Itinerary
China’s UNESCO Treasures by Private Jet
Summer Palace, Beijing, China – Courtesy of Aman

Itinerary Highlights

  • Enjoy a banquet fit for an emperor on top of the Great Wall
  • Experience the Dujiangyan Panda Base and assist keepers in their daily care routines
  • Explore Shanghai with an expert-led journey through The Bund, the French Concession and contemporary art districts
  • Traverse sky-high glass walkways at Khangjiajie National Forest Park
  • Visit China’s Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven

ITINERARY BY AN ANDREW HARPER

PREFERRED PARTNER

Beijing · Hangzhou · Lijang · Shanghai
Duration: 13 Days
Discover the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of China on an exclusive journey by private jet. This 12-night expedition showcases five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the Great Wall to the misty peaks of Zhangjiajie. Stay in four Aman properties — each deeply connected to its surroundings — while enjoying private touring, curated cultural experiences and seamless luxury travel aboard a custom-configured private jet.
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Days 1–4

Beijing

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to Aman Summer Palace, a secluded retreat next to the emperor’s former residence that offers exclusive access to the imperial gardens. Enjoy afternoon tea, calligraphy lessons with a local artist and a private cocktail reception with a history lecture and live musical performance. Begin your exploration with an expert-guided tour of the Great Wall, before stopping for a specially prepared champagne lunch on top of the wall itself. Spend your days exploring Beijing’s imperial landmarks, including the Summer Palace and a private tour of the Forbidden City, two of China’s most revered UNESCO sites. Visit the atmospheric hutongs, where artisans keep centuries-old traditions alive, and explore the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture.

Stay Overnight

Aman Summer Palace

Aman Summer Palace is a tranquil resort hotel adjacent to the East Gate of the historic Summer Palace.

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Day 4

Touchdown in Xi’An

Fly by private jet to Xi’an for a behind-the-scenes look at the Terracotta Warriors. An expert guide will lead you through the excavation sites, explaining the ongoing discoveries. Enjoy a private lunch in Xi’an’s historic quarter before flying onward to Hangzhou, where you check in to Amanfayun, nestled among tea fields and temples.

Stay Overnight

Amanfayun

Amanfayun is a resort encompassing 46 rooms housed by the structures of a former village. The property is 30 minutes from central Hangzhou.

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Days 4–7

Hangzhou

Wake to the tranquility of Amanfayun, surrounded by misty hills and ancient monasteries. Cruise across UNESCO-listed West Lake in a private boat, exploring its legendary islets, vistas and pagodas. Visit the renowned Longjing tea fields, where you’ll learn the art of tea cultivation. A private tour of nearby Buddhist temples provides a glimpse into China’s spiritual traditions. Enjoy a deep dive into millennia-old traditional Chinese medicine.

Stay Overnight

Amanfayun

Amanfayun is a resort encompassing 46 rooms housed by the structures of a former village. The property is 30 minutes from central Hangzhou.

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Day 7

Touchdown in Chengdu

For those opting in, fly to Chengdu and visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where conservation experts introduce you to China’s beloved giant pandas. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to feed them and enjoy a tour of the grounds. Continue by private jet to Lijiang, where Amandayan awaits with views over the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

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Amandayan

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Days 7–10

Lijiang

Explore the beautiful UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lijiang, where Nakhi culture thrives in winding alleyways and historic courtyards, set against a sublime mountain backdrop. Browse the wares of local artisans, enjoy cultural performances, visit century-old estates and admire Tibetan pagodas.

Then, embark on a day-long adventure to the myth-shrouded Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s deepest and most spectacular river canyons. Trek along the canyon’s edge, taking in dramatic river views.

Return to Amandayan for cocktails overlooking the Old Town and a special menu of local Nakhi cuisine.

Day 10

Touchdown in Zhangjiajie

Fly to Zhangjiajie to experience the breathtaking landscape of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO-protected area known for its thousands of towering quartzite sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Brave souls may walk across the world’s highest glass bridge at the top of Tianmen Mountain, suspended 4,000 feet above an alpine valley. The Bailong Elevator, dubbed the Hundred Dragons Elevator, rises over 1,000 feet and offers sweeping panoramic views of this otherworldly landscape. That evening, continue to Shanghai for your final stage.

Day 10–13

Shanghai

Stay at Amanyangyun, a tranquil retreat surrounded by ancient camphor trees in China’s most dazzlingly modern city. Spend your time discovering Shanghai’s layered history with an expert guide. Meet a specialist in Shanghainese history for a lively tour of the city via its architecture — encompassing classical Chinese, Sino-European art deco and modern skyscrapers — before visiting the impressive Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Take an expert-guided tour of The Bund, followed by a deep dive into the local art scene at M50 Art District.

The following day, explore Shanghai’s most famous sites, including the Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Tower and the Jazz Age streets of the French Concession. If you wish, go on a private Jewish history tour with one of the world’s foremost experts on the little-known history of Jewish life in Shanghai.

Gather in the evening for cocktails and a Kunqu opera performance, toasting a successful expedition.

Stay Overnight

Amanyangyun

Amanyangyun is a peaceful retreat set amid a towering forest of ancient camphor trees by a tranquil lake, 16 miles south of Shanghai.

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This is a sample itinerary designed to inspire your travels. Price listed is based on two people sharing, except where noted. Flights are not included. Room categories, dates of travel and changes to services may affect the starting price. Contact the Andrew Harper Travel Office to customize this journey to fit your needs.