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China: Why, Where and How to Travel

China: Why, Where and How to Travel

The world’s second largest, yet most populous country is still growing fast, there are currently an astounding 38 new airports being built in China. The architecture of the hotels in China is truly exceptional – standouts include the Park Hyatt in Shanghai with its award winning architecture and iconic pool on the 87th floor, the daring, arty and super sexy Opposite House in Beijing and the Peninsula in Shanghai.

Peninsula Shanghai
The Peninsula, Shanghai
*temp*
Opposite House, Beijing

SAMPLE ITINERARIES:

Cultural China – a Beginner’s Luxury TourCHINA - great wall of China

This 12-day tour is the perfect itinerary for those who have never been to China before, striking an ideal balance between the fascinating and historical cities and the stunning rural countryside. Visiting five of China’s most exciting destinations, Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai, the itinerary highlights include picnicking along the Great Wall of China, walking amongst the Terracotta Warrior Army, cycling through the beautiful karst mountains of Yangshuo and exploring the Bund in Shanghai – all whilst staying in some of China’s most exceptional hotels. The 12-day Cultural China-A Beginner’s Luxury Tour starts from £3990 per person, including accommodation in Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai, flights and transfers.

A Gastronomic tour of ChinaCHINA - Street Chef, Lijiang, Yunnan

Whilst the majority of people have eaten Chinese cuisine before, nothing compares to exploring the different flavours and styles of China’s provinces and cities in person. The itinerary visits the classic sites of China, whilst savouring the diverse culinary specialities that the country has to offer. Travel from Chengdu in the Sichuan province with its spicy Szechuan cuisine, to Xi’an and the Terracotta Warrior Army, then on to the capital Beijing with its Peking Duck and barbecue; Shanghai follows with a buzzing metropolitan atmosphere; the itinerary finishes in Hangzhou in the Zhejiang province, where the fresh, soft flavours of the food are one of the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese Cuisine. Cooking classes with professional chefs can always be organised, who will lead tours through the food markets to explain everything that is on display. Learning how to cook Chinese food, and experiment, can be organised; from dumpling-making classes to preparing spicy boiled chicken feet. The 14-day ‘A taste of the Orient’ itinerary costs from £4970 per person and includes accommodation in Chengdu, Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, flights and transfers.

South of the clouds – Delve into China’s Yunnan ProvinceCHINA - Yunnan, countryside view

Yunnan - which literally means "South of the Clouds", due to its location just south of the Tibetan Plateau - is home to some of the most diverse cultures, ecology and terrain in China. Each hotel in this 13-day itinerary has been carefully selected to make the most of the incredible natural beauty and cultural activities on offer. Trek through the valleys and mountains, visiting Buddhist monasteries and local villages. From the capital of Yunnan, Kunmig, travel west onto Dali, a Ming-era town, tucked away between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, and experience a traditional Bai Tea Ceremony. Travel north to Shaxi, then to Lijiang – the Venice of the East, which lies in the shadow of the Jade Snow Dragon Mountain, then over the Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge on to the famous Shangri-La. The 13-day ‘South of the Clouds’ itinerary costs from £4735 per person, with accommodation in Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, Lijiang and Shangri-La, flights and transfers.

Aman Summer Palace & Amanfayun Experience... Twin-centre China Holiday from Beijing to Hangzhou
CHINA - Amanfuyan, Hangzhou

Explore two of China's extremes - from the imperial grandeur of Aman's Summer Palace to the picturesque and supremely peaceful surroundings of Amanfayun in Hangzhou. This is an ideal for those experiencing China for the first time but who also want a truly luxurious and exotic break. 
The 8-day ‘Aman Summer Palace & Amanfayun Experience ’ itinerary costs from £3250 per person, with accommodation in Beijing and Hangzhou, flights, transfers and privately guided tours.

For further information please contact Ampersand's China Sales Specialist, Mark Wright – 020 7 819 9770 / mark@ampersandtravel.com



Client Testimonials

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
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
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, 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 barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
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
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
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
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

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