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China & Burma: Style, Substance & Spirit

14 days from £7,810 for 2023 per person

Neighbouring China and Burma, physically close yet culturally lightyears apart. This tailor-made itinerary will allow you to witness the evolution of these two rapidly evolving nations, with their substantial cultural identities which are becoming more prominent in the wider world. Contrast the fast paced day to day activities of the emerging superpower of China, with the rusticity and peaceful way of life of spiritual Burma. Your imagination is bound to be captured by the style, substance and spirit of these two inspiring and unforgettable nations.

Begin your journey in the thriving capital of Beijing, and be blown away by the majestic style of the Summer Palace and the sheer size of the ancient Great Wall. From Beijing, continue on your adventures to Xi’an and be awed by each individually unique soldier of the 7,000 strong Terracotta Army, created around the spirituality of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. End up in the natural beauty surrounds of rural Lijiang, in China’s Yunnan province, for the ultimate indulgence before continuing your journey to Burma. The pace of life is noticeably slower across the border, where you will find a nation full of kindness and devotion. Delve into one of the most substantial and significant archaeological sites in the world, Bagan, the setting of 2,230 ethereal temples and pagodas situated on a 26 square mile plain. Enjoy the style of the distinctive Inle Princess Resort on the shore of the tranquil Lake Inle. Finally, finish with a flourish at the colonial Governor’s Residence in delightful and bustling Yangon.

This is purely a suggested itinerary, it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to China and Burma. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our favourite Epic Journeys and Family Holidays, as well as our Active Trips and Culinary Tours collections.


Itinerary details

14 days from £7,810 for 2023 per person

  • Day 1 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
    Arrive in Beijing and send the morning at leisure. Afternoon visit the Summer Palace and a private calligraphy class.
  • Day 2 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
    Full day visit to the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall with your private car and guide, including a unique private picnic on the wall.
  • Day 3 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
    Morning sightseeing to Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City with private guide and driver.
  • Day 4 - Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xi’an - Xi'an
    Morning flight to Xi'An. Visit the Terracotta Army with exclusive pit and vault access. Optional exploration of the Muslim Quarter or a traditional dumpling and noodle making class.
  • Day 5 - Amandayan - Lijiang
    Morning flight to Lijiang. Afternoon at leisure with a walk to the local monastery, taking in the area's natural beauty.
  • Day 6 - Amandayan - Lijiang
    Spend the day sightseeing in Lijiang with your private car and guide, including Baisha Village, Black Dragon Pool Pond and tea at Amandayan. Evening Impression Lijiang Show.
  • Day 7 - Mandalay Hill Resort - Mandalay
    Drive to Kunming and take a flight to Mandalay, Burma. Afternoon sightseeing of the ancient towns of Amarapura and Inwa.
  • Day 8 - Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort - Bagan
    Morning flight to Bagan. Full day exploring the wondrous temples and pagodas with your private guide and driver. Afternoon horse cart ride, with sunset viewing from the pagodas.
  • Day 9 - Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort - Bagan
    Sunrise Hot Air Balloon. Full day exploring Bagan's mind blowing history. Sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy River.
  • Day 10 - Inle Princess Resort - Inle Lake
    Morning flight to Heho and transfer to Inle Lake. Afternoon sightseeing around Inle Lake with private guide and boat.
  • Day 11 - Inle Princess Resort - Inle Lake
    Morning traditional cookery class. Afternoon sightseeing with private guide and boat. Sunset canoe ride on Inle Lake.
  • Day 12 - Belmond Governor's Residence - Yangon (Rangoon)
    Morning flight to Yangon. Afternoon at leisure. Sunset at the Shwedagon Pagoda.
  • Day 13 - Belmond Governor's Residence - Yangon (Rangoon)
    Early morning visit to local markets. Full day sightseeing in Yangon, with private guide and driver. Afternoon colonial walking tour, with High Tea at The Strand Hotel.
  • Day 14 - In transit.
    Morning at leisure before afternoon/evening flight home.
BURMA - religious statue BURMA - religious statue
CHINA - Tiananmen square, Beijing CHINA - Tiananmen square, Beijing
CHINA - Aman Summer Palace, Beijing CHINA - Aman Summer Palace, Beijing
Beijing 19 Beijing 19
China Case Study The Great Wall Of China 2 China Case Study The Great Wall Of China 2
CHINA - Xian, terracotta army CHINA - Xian, terracotta army
CHINA - Old Town in Lijiang, Lijiang, Yunnan CHINA - Old Town in Lijiang, Lijiang, Yunnan
CHINA - Yunnan, countryside view CHINA - Yunnan, countryside view
BURMA - Mandalay BURMA - Mandalay
BURMA - Mandalay - Mingun Stupa BURMA - Mandalay - Mingun Stupa
BURMA Balloons Over Bagan 1 BURMA Balloons Over Bagan 1
BURMA - Bagan temple 3 BURMA - Bagan temple 3
BURMA - Ballons over Bagan BURMA - Ballons over Bagan
Inle Lake Burma 5 Inle Lake Burma 5
Inle Lake Burma 6 Inle Lake Burma 6
Inle Lake Burma 3 Inle Lake Burma 3
BURMA Governors Residence Yangon 17 BURMA Governors Residence Yangon 17
The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton

Client Testimonials

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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