beijing, a contemporary luxury retreat in the heart of the capital, and settle in before enjoying a relaxed evening and your first taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
Begin your exploration of Beijing with a private guided visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace and one of China's most important historic sites. Wander through the vast courtyards and ornate halls before continuing to Jingshan Park for panoramic views across the Forbidden City.
Later, explore Beijing's traditional hutongs by rickshaw, stopping at a local courtyard home before returning to the hotel. This evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner.
Days 3-4
Today is dedicated to one of China's most spectacular sights — the Great Wall at Mutianyu, approximately 90 minutes drive each way from central Beijing. With your private guide, walk along the ancient watchtowers and enjoy spectacular views across the surrounding mountains. Return to Beijing in the afternoon with time to relax at the hotel.
Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once came to pray for a successful harvest, before continuing to the Summer Palace, around 45 minutes' drive from central Beijing. Explore its beautiful gardens, temples and pavilions overlooking Kunming Lake.
Return to the city in the afternoon and enjoy some free time for shopping or perhaps a private Chinese cooking experience. This evening, experience a traditional cultural performance before your final night in Beijing.
Days 5-6
After breakfast, transfer 45 minutes to Beijing's railway station for the high-speed train to Xi'an, taking around 4.5 hours. On arrival, meet your private guide and chauffeur for the 45 minute transfer to The Ritz-Carlton, Xi'an.
Spend the afternoon exploring Xi'an's atmospheric Muslim Quarter, with its traditional street food, markets and historic architecture.
After breakfast, travel for 1 hour to the Terracotta Warriors, and explore the three excavation pits with your private guide. Discover the extraordinary army created to guard China's first emperor in the afterlife.
Return to Xi'an after your visit and explore the impressive Ancient City Wall, perhaps cycling or walking a section of its 14km circuit.
Days 7-8
Transfer to Xi'an airport, approximately 45 minutes by private vehicle, for your flight to Guilin. On arrival, meet your guide and begin the 90 minute drive to Yangshuo, travelling through the spectacular karst landscape of southern China.
Check in to Banyan Tree Yangshuo, an elegant riverside retreat surrounded by the dramatic limestone mountains for which the region is famous. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing beside the pool or taking in the spectacular scenery from the hotel.
Today, experience the landscapes that have inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries. Take a private boat or bamboo raft along the Li River, passing towering limestone peaks, traditional villages and bamboo forests.
Continue into the countryside surrounding Yangshuo, where you can explore by bicycle or on foot, visiting local villages and rice fields. Return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon and perhaps a private riverside dining experience.
Day 9
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Yangshuo before your private transfer to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai.
On arrival, meet your private chauffeur for the 1 hour transfer into central Shanghai and check in to Capella Shanghai, an exceptional luxury hotel set within a restored cluster of historic Shikumen villas in the French Concession.
Spend your first evening experiencing Shanghai after dark, perhaps with a private dinner overlooking the city skyline.
Day 10-11
Begin with a private walking tour of The Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade, before crossing into the city's historic heart.
Explore Yu Garden, the atmospheric lanes of the Old City and the former French Concession, with its tree-lined streets and elegant colonial architecture.
Today offers an opportunity to discover the more contemporary side of Shanghai. Visit the Shanghai Tower and explore the futuristic Pudong skyline before enjoying lunch overlooking the Huangpu River.
The afternoon is at leisure for shopping, perhaps exploring Shanghai's luxury boutiques, or relaxing back at Capella.
Days 12-13
Take a 30 minute private transfer to Shanghai railway station before boarding the high-speed train to Suzhou, taking around 25–30 minutes.
Renowned for its classical Chinese gardens, waterways and traditional architecture, Suzhou makes an excellent final excursion. Visit one of the city's UNESCO-listed gardens before taking a private boat through the historic canals. Return to Shanghai by high-speed train and enjoy your final evening at leisure.
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning at leisure before your 1 hour private transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your onward flight home.