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Cultural China - A Beginner’s Luxury Tour

11 days from £7,270 for 2025 per person

If you have never been to China before, this is the trip for you. It has been tailored to strike a balance between the fascinating and historical cities to the stunning rural countryside. Begin the trip in the capital, Beijing and by staying in the skyscraper hotel the China World Summit Wing. After cycles of destruction and reconstruction, Beijing's mix of new and old is truly unique and you will explore it all from Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall to practicing Taiji in the Temple of Heaven.

From here fly on to Xi'an to have dinner in the vibrant Muslim Quarter of the city and be dumbstruck by the sheer scale and wonder of the Terracotta Warriors Army. After 4 nights in cities it's time to head south to Guangxi province and experience the abundance of natural beauty here. Spend a night in the city of Guilin before driving south to Yangshuo, truly a gift from the Gods. The karst mountains that surround the town look out of place in the otherwise flat surroundings of paddy fields, which makes it the perfect area to explore by bike or gliding along the Li River.

End the holiday in the glitzy and smart metropolis of Shanghai. This is one of our favourite cities in Asia with opportunities to walk along the Bund with the famed skyline as a backdrop, visit world class museums, shop, party into the early morning and dine extremely well. After this trip you'll be desperate to return year on year!

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 tour of China. If you'd like to see similar holidays, take a look at our favourite Honeymoons and Culinary Tours.


Itinerary details

11 days from £7,270 for 2025 per person

Shanghai China 2 Shanghai China 2
beijing-38 beijing-38
Beijing China 3 Beijing China 3
Beijing China 8 Beijing China 8
China World Summit Wing Shangri La Beijing China 10 China World Summit Wing Shangri La Beijing China 10
China World Summit Wing Shangri La Beijing China 18 China World Summit Wing Shangri La Beijing China 18
China World Summit Wing Shangri La Beijing China 11 China World Summit Wing Shangri La Beijing China 11
CHINA - Xian, terracotta army CHINA - Xian, terracotta army
Guilin China 1 Guilin China 1
Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 1 Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 1
Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 8 Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 8
Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 6 Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 6
Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 3 Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 3
Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 15 Yangshuo Riverside Resort Yangshuo Guilin China 15
CHINA - Shanghai, River view sunrise CHINA - Shanghai, River view sunrise
The Peninsula Shanghai China 21 The Peninsula Shanghai China 21
The Peninsula Shanghai China 20 The Peninsula Shanghai China 20
The Peninsula Shanghai China 15 The Peninsula Shanghai China 15
The Peninsula Shanghai China 23 The Peninsula Shanghai China 23
I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw

Client Testimonials

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
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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

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