ChinaFrom colorful old towns to unique palaces

After exciting days in Beijing, your journey takes you to the far west of the country, to Lijiang in the Yunnan region. You will stay at LUX* Lijiang in the heart of the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the next few days, you will travel with your private guide along the Tea Horse Road to remote locations in the Yunnan region and stay in unique LUX* boutique hotels, where you will get to know a completely different side of China.

Lijiang is the gateway to the Yunnan region and captivates visitors with its beautiful old town, which is a highlight not only during the day but also when illuminated at night. Stroll through the cobbled streets, past old wooden houses with ornately carved gates and red lanterns from the Ming Dynasty. Take part in a traditional tea ceremony, visit the lively market and the small temple.

Once you have acclimatized to the altitude in Lijiang, continue your journey to Daju Village, a small village at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain. On the way, stop at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: a cable car will take you to the summit at 4,506 m, where you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks. Stroll along the panoramic trail and watch the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Your journey then continues to Daju Village. Here, you can take an easy hike with your guide through Tiger Leaping Gorge, which promises a unique view with its turquoise river and steep mountains. The perfect way to end the day is with a glass of champagne overlooking the gorge as the crowning glory of your hike.

On the way to your next destination, Shangri-La, stop at the Baishuitai Water Terraces. They are considered the birthplace of the Dongba culture of the Naxi minority. The terraces are made of limestone, which, combined with the high calcium carbonate content of the water, creates these semicircular steps. They look like white marble and are reminiscent of the limestone terraces of Pamukkale in Turkey.

Today's destination is Shangri-La, a beautiful city located at an altitude of 3,160 meters, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. The old town of Shangri-La is characterized above all by its Tibetan architecture, which is very different from that of the old town of Lijiang. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, discover the products of local artisans, and try your hand at thangka painting, a traditional Buddhist art form. You can also take a day trip to visit the world-famous Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. Built in 1679, it is considered the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.

From Lijiang, you will fly on to Shanghai. This vibrant metropolis is considered a symbol of China's rapid rise and cosmopolitan flair, offering a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Your hotel, the Capella Shanghai, is located in the French Quarter, which consists of traditional stone houses. The neighborhood is ideal for strolling and discovering the many small shops and cafés.

No visit to Shanghai would be complete without a stroll along the famous Bund promenade, which offers stunning views of the Shanghai skyline and is worth visiting both during the day and in the evening. You should also plan to visit Yu Garden during your time in Shanghai: this 400-year-old garden features small ponds, winding paths, and ornate pavilions. Enjoy your last few days in this diverse country before heading back home.