Encounter the treasures of the Orient
Let us take you through villages dating back more than 3,500 years, past iconic sites and into local houses as we explore the highlights of the region.
As a guest on one of our China tours, you will have the opportunity to enjoy our 5-star offering, which includes the services of a dedicated Tour Director as well as transfers, porterage and tipping and gratuities.
Comfort and elegance are also features of our land stays, with some of the finest hotels in the itineraries, including the recently opened Shangri-La in Lhasa, the Fairmont in Beijing and the iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai.
Boasting extraordinary urban centres, from the sprawling metropolis of Shanghai to the ancient capital of Xi’an, and natural wonders, from the lakes of Hangzhou to the majestic mountains of Lhasa, China and Tibet are destinations not to be missed.
Our China tour itineraries feature a Yangtze River cruise on board the opulently appointed Yangzi Explorer, one of the few American-managed cruise ships.
Equipped with a library, cocktail lounge, beauty parlour, spa and superior staterooms, this vessel is an unrivalled choice for exploring the magnificent Three Gorges.
There has never been a better time to book a luxury tour of China in 2018.
China tour inclusions
At Scenic, we’ve combined ease of luxury travel with a selection of tours that offer you a true insight into the culture, landscape and history of China. And best of all – it’s all included.
Scenic Freechoice
Choose between a vast range of activities, sightseeing and dining experiences from visiting silk markets to sampling the finest Chinese cuisine.
Scenic Enrich
We have handpicked a range of unique experiences from having a photo with a panda to being treated to a private museum artefact tour in Xi'an.
Luxury Hotels
From luxury resorts in iconic countryside locations to world-famous hotels in bustling cities, you’ll get to enjoy the very best accommodation available.
Cruising
Cruise the beautiful Yangtze on the recently refurbished boutique Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer and witness the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam, the largest in the world.
Rail
Experience state-of-the-art rail travel on board China’s High Speed and Maglev trains. Watch the countryside pass you by and enjoy nature in all its spendour.
The Nth Degree
We take care of everything for you from private buses in national parks to viewing ancient artefacts after hours. We even take care of the hassle of tipping
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Experiences
Find yourself charmed under China's ancient spell
As we traverse the region, you will quickly discover the hospitality of the local people and their eagerness to share their rich and ancient culture. Our included Scenic Enrich experiences and Scenic Freechoice activities on our China tours allow you to immerse yourself in the culture and personally encounter the local way of life.
Besides the iconic Great Wall of China, here are some other experiences you need to add on your bucket list whilst in China.
Giant Panda Encounter
Experience a Scenic Excusive of an enchanting close encounter and photo opportunity with rare Giant Panda cubs at the Dujiangyan Panda Ark, part of the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre.
Private Museum Artefact Tour
Be treated to a special private, after hours viewing of ancient artefacts from around Xi’an at a local museum. Enjoy refreshing drinks with canapés and learn more about Shaanxi Province history.
Contemporary Chinese Painting
Visit Fuli, the hometown of China’s iconic painted paper fans. You’ll even get to meet a master of this folk art at his home and try your hand in creating your own souvenir.
Canton Tower
Ride to the top of Canton Tower’s observation deck and for those a little more game, ride in the Bubble Tram with amazing views over the city from the top of the building.
Private Meditation Session
Visit Songzanlin Monastery for a great introduction into Tibet’s culture and heritage. Here experience a private meditation session with a Lama.
Terracotta Warriors
Visit the Terracotta Warriors with a museum curator and have the opportunity to meet the farmer who discovered the tomb.
Destinations
With dynamic cities, blossoming skylines and ultra-modern architecture everywhere – the China of today offers all the wonder of the new, whilst retaining the mystery of the old.
From the neon lights of Shanghai’s Pudong area to the cutting edge ingenuity of its high-speed and Maglev trains, there’s a confidence in the China of today that belies the many struggles and challenges it’s had to overcome in its rise to global prominence.
To gain a true appreciation of all that China has to offer, you’ll need to delve beneath its often brash, modern exterior – to the colourful, and sometimes even profound China that lies within.
There’s simply no better way to do this than to explore the many incredible sensual experiences that make this land so unique.
Beijing
Wander through Tiananmen Square and enter the mysterious Forbidden City. You also have the opportunity to visit China’s most iconic attraction – the Great Wall at Mutianyu.
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Lhasa
Visit the roof of the world and learn about Tibetan culture through visits to its famous landmarks such as Potala Palace, Barkhor Circuit and Jokhang Temple.
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Zhangjiajie
Take a ride on the world’s longest cable car to Tianmen or “Heaven’s Gate” Mountain. Ride up the Bailong Elevator, the highest outdoor elevator in the world and revisit the scenes from ‘Avatar’ at Hallelujah Mountain.
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Jiuzhaigou
Also known as Nine Villages Valley, Jiuzhaigou is famous for its stunning scenery of lush and colourful forests, pristine lakes and waterfalls of its World Biosphere Park.
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Yangshuo
Stay at the historically styled Banyan Tree hotel set amongst the famous Karst scenery along the Li River.
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Chengdu
Have your photo taken with a Panda and learn about the secrets of Sichuan cooking in Chengdu.
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Lijiang
Stay at the perfectly located and themed Intercontinental Lijiang Ancient Town hotel enabling you from your doorstep to explore this ‘time capsule’ town of Ancient China.
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Suzhou / Hangzhou
Ride the canals of the water towns known for their beautiful lakes and famous Chinese gardens.
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Exceptional Hotels
Indulge yourself with a customised experience at some of the finest boutique properties in China.
You’ll find that the wonders of the East are all the more wonderful when you’re ensconced in the comfort and luxury of the region’s most prestigious hotels. In China you can look forward to some of the most lavish accommodation in the orient, as well as truly outstanding levels of service.
You can also experience outstanding properties with our Scenic Special Stays, iconic hotels remarkable for their location, character and heritage in select locations.
Banyan Tree Yangshuo
Set against a backdrop of emerald rice fields, mist-shrouded limestone mountains, meandering rivers and curious caves, Banyan Tree Yangshuo reflects the heart of understated elegance.
Hylandia by Shangri-La
Nestled in a land of snow-capped peaks, primeval forests, wide grasslands and fertile valleys, Hylandia by Shangri-La combines elegantly appointed modern amenities with Tibetan styling.
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Experience old world opulence and modern luxury, an excellent selection of dining options, surrounded by extensive gardens and views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai
Located on Shanghai’s famous Bund, beside the Huangpu River and Nanjing Road shopping street, the luxurious Fairmont Peace Hotel combines art deco style and old world elegance.
Fairmont Beijing
Featuring unique modern architecture accented by contemporary Chinese artwork, Fairmont Beijing offers luxurious accommodations in the central business district, moments from world renowned shopping at the legendary Pearl and Silk Markets.
Shangri-La Chengdu
A modern sanctuary awaits in an ancient capital. Located in the city centre, this luxury property boasts modern grandeur with legendary Shangri-La hospitality.
Cruising the Yangtze River
The world’s third longest river, the Yangtze provides you with the ideal platform to view the region’s rich array of wonders.
Sail with our partner Sanctuary Retreats on the recently refurbished boutique-sized Yangzi Explorer through the Three Gorges, a natural spectacle of sculpted cliffs and lushly forested banks.
Enjoy fascinating excursions, with visits to the Three Gorges Dam, Shennong Stream and Fengdu Ghost Temple.
However, not all the fascination is to be found in the scenery. On board, you’ll get the opportunity to discover many distinctive local arts, from Tai Chi to Chinese cooking classes, and even calligraphy, Mahjong and silk embroidery workshops.
With your choice of fine cuisine, and evenings of traditional music and colourful local dance, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in all that Chinese culture has to offer.
Scenic Stopovers
Make even more out of your journey of discovery to China and Japan and treat yourself with a stopover to break your journey.
This is the perfect opportunity to really relish the cultural and culinary treasures that make this part of the world so unique. And with your choice of stopover destinations to relax on your own terms and explore independently, more memories can be made and more moments of wonder unearthed.
While in the region, why not schedule a stopover in Hong Kong? Two nights will give you all the time you need to explore the bustling streets, calm waters, culinary delicacies and shopping attractions of this special administrative region of China. Our three night tour will also take you to Macau, a fascinating destination with glittering modern buildings beside World Heritage-listed sites.
To discuss this extension please contact us here.
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