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.

SAMPLE ITINERARIES:

Cultural China – a Beginner’s Luxury Tour

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 China

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 Province

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


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