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Rise early to watch the sun rise over the amazing city panorama of Shanghai with its iconic skyscrappers set around the bending Huangpu River.
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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The silent and fearsome Terracota Army in Xi'An are a must on every itinerary to China.
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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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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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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'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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Explore the countryside of the Yunnan district, with its rewarding views of small minority villages.
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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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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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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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Order a sophisticated cocktail and marvel at metropolitan Shanghai by night on the terrace of the Peninsula Hotel.
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The Peninsula is known as the Grand Dame of Hong Kong for its classical elegance and timeless interior.
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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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Admire the preserved rooftops of the old town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Check into a Suite at the luxurious Amanfayun and enjoy an understated and authentic bedroom decorated with fine art calligraphy.
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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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Take a caligraphy classe at the Aman Summer Palace, Beijing, in their dedicated 'Cultural Room'.
Visit the iconic Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China.
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Take a private boat to explore Hangzhou's picturesque West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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China: Best time to go
China can be visited at any time of year as there is always something on offer. The winter is actually a very beautiful time to visit Beijing and its world famous sights dusted with snow. The best weather is during spring (March until May, but avoid Easter) and autumn (late September to early November), but hotel rates are higher at those times. Prices are lower in the shoulder seasons: February/early June and September/late November/December. Three main Chinese public holidays to avoid: Chinese New Year (also called Spring Festival, usually falling in late January or early February), the first week of April and National Day (the first week of October). Tourist attractions become very crowded at this time.
N.B. All information given here is to the best of our knowledge, however, changes do occur, sometimes at short notice. Ampersand cannot be held liable for such happenings. Of course, if you have any tips that you feel would benefit other travellers, please pass them onto us and we will add them.
There are direct flights from UK to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Hong Kong. Direct flight times are between 10 - 11 hours. China has an excellent network of domestic flights and connecting between all major cities is simple.
All visitors to China must obtain a tourist ‘L’ visa prior to departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return and have at least 2 blank pages. There are numerous agencies that can lodge an application on your behalf. We can recommend www.visaexpress.co.uk. If you are arranging your own visa, the official Chinese embassy appointed visa centre is in Bank, London. You can find all the information on their website.
It is essential to visit your GP as soon as possible to check if you need any vaccinations prior to travel. Risk for vaccine preventable diseases can change at any time. MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) can supply a quick and easy online Travel Health Brief. This includes easy to understand vaccination advice for single or multi-country trips. Their website is www.masta-travel-health.com.
London - Beijing: 9 hours 40 minutes
London - Shanghai: 11 hours 20 minutes
London - Chengdu: 10 hours 30 minutes
London - Hong Kong: 11 hours 40 minutes
We highly recommend you reconfirm your onward and return international flights at least 72 hours prior to departure.
Places of Interest
Accommodation
