Ancient & Remote Wonders of China by Private Jet
A journey overview
- Beijing
- Xi’an
- Yinchuan
- Xinjiang
- Chengdu
- Guilin
- Shanghai
18 Days By Private Jet
- Departing:
- 29 May 2026 New release
Link the remote corners of China by business class private jet. Reserved for just 28 guests, our carefully curated journey brings us to a diverse array of destinations, from the iconic Great Wall of China to little-known villages and encounters with pandas. Embrace dynamic cities, marvel at remote and tranquil panoramas, and discover ancient cultural treasures at every turn. Everything has been considered and included.
Beijing (China), Gubei Water Town
In Beijing, you will be met and transferred to Gubei Water Town, before checking into Hang Gu Valley Hotel. Encircled by serene rivers and mountains, the resort region enjoys a village atmosphere. Our hotel hosts us for dinner this evening.
Gubei Water Town
After breakfast at our hotel, we visit the Simatai Great Wall, one of the most significant sections of China’s monumental Great Wall. Our round trip to the site takes place aboard a cable car, enabling us to preserve our energy for exploration. The World Heritage site retains the appearance it held when constructed during the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century. Spaced along the wall are 20 well-preserved watchtowers; the Wanjing Tower offering striking views of the valley below. Returning to Gubei Water Town, we enjoy lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
This evening’s unparalleled gala Welcome Dinner takes place along a section of the Great Wall. As the sun fades from view, the wall is bathed in the glow of hundreds of lights. A succession of culinary delights, complemented by cocktails and wine, are then served in this spectacular setting. While we are here, our appreciation for the Great Wall is enhanced during a talk from the British geographer, William Lindesay OBE. In 1987, William set out on foot, completing a landmark journey of 2,470 km along the wall – the first foreigner to do so. He has since dedicated himself to the study and preservation of the wall, leading to his moniker, ‘Guardian of the Great Wall’.
Beijing
We take the road back to Beijing this morning. Upon arrival, we check into the Waldorf Astoria Beijing, where we spend the next two nights. Following lunch at a riverside restaurant, we visit the imposing Tiananmen Square. Among the largest of the world’s public squares, Tiananmen features several monuments, as well as the mausoleum housing the remains of Mao Zedong. Traverse the length of the square to arrive at the northern gate, which features a large portrait of Chairman Mao. Pass through an archway here to enter the Forbidden City. It was from here that China’s rulers wielded supreme power during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The style of the buildings here perfectly reflects traditional Chinese palatial architecture.
Tonight, enjoy the French spin applied to an otherwise traditional Chinese menu at Duck de Chine. Indulge in the culinary offerings of this renowned restaurant, regularly frequented by world leaders.
Beijing
Board a rickshaw this morning for a tour along some of the city’s narrow laneways. Local knowledge means we will see aspects of the historic Shichahai area that most travellers will never encounter. While here, we also pay a visit to a local family living in one of Shichahai’s traditional homes. Our hosts guide us in a hands-on dumpling-making experience, before we all sit down to share a delicious meal. This authentic local experience also sees us learning the traditional Chinese folk arts of paper cutting and inside painting, as well as shuttlecock and yoyo.
This afternoon, we meander through the park known as the Temple of Heaven. Gain a sense of local life here, appreciating the stark contrast of spiritual observance amid the buzzing activity. As we cast our gaze across the grounds, we may catch sight of people practicing tai chi, or otherwise engaged in singing or music.
Soaring city views are enjoyed during this evening’s dinner. The glass ceiling and walls of the 66th-floor China Grill are spectacularly styled in pyramid fashion, while its decorative trees and water features enhance the setting.
Xi’an
Farewell Beijing today and travel to Xi’an on the high-speed railway, travelling at speeds of up to 300 km/h. On arrival in Xi’an, we see the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Built during the seventh century, the landmark building served as a receptacle for Buddhist artefacts earlier taken from India. Close by, the Great Tang All Day Mall comprises a vast collection of sculptures, shops, striking architecture, and elaborate light displays. Wander the pedestrian street, absorbing the intoxicating atmosphere, and soak up the rich cultural heritage on display through performances of music, dance and theatre. Prior to savouring this evening’s culinary delights, we don traditional Chinese attire, courtesy of professional stylists. Tonight’s dining takes place at the nearby Imperial Banquet Hall.
Xi’an
After breakfast this morning, we make our pilgrimage to see the Terracotta Warriors. This famed collection of sculpted soldiers, 8,000 in number, are accompanied by many horses and chariots and were said to have required the resources of 100,000 men over a period of 38 years. From our position along the perimeter of a colossal warehouse, we peer across at rows of these individually styled statues lined up in perfect formation.
After lunch, we stand before the imposing city walls. The vast fortifications, almost 14 km long, are surrounded by a deep moat. This evening, we take our places at Grand Maison Xi’an, located within the Xiying Museum. Our dining experience here comprises a fusion of traditional and innovative dishes based on the flavours and spices of Shaanxi cuisine. The building also showcases sets and memorabilia from the city’s flourishing film industry, which we may learn about on our way to dinner.
Yinchuan
Our private jet takes us north to Yinchuan this morning. Situated between the Yellow River and the Helan Mountains, the region features the distinctively shaped Western Xia Imperial Tombs, built for the emperors of the Western Xia Dynasty.
Following lunch, we discover the area courtesy of the following Your World experiences:
— Explore the nine imperial tombs of the Western Xia Dynasty, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. This important cultural site also includes more than 250 smaller attendant tombs. The grandeur of this ancient dynasty is reflected in the large scale of the royal structures. This is a full-day experience, followed by dinner at our hotel.
— You may prefer to take a tour of Chandon Winery, at the foot of the majestic Helan Mountains in nearby Ningxia. The rich history of the Chandon brand, as well as its establishment in China, is revealed at the state-of-the-art production facility. Take a stroll through the vineyard and learn about the blend of tradition and innovation taking place in the cultivation process here. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting session, prior to a gala dinner set amid the vines. Before a setting sun, enjoy local and international dishes, paired with some of Chandon’s exquisite wines.
Yining, Sayram Lake
Rejoin our private jet this morning for the westward flight to Yining. From here, we take the road to Sayram Lake, in the province of Xinjiang. The vast Taklamakan Desert dominates the region, which is home to a number of ethnic groups, including Uyghur, Kazakhs, Tajiks, and Mongols. This region is known for its beautiful landscapes, set at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Arriving along the shores of Sayram Lake, we are presented with an idyllic setting, where vast carpets of wildflowers decorate the alpine landscape. As night approaches, we enjoy a lakeside dinner, our senses tantalised by multiple courses of flavourful dishes.
Kashgar
Further south, along China’s western border, our private jet brings us to the ancient city of Kashgar. Here, we check into the Radisson Blu, before heading out to explore. The yellow facade of Id Kah Mosque draws our attention. The mosque is situated within a serene courtyard, surrounded by several poplars, mulberries and elms. Take the remainder of the afternoon at leisure or undertake some independent exploration. Perhaps wander along some of the city’s winding streets, where caravans of the Silk Roads once travelled. Here, mudbrick houses, courtyards and markets occupy various corners of the Old City. Choose where you would like to dine this evening from a selection of the city’s finest restaurants.
Kashgar
Waking in Kashgar this morning means we have plenty of time to spend at the Sunday Grand Bazaar. Wander the aisles of this historic marketplace, where stalls stocked with spices, bread, and other delicacies reveal the culinary heritage of the region. As you browse the assorted wares on offer, you might also try to discern some of the many dialects spoken by traders and shoppers in this cultural melting pot. Take the afternoon on your own schedule, before we reconvene this evening for dinner at our hotel.
Chengdu
After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our private jet flight to the city of Chengdu. This megacity welcomes us back to the country’s east, where we have the option to relax this afternoon at our accommodation, The Temple House. You are otherwise welcome to join us on our discovery of Kuanzhai Xiangzi, which translates to ‘Wide and Narrow Alley’. This network of restaurants, teahouses and souvenir stores also showcases local arts, crafts and customs, granting us an inside look into the lives of Chengdu’s residents. You may then like to further acquaint yourself with the city while exploring on your own schedule. Later this evening, we enjoy our choice of dining from a selection of venues.
Chengdu
Prepare for encounters with China’s iconic wildlife species today at the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Engage directly with the pandas, while learning about conservation challenges and the importance of preserving regional biodiversity. We have lunch here before joining a Your World experience:
— Venture to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an engineering marvel built to prevent the flooding which once devastated the region. The vast project also safeguards the area against drought, harnessing the might of the Min River, and distributing its waters across the Chengdu Plain in a controlled manner. The brainchild of hydraulic engineer Li Bing, the apparatus is responsible for nourishing the land and has contributed greatly to Sichuan’s prosperity.
— Pay a visit to the Sichuan Museum. Here, a series of exhibits tell the story of Sichuan Province, including its early human settlements, cultural milestones, and up to the modern and vibrant society of today.
You may prefer to remain at our hotel or head out on explorations of your own.
Select your preferred dining option from several handpicked venues. Perhaps take the opportunity to experience an authentic Chinese hot pot dinner.
Guilin, Yangshuo
Enjoy a final breakfast at The Temple House before we are transferred to the airport for our next private jet flight. Touching down in Guilin, we are then transported by road to Yangshuo, a tranquil riverside city set among soaring karst mountains. Over the next two nights, we enjoy the hospitality of Banyan Tree Yangshuo, a stunning resort whose villas encircle the property’s large pond.
We spend the afternoon relaxing and admiring the verdant grounds of our resort. Perhaps collect a bicycle for an afternoon ride past rice fields and winding rivers. For a closer perspective of the local waterways, board a bamboo raft and drift down the Li River. Prior to this evening’s dinner, we enjoy the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group. The song comprises a melody sung in unison by several folk singers, without musical accompaniment. At Banyan Tree’s Pool Bar, we then savour the flavours of the region amid the flourishing greenery of our residence.
Guilin
Arise today in the serene setting enjoyed by our resort. After breakfast, embark a river boat for a spectacular cruise of the Li River. Glide past towering karst mountains dotting the shoreline and catch sight of the fishing boats of local villagers. Relax along the observation deck, taking in the magical scenes of mountain peaks shrouded in mist. Enjoy lunch on board before disembarking and taking the afternoon at leisure.
Choose to relax back at our resort, or else take your pick of walking, cycling, or motorcycle sidecar adventures along the banks of the Yangshuo River. Arrive at a classroom in the countryside, where you will be guided in the traditional craft of bamboo weaving by an experienced artisan. Then enjoy some freshly brewed coffee while conversing with villagers to learn about their daily lives and cultural heritage.
Our final dining experience at Banyan Tree takes place within a nearby rice field, beneath a blanket of stars. In between gazing at the enchanting night sky, enjoy several exquisite dishes, which makes for a memorable evening.
Shanghai
Following breakfast, we transfer to the airport and meet with our private jet for the final time. In Shanghai, we make ourselves comfortable in the grand Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. Enjoy your afternoon as you choose – relax at our hotel, head out on independent explorations, or join us as we tour some of the sights of Shanghai. Close to our hotel, we wander the grounds of the Yu Garden. This place of tranquillity in the heart of Shanghai first took shape 400 years ago. Its serene ponds, zigzagging bridges, and ornate pagodas provide a relaxing atmosphere in which to acclimatise to our new surroundings. From here, we head to the nearby Old Bazaar, where sizzling street food takes its place alongside an abundance of antiques, handicrafts, and assorted bargains. Dine at your choice of venue this evening, from a selection of Shanghai’s most renowned restaurants.
Shanghai
Our first full day in Shanghai sees us discovering the city as we choose, with these Your World experiences:
— Explore the city with celebrated photographer, Wang Gangfeng. You will learn the subtleties of Shanghai’s architecture and social fabric, becoming privy to Wang Gangfeng’s talent for artistic expression and vivid storytelling. This is a full-day experience.
— Meet architect and project manager Fanny Hoffmann-Loss, who will give you an overview of the design principles, challenges and opportunities at work within international design firms. See these outcomes realised in the skyscrapers of Lujiazui, Shanghai’s financial district. This is a full-day experience.
— After a relaxing morning at our hotel, browse the art galleries, studios, shops, and bars of Tianzifang, Shanghai’s art district. Here, buildings designed in the traditional Shikumen style, or ‘Stone Warehouse Gate’, today house the wares of a more contemporary Shanghai.
You’re always welcome to set out on your own explorations of the city, or to simply relax.
Tonight, savour the seafood, stir-fries and soups of Michelin-starred restaurant, Canton 8.
Shanghai
Yesterday’s Your World experiences are again on offer today. Take this opportunity to see another side of Shanghai. Our Farewell Dinner tonight takes place at YongFoo Élite, which boasts two Michelin stars. The restaurant’s two-storey Spanish-style villa formerly housed the consulates of the Soviet Union, Vietnam, Germany, and Britain. A refined atmosphere pervades the establishment, graced with glowing lanterns and fragrant flowers. We indulge in a curated menu, paired with fine wines and teas.
Shanghai
With our grand private jet journey at an end, we farewell our Tour Host Team and fellow guests and transfer to Shanghai’s airport.
Ancient & Remote Wonders of China by Private Jet
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