China

Best of China: A Luxury Holiday Filled with Ancient History

When

Sept To Nov | April To June

Price

From £10,000pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

14 nights ideal length

Travelling a country like China can be both an exciting and eye-opening experience, yet sometimes difficult if you don’t have some expert advice and insider knowledge at hand. Luckily for you, we’ve got just that, so we’ll ensure you see the best that China has to offer within this all-encompassing journey. We’ve handpicked some of our best highlights to provide you with an incredible trip that will see you transported from Beijing to Shanghai via Xi’an and Guilin, giving you the perfect blend of history, stunning scenery and vibrant culture. Need a few more reasons? Keep reading.

Classic China

Your first stop will be China’s ancient capital; Beijing. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by one of our expert guides and transferred to your hotel for some post-flight relaxation to ready you for the days of exploration ahead. Here in Beijing, we’ll arrange a unique experience by the way of a private Taiji lesson with a Taiji master in the stunning setting of Jingshan Park. Truly a one-off. Afterwards, spend time immersing yourself in Chinese history at the Forbidden City and Beijing’s historic neighbourhoods. Beijing is also the perfect base from which to discover the Great Wall of China, a popular stop on any tourist route. However, with the expert knowledge of our guide at hand, we’ll take you to a remote stretch of the wall in order to allow you to explore at your own pace and enjoy those panoramic views without the crowds.

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Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.

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Discover China’s ancient history

From Beijing, you’ll ride the bullet train to Xian, one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilisation and one of our favourite stops along this journey. You’ll again be met by your private local guide and a car before you head straight to the Muslim quarter to enjoy some mouth-watering dishes from an array of vibrant and colourful food stalls. Here you can indulge in a delicious dumpling dinner before heading back to your hotel ahead of some more sightseeing. No trip to China would be complete without witnessing the breath-taking spectacle of the Terracotta Warriors Army and Stele Forest, so we’ll organise a trip to both for you, as well as a bike ride along the Ancient City Wall for a glimpse into the heart of Xi’an. History and a bit of adventure? Check and check.

Yangshuo’s stunning landscapes

After a few days here we will fly you to Guilin where we’ll have you board the beautifully serene Li River Cruise upon which you can relax and enjoy the scenic route to Yangshuo. Yangshuo boasts some stunning scenery and is enriched by the different cultures of the ethnic minority groups that reside there. During your time here you can take up the opportunity to watch a local fisherman practising the age-old method of Cormorant fishing, a truly unique experience that will give you a taste for the traditions that run deep through the veins of this district. On another of your mornings here, take your time browsing through the markets as you collect ingredients for your private cookery class and, after lunching on your marvellous creations, set off on an idyllic bamboo raft ride downstream, the perfect way to make the most of the spellbinding setting of Yangshou.

Luxury in Shanghai

Now it’s time for your final stop: Shanghai. As one of the biggest cities in the world, it’s pretty easy to be overwhelmed by the opportunities for exploration here, but don’t worry, we’ve picked out some iconic and unusual highlights. We’ve got this covered. After being transferred to the lavish Waldorf Astoria for some time to freshen up and relax in your room, we’ll have a table booked for you at a luxury restaurant along the infamous Bund.  Walk off this delicious meal with a slow stroll along The Bund itself, one of the most famous destinations in Shanghai. After a night resting up in your luxurious suite, it’s time for a culture filled morning where you’ll visit the Shanghai Museum and wander the pavilions and arched bridges of Yu Garden, the most well preserved classical garden in urban Shanghai. On another of your days spent in Shanghai, you’ll be heading out on a walking tour through the elegant tree-lined streets of the French Concession, followed by a Huangpu River Cruise, all of which we will have arranged for you before you depart.

After three days in Shanghai, your trip has finally come to an end and on your day of departure, we’ll have you boarding the infamous Maglev Train which will transfer you to the airport at 400 km/hr, a fast and unique way to end your Chinese adventure.

Where to rest your head

The Upper House, Hong Kong

An oasis of serenity amidst the buzzing metropolis of Hong Kong, The Upper House offers its guests luxurious accommodation permeated by an overwhelming feeling of…
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Star Wish Guesthouse, Longsheng

Standing at an altitude of over 800 meters on the Longji Terraces of Longsheng, Star Wish Guesthouse boasts astounding views over the surrounding rice plantations.…
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Four Seasons, Hangzhou, China

Expertly combining tradition with a luxury contemporary style, Hangzhou's Four Seasons Hotel is set in one of China's most stunning and exclusive destinations. Surrounded on…
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Waldorf Astoria, Shanghai

Conveniently located right on the Bund, the Waldorf Astoria is comprised of two buildings, one being the old Shanghai Club, a restored heritage building, and…
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Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an

Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an lies just on Renmin Square and is the perfect base from which to explore the multiple historical sights that…
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The Opposite House, Beijing

The Opposite House is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Beijing. Both modern and spacious, there's no better place for weary travellers to…
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