China: Dynasties to Neon itinerary image

China: Dynasties to Neon

Ancient Walls, Future Skylines

10 days,
5 destinations

Overview

A cinematic journey through China's most arresting landscapes, this itinerary is designed for those who seek to understand the Middle Kingdom's dramatic transformation. You will travel from the ancient, mist-shrouded rice terraces of Yuanyang, unchanged for a millennium, to the dynastic splendor of Beijing, and finally to the futuristic, neon-lit glamour of Shanghai.

Witness the sunrise reflect off thousands of water-filled tiers carved into the mountainside by the Hani people, stand face-to-face with the Terracotta Army in a private viewing devoid of crowds, and dine at Ultraviolet, the world’s most avant-garde restaurant. This is China, curated for the few who want to see beneath the surface.

Portrait image of China: Dynasties to Neon

Thematic Journeys

Thematic Journeys

that connect you deeply with each place.

that connect you deeply with each place.

History

Journey through the annals of time, exploring ancient ruins, imperial palaces, and the enduring legacies of past civilizations.

Art & Architecture

Discover the aesthetic soul of Asia, from the intricate carvings of ancient temples to the cutting-edge skylines of modern metropolises.

Nature & Wildlife

Immerse yourself in pristine landscapes, from mist-shrouded mountains to dense jungles teeming with life, all while supporting conservation efforts.

Day by Day

A journey through tradition, flavor, and time.

DAY
12345678910
Great Wall Sunset
Guilin Li River
Shanghai Night Skyline
Xi'an City Wall
Great Wall Mountain Section
Zhangjiajie Peaks
Zhangjiajie Mist
Lijiang Old Town
Shanghai Skyline View
Shanghai Dawn Skyline

Imperial Awakening

Step into Beijing through its grandest dynastic spaces, moving with a private historian from the ceremonial heart of the Forbidden City to a quieter section of the Great Wall as the light softens over the ridgelines.

Liquid Mountains

Fly south into Guangxi’s dreamlike landscape, then drift the Li River between misted karst peaks before settling into Yangshuo’s slower, river-bound rhythm by evening.

Shanghai Future Pulse

Arrive in Shanghai where shikumen lanes, Art Deco facades, and luminous towers reveal a city suspended between inherited elegance and restless ambition.

Xi'an Imperial Echoes

Explore Xi'an’s enduring walls and dynastic layers before a specialist-led encounter with the Terracotta Warriors, where the scale of imperial China becomes quietly overwhelming.

Silk Road Craft

Spend the day with the artistry of old Xi'an through calligraphy, seal-carving, and hidden courtyard walks around the Muslim Quarter, where the Silk Road still lingers in texture and trade.

Zhangjiajie Arrival

Fly into the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, cross its vertiginous glass bridge, and close the day with a mountain tea ritual that slows the pulse of the journey.

Avatar Mountains

Rise above the forests by cable car and follow panoramic boardwalks through the sandstone pillar world that made these mountains feel almost mythical.

Lijiang Highland Interlude

Continue to Lijiang, where canal-cut lanes, timbered roofs, and the distant presence of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain bring a cooler, more spacious counterpoint to the route.

Shanghai Layers

Return to Shanghai for a final study in contrast, from the Bund’s European grandeur to the city’s contemporary studios and design-forward creative circles.

Finale and Departure

Enjoy a flexible final chapter shaped around your pace, with last cultural moments, polished concierge support, and a seamless departure from the city.

Great Wall Sunset
Guilin Li River
Shanghai Night Skyline
Xi'an City Wall
Great Wall Mountain Section
Zhangjiajie Peaks
Zhangjiajie Mist
Lijiang Old Town
Shanghai Skyline View
Shanghai Dawn Skyline

What's Included

What's Included

What's Included

Comforts throughout your journey

Comforts throughout your journey

Every trip includes a range of thoughtful amenities — carefully chosen so you can focus on the moments that matter, not the logistics.

5-Star Accommodation

Stay in the most luxurious and hand-picked hotels.

Expert Guide

Local experts to provide deep insights and unique stories.

Exclusive Access

Behind-the-scenes access to world-renowned sites and experiences.

The Flavors

The Flavors

The Flavors

An aromatic heritage told through ancestral culinary craft.

An aromatic heritage told through ancestral culinary craft.

Peking Duck

Peking Duck

Beijing's signature roast, carved crisp and served with pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce.

Xiao Long Bao

Xiao Long Bao

Shanghai's iconic soup dumplings with delicate skins and rich savory broth centers.

Guilin Rice Noodles

Guilin Rice Noodles

The region's defining breakfast with silky noodles, pickled vegetables, and aromatic toppings.

Naxi Baba

Naxi Baba

Lijiang’s best-known bread, pan-cooked and sturdy, with the kind of everyday simplicity that suits the town’s cooler mountain rhythm.

The Stays

The Stays

The Stays

Stay where stories live.

Stay where stories live.

Shanghai

,

China

Amanyangyun stay image

Amanyangyun

A sanctuary of rescued Camphor trees and relocated Ming Dynasty villas, offering a peaceful retreat just outside vibrant Shanghai.

Beijing

,

China

Rosewood Beijing stay image

Rosewood Beijing

A polished Chaoyang base with residential-style suites, strong dining, and quick reach to Beijing's imperial core and contemporary districts.

Shanghai

,

China

Amanyangyun stay image

Amanyangyun

A sanctuary of rescued Camphor trees and relocated Ming Dynasty villas, offering a peaceful retreat just outside vibrant Shanghai.

Beijing

,

China

Rosewood Beijing stay image

Rosewood Beijing

A polished Chaoyang base with residential-style suites, strong dining, and quick reach to Beijing's imperial core and contemporary districts.

China: Dynasties to Neon itinerary image

The Memories

The Memories

The Memories

Journeys are measured in moments — in quiet mornings, shared laughter, unfamiliar streets, and the subtle realization that you’ve stepped outside your usual rhythm. Travelers immersed themselves fully, discovering experiences that lingered long after the journey itself had ended.

Most luxury travel companies can book the headline experiences. What stood out here was the judgment behind the sequence, the pacing, and the quieter choices in between.

Portrait image of Executive Creative Director

Chen W.

Executive Creative Director

We travel often enough to know when an itinerary has real discernment behind it. In Guilin especially, the timing and point of view made the difference between seeing something beautiful and actually feeling it.

Portrait image of Boutique Hoteliers

Sarah & James Jenkins

Boutique Hoteliers

Most luxury travel companies can book the headline experiences. What stood out here was the judgment behind the sequence, the pacing, and the quieter choices in between.

Portrait image of Executive Creative Director

Chen W.

Executive Creative Director

I'm looking to

in

destination

,

traveling

during

select period

.

I'm drawn to

.

Portrait image of Li Wei

Li Wei

A former curator at the Palace Museum, Li Wei specializes in the dynastic history of China, providing our guests with unparalleled access to the Forbidden City's private quarters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this itinerary best suited to?

Can this itinerary be customized?

Is this itinerary too busy or fairly relaxed?

Can this work for a honeymoon, family trip, or special occasion?

Is this meant to be booked as shown?

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.