Cover - China's Heartland.JPG
CHINA - Shanghai, River view sunrise

Rise early to watch the sun rise over the amazing city panorama of Shanghai with its iconic skyscrappers set around the bending Huangpu River. 

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CHINA - Aman Summer Palace, Beijing

Here is a unique opportunity to stay in palace pavilions dating back over a century in the sensationally renovated Aman Summer Palace in Beijing.

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CHINA Fisherman At Dawn Li River In Yangshuo Guangxi Deng Wei
CHINA - Xian, terracotta army

The silent and fearsome Terracota Army in Xi'An are a must on every itinerary to China.

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China banner Li River.jpg

The meditative effects of the karst-lined scenery can be appreciated at any time of day but at dusk it is particularly mesmerising.

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CHINA - Hangzhou, monks

A wonderfully serene scene in Hangzhou. You’ll often see monks walking around town on their way to temple or lining up to receive alms.

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CHINA - Aman Summer Palace, Beijing 2 (1)

Catch a lift in a rickshaw from the unique Aman Summer Palace to the East Gate of the ancient royal Summer Palace in Beijing.

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CHINA - Yunnan, women in local dress

China's Yunnan province is extremely culturally rich; here, you can admire the local customs such as these tribal women dressed in ethnic clothing.

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Chengdu Blog 6
CHINA - Park Hyatt, Shanghai
CHINA - Yunnan, countryside view

Explore the countryside of the Yunnan district, with its rewarding views of small minority villages.

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CHINA - The Forbidden City, Beijing 2

The Forbidden City in Beijing is a must-see on any itinerary to China. Be dazzled by how well preserved the ancient buildings are and the sheer scale of it all.

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CHINA - Banyan Tree Ringha -  First Night Dinner

Give your tastebuds a whirl in the Banyan Tree Ringha and enjoy a tea tasting ceremony as well as a spectacular feast including the Yannon specialties of hotpot.

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China Beijing
CHINA - Amanfuyan, Hangzhou

Explore the grounds of Amanfuyan, a luxurious Aman hotel found in a secluded valley in Hangzhou, hidden within a bamboo forest.

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CHINA Peninsula Shanghai Sir Elly Terrace

Order a sophisticated cocktail and marvel at metropolitan Shanghai by night on the terrace of the Peninsula Hotel.

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CHINA Peninsula Hong Kong

The Peninsula is known as the Grand Dame of Hong Kong for its classical elegance and timeless interior.

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CHINA Upper House Bedroom With View

Stay in the Upper House for a room in the clouds of the Hong Kong skyline. You’ll be in style heaven at this Andre Fu designed hotel.

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CHINA - Old Town in Lijiang, Lijiang, Yunnan

Admire the preserved rooftops of the old town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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CHINA - the Opposite House, studio

This spacious studio at The Opposite House in Beijing has everything you need and more for a relaxing, uber-chic home-from-home.

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CHINA - peking duck pancakes

A visit to China is not complete without tasting the famous Peking Duck and pancakes! We can highly recommend trying it at the Shangri-La, China World Summit Wing in Beijing.

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CHINA - Strong Naxi Women bearing a heavy load, Lijiang

Meet with the extraordinary women of the Naxi tribe, Lijiang, who bear the brunt of the work in this matriarchal society inhabiting these beautiful foothills.

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CHINA - Shanghai skyline

The futuristic skyline of Shanghai is quite an architectural spectacle. Take a city tour to get a closer glimpse of some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.

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CHINA - Peninsula shanghai, Deluxe River Room

From the comfort of your sumptuous bed at the Peninsula, you can relish in the view of Shanghai’s skyscrapers and their reflection in the Huangpo River.

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China Tai Chi
CHINA - Banyan Tree Ringha -  Highland Romance

Let the Banyan Tree Ringha arrange a signature destination dining experience for you and a loved one – on the banks of the Shudugong River. Quite the Highland romance!

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CHINA - Banyan Tree Lijiang, Pool Villa

This deluxe villa at Banyan Tree Lijiang has a private pool and deck, perfect for a dip after a day's sightseeing in the preserved old town of Lijiang.

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CHINA - Amanfuyan, Hangzhou, suite

Check into a Suite at the luxurious Amanfayun and enjoy an understated and authentic bedroom decorated with fine art calligraphy.

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CHINA - Amanfuyan, Hangzhou, Bathroom

Bathrooms at the Amanfayun are expansive and airy, just like the rest of your suite, which includes a spa treatment room.

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CHINA Beijing 19

Take a caligraphy classe at the Aman Summer Palace, Beijing, in their dedicated 'Cultural Room'.

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Great Wall Of China 12

Visit the iconic Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China.

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CHINA DSC 0541

Take a private boat to explore Hangzhou's picturesque West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Lama Temple In Misty Morning Tibet China East Asia Temple Tibetan Culture Buddhism

Discover Luxury China Holidays

China’s colossal size, lightning-fast development and language hurdles means a holiday to China can be hard to tackle as an independent traveller. But travelling in China need not be daunting, and Ampersand’s tailor-made holidays to China provide just the right amount of self-exploration and guided touring, combining ultra-luxury at the very best hotels, local experiences at boutique hotels, with cultural adventures accompanied by truly incredible and knowledgeable guides.

China is the third largest country in the world, and three times larger than India, so there is little doubt of the plethora of experiences on offer. The difficulty is knowing where to begin... It is also an essential stop for anyone hoping to learn more about the direction the world is taking this century. No first tailor-made tour in China is complete without visiting the truly unique city of Beijing, a juxtaposition of ancient and modern, where you can get lost in the hutongs, can't help but be impressed by the vastness of the Forbidden City and the scale of the Great Wall of China, and then travel south to the buzzing metropolis of Shanghai to learn of its colonial past and its lightning fast development taking China into the future. Thereafter you are spoilt for choice between travelling to Xi'an to view the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, delving into Yunnan or Guangxi provinces for trekking and jaw-dropping natural beauty in the mountains, following the majestic Yangtze River or Huangpu River, eating your way through the spices of Sichuan province and Chengdu as well as visiting the Giant Panda Breeding Centre, or going to Hangzhou, the fabled city on West Lake.

Visit the far northeast which you will see shares cultural similarities with Russia, and Harbin is wonderful to visit in the winter when you can walk through life-sized, intricately carved ice palaces. The western provinces of China will take you back to the times of the Silk Road and ancient civilisation and where the people have more in common with central Asia. For ultimate off the beaten track trekking, the Tibet region is the place to go. Due to political sensitivities, it requires a special permit to visit, which we are very experienced at organising. Retaining a unique culture which stretches back to ancient times, it is a culturally fascinating destination, but also its geographical location, means the high-altitude scenery is truly stunning. For something more urban, beyond the mainland, there’s the exhilarating Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, with infamous shopping, cuisine and a dazzling skyline that even the most city-weary traveller will be blown away by. And cross the sea to Macau, where you can wander Portuguese-built streets, and see the unique blend of culture. There is something to interest anyone and plenty to learn from your holiday in China; from the way the country is being shaped in the mega-cities to the way the country used to be through its beautiful calligraphy, tea ceremonies and classical music – much of which is still practised today, and we can organise for you to learn from the masters in their craft.

Our travel advice for anyone planning a first trip to China would be to incorporate a journey on a high-speed train, to spend an afternoon at a traditional teahouse, to learn calligraphy from a master and to visit a park in the early morning to watch locals practising tai chi, square-dancing, or singing rousing traditional songs. Chinese cuisine must also play a big part in your tour in China – the vastness of the country means that the style of cuisine varies greatly from region to region, from the numbing-spicy food of Sichuan, the warming soups and roasted duck of the north, the dim sum of Guangzhou and Hong Kong, to the cumin-infused lamb dishes of the western provinces.

We believe experiences like these will make you fall in love with the country, just as much as the sights will. We are constantly bowled over by China – its beauty, ancient history, mouthwatering cuisine and powerful present are all intoxicating, but what we feel is most fascinating is the unexpectedly fun and agile sense of humour of its people. The best piece of advice we can give is to avoid trying to do too much; this is a massive country and deserves to be visited more than once.


Our suggested tours in China

Unrivalled luxury with The Peninsula Hotels

The Peninsula Shanghai China 5

9 days from £7,040 for 2023

Travel through three of China’s iconic cities, staying in the most luxurious hotels of the Peninsula Hotel Group. From Beijing...

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China & Burma: Style, Substance & Spirit

BURMA - religious statue

14 days from £7,810 for 2023

China and Burma, both substantial cultural identities, yet despite being neighbours, are lightyears apart. Discover the magic of these two...

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India & China; Past, Present & Future

NORTH INDIA - Ganges, Varanasi

20 days from £11,880 for 2023

Combine two of the world’s largest and oldest countries on an immersive and epic tailor-made holiday to India and China.

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Travel East Asia in Luxurious Style with Aman Resorts

Aman SEA Tour VIETNAM Amanoi Vinh Hy Bay Vietnam 2

17 days from £14,080 for 2022

Experience the beauty of Southeast Asia on this 18 day tour while staying exclusively at Aman proprieties. Observe the brand’s...

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Cultural China - A Beginner’s Luxury Tour

Shanghai China 2

11 days from £6,490 for 2023

A perfect journey through China for those who have never been. This 12 day tour takes you to 5 of...

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A Jewish Heritage Tour of China

Jewish Tour Of China 2

12 days from £7,050 for 2023

Explore China’s Jewish past on this special Jewish Heritage Tour that will take you to China’s historic Jewish hubs of...

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South of the Clouds - Delve into China's Yunnan Province

South Of The Clouds Delve Into Yunnan Province 1

10 days from £7,810 for 2023

If spending time surrounded by breathtaking scenery is your idea of an ideal holiday, this itinerary is for you. Each...

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Aman Tri-Centre UNESCO China Experience: Beijing, Lijiang & Hangzhou

CHINA - Aman Summer Palace, Beijing

10 days from £10,450 for 2023

Experience Aman's signature luxury in three unique settings, each atmospherically evoking China's varied past. The grandeur of an imperial Summer...

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Retracing China's Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Trail

Lijiang Yunnan China 1

12 days from £6,380 for 2023

Jeff Fuchs’ expert led expedition along the unexplored sections of the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road. Explore the diversity...

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A Gastronomic Tour of China

A Gastronomic Tour Of China Itinerary 1

13 days from £8,910 for 2023

Everyone has eaten Chinese cuisine before, but nothing compares to walking amongst the streets of Chengdu, being fascinated by the...

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An Educational Adventure: The Perfect Family Holiday to China

CHINA - Yunnan, women in local dress

14 days from £7,810 for 2023

Take your family on an authentic holiday of a lifetime to experience China’s classic sights in immersive and interactive ways....

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Dynastic Discovery: Exploring China's Heartland

Dynastic Discovery Exploring Chinas Heartland 4

13 days from £7,150 for 2023

Gazing into the enigmatic eyes of a two millenia old terracotta warrior and knowing that he and every single one...

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Far from the madding crowd: rural highlights of Southern China

Far From The Madding Crowd Rural Highlights Of Southern China 14

18 days from £9,680 for 2023

Modern China has redefined the phrase 'concrete jungle'. However, there are countless rural idylls to be found spread across the...

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Overland Tibet & Nepal... From Lhasa to Kathmandu

Overland From Lhasa To Kathmandu Itinerary 3

15 days from £6,070 for 2023

An adventurous itinerary taking in the exotic sites and smells of Kathmandu and journeying to Everest Base Camp in Nepal....

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The Best of Nepal and Tibet

Tibet Banner

12 days from £5,520 for 2023

Visit some of Tibet’s most important temples and monasteries, including the iconic Potala Palace and Samye Monastery, and enjoy rugged...

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Following the Silk Road in China's Wild West

Following The Silk Road In Chinas Wild West 10

14 days from £9,130 for 2023

Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo to the highlights of vast, rugged and wild Xinjiang Province in northwest China....

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Some of our favourite hotels in China

Rosewood Beijing ,
Beijing

Rosewood Beijing Beijing China 14

Set in the heart of Beijing's bustling Chaoyang, the new 283-room Rosewood is a class act. The rooms and suites...

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The Peninsula Shanghai ,
Shanghai

The Peninsula Shanghai China 7

Located directly on the Bund, this five-star hotel is decorated in the 1930s old Shanghai style to honour it's past....

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The Peninsula Hong Kong ,
Hong Kong

The Peninsula Hong Kong 3

Opened in 1928, The Peninsula Hong Kong is one of the world's legendary grand hotels. Created over 80 years ago...

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Banyan Tree Yangshuo ,
Yangshuo

Banyan Tree Yangshuo China 7

One of Banyan Tree’s newest properties, the hotel opened in 2014 and has a fresh and modern feel – although...

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The PuLi ,
Shanghai

The Puli Shanghai China 4

The PuLi Hotel and Spa is an luxury urban resort, conveniently located in the heart of Shanghai, but which has...

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Amanfayun ,
Hangzhou

Amanfayun Tea House Exterior Fayun Pathway Hpr

  Amanfayun is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Aman Resorts in Asia. Hangzhou has a great selection of luxury hotels, however...

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Some of our favourite places of interest in China

Xi'an

CHINA - Xian, terracotta army

Although Beijing is now China's capital, its history and prestige are nothing compared to the old capital of Xi'an, where...

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Shangri-La

Shangri-La, Yunnan, China.jpg

The name Shangri-La immediately evokes peace and tranquillity, and it does not disappoint. Once a small village, Shangri-La has developed...

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Longsheng

Longsheng Guangxi China

The jewel of Longsheng is the Dragons Backbone Rice Terraces (longji titian), a group of large-scale rice terraces built into...

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Sichuan

Sichuan Opera, Sichuan, China.jpg

If cuisine is a good reason to visit a place, then Sichuan province, in central China should be at the top...

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Kunming

Kunming Yunnan China 1

Markedly more cosmopolitan, modern and crowded than the rest of Yunnan, the provincial capital of Kunming remains very laid back,...

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Ringha

The Banyan Tree Ringha China 7

The valley of Ringha is in south western China, sandwiched between Tibet, Myanmar and Sichuan Province. This part of Yunnan...

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Related Blog Posts

Read some of our hand-picked blog posts for China


Client Testimonials

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

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