Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund offers a heritage ambiance, faultless service and those essential amenities to make your stay truly ... Read more
Nowhere on earth does ancient history meet modernity so much as in China, the world’s most populous nation.
Nor a greater assortment of landscapes and ethnic diversity. Delve into its profusion of cultural treasures from the Great Wall to the remarkable Terra Cotta Warriors standing guard in Xian and the regal Forbidden City in Beijing. Traverse sleepy rural villages and sweeping landscapes which are wildly at odds with the great urban metropolises. Float down the Yangtze, Asia’s longest river, or hike through Yunnan’s mystical mountains. Ride like a local by pedicab through Beijing’s ancient hutongs or speed through Shanghai on a bullet train. Discover a vibrant culinary scene and get close to the iconic panda, a luxury journey to China reveals all these things and so much more.
On an A&K journey to China you’ll be guided through thousands of years of history, learning about the country’s rich traditions and appreciating its contemporary cultural scene. You’ll be captivated with behind-the-scenes encounters, special immersive visits and spiritual engagement. You’ll bed down in elegant city hotels, charming boutique retreats or on board a luxury river cruiser.
Decades of in-country expertise means our Journey Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. Piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure or find them in our featured journeys.
Tailor-Made Journeys
Explore the fascinating enigma that is China. Peel back the layers of history in and around Beijing, where the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square will ta...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Unlock ancient secrets and witness natural wonders in a journey through the very best of China and Tibet. From Beijing’s Forbidden City to the Dalai L...
Small Group Journeys
Discover five of Asia’s most historic monuments accompanied by top local experts on a spectacular journey that encompasses China’s Great Wall, Forbidd...
Small Group Journeys
Discover China’s past and present — from historic Beijing, to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Visit the iconic Terra Cotta Warriors and giant pan...
Tailor-Made Journeys
Immerse yourself in the bygone cultures and impossibly beautiful mountains of China’s Yunnan province and Tibet. Journey along the ancient Tea Horse ...
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
Decades of in-country expertise means our Journey Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. Piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure or find them in our featured journeys.
China’s Great Wall winds thousands of kilometres from the timeworn ruins of the former Manchurian frontier to the windswept Gobi Desert and the vast dunes of Gansu. An awe-inspiring icon, escape to the well-preserved, less-frequented Mutianyu section, taking in the battlements’ commanding views of the magnificent countryside; a glass of chilled Champagne in hand.
The capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is renowned for its Panda Breeding and Research Centre which affords a rare opportunity to encounter China’s iconic national treasure at play amongst the bamboo groves of their enclosures. Hear from experts about the plight and preservation of this endearing, and endangered, species.
Nestled among southern China’s rivers, lakes and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the melting pot of Yunnan Province is home to more than half of the country’s minority groups. Here, the Khampa, Han, Naxi, Lisu, Yi and Pumi peoples mingle against a backdrop of Tibetan monasteries and the pebbled paths of Lijiang’s Old Town. Evocative of James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon, the mythical romance of this Shangri-La remains as potent as ever.
From 1750-year-old Xingping, board your own private bamboo raft for an unforgettable trip along a tranquil tributary of the Li River. Breathe in the dreamlike landscape and realise the truth in the old Chinese saying: “The scenery of Guilin is the finest under heaven, the scenery of Yangshuo surpasses that of Guilin”.
Standing 8,000 strong, the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian bore silent watch over Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s burial grounds for more than 2,000 years. This life-size statuary army of men and horses was accidentally unearthed in 1974, setting off an archaeological sensation. Gain insider access to the dig site, admiring the latest artefacts as they are revealed.
Serving as the nation’s capital for seven centuries, Beijing’s traditionally casual pace has yielded to modernity and expansion. Historic sites such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall are juxtaposed with an ever-growing number of skyscrapers. This city on the move beckons visitors to experience its enduring air of tradition as it hangs on in an era of rapid development.
The mighty Yangtze River snakes for a total of 6,380 kilometres, from its source in the mountains of Tibet to its mouth at Shanghai. The best way to explore this giant, winding torrent is on a river cruise which will place you in the midst of the panoramic scenery, travelling through the very heart of the nation.
A global trade hub, Shanghai finds its culinary inspiration from cultures far-flung and familiar. Dive into a culinary melting pot as your local guide reveals the iconic street food of Shouning Lu, a local market and social hub of Old Town Shanghai. Then, head to a local dim sum restaurant for shengjian bao, Shanghai’s legendary pan-fried pork dumpling.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund offers a heritage ambiance, faultless service and those essential amenities to make your stay truly ... Read more
Located in the heart of downtown Wangfujing, the grand Waldorf Astoria Beijing is setting a new standard in luxury hotel living. Behind i... Read more
Travelling to China during spring and autumn (April - May and September - October) promises beautiful, mild weather and fewer visitors. Enjoy colourful foliage in autumn, or take in one of the country’s many ethnic festivals in spring. The winter months (December-March) can be very cold in the north and conversely summer (June-August) temperatures can reach uncomfortably high levels elsewhere.
To steer clear of queues and crowds, we recommend avoiding the first week in October (Chinese National Day holiday) and the Labor Day holiday, as attractions, transport, and hotels are packed with tour groups, and prices rise considerably.
With nearly 40 years’ experience handcrafting luxury holidays throughout China, the experts at A&K know what it takes to deliver a one-of-a-kind travel experience. We design luxury small group journeys and customised tours that inspire, delight and give you an insider’s look into what it means to live, work, and play in urban and rural China. With A&K by your side, you’ll have the freedom and confidence to embark on your own discovery of this remarkable land.
Our long-standing connections and offices in mainland China and Hong Kong allow us to offer you the best routes of discovery, the most desirable room categories, the finest transport options and access to exclusive experiences with the best experts in the region, as well as unmatched service at every stage of your journey. Our guides and drivers are the finest there is and we have an unmatched country-wide reach.
This kind of unencumbered insight into the authentic heart and soul of a place — to the people and sites that exist far beyond the reach of the average traveller — is something we pride ourselves on and ensure we deliver on every journey we create.