ChinaOf red palaces and bamboo rafts

Take the high-speed train to Xi'an, where your local guide will give you a warm welcome. As a former capital, Xi'an plays a crucial role in the country's history. The city mainly exported silk and local products to other countries and became the most populous city in the world. But Xi'an is above all a city with many cultures. The silk trade brought many Muslim merchants from Central Asia to China to assert their business and influence in Xi'an. Embark on a little culinary journey of discovery around Muslim Street!

The day begins with a bike tour (or rickshaw tour, if preferred) to explore the beautiful city center. During your tour, you will see the impressive Xi'an City Wall, which was built during the Ming Dynasty and has since been restored and reconstructed. Afterwards, your guide will take you to the famous Terracotta Army, which is located nearby: a fascinating part of history shrouded in myth.

The next morning, you will travel to Chengdu by high-speed train or plane. Here you can go hiking in the majestic Qingcheng Mountains: these sacred mountains not only offer breathtaking views, but also a calming atmosphere steeped in Taoist culture. You will also visit the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here you will have the unique opportunity to observe the beloved panda bears in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Learn about the important conservation efforts and you may even be lucky enough to see young pandas playing—a truly heartwarming sight.

End your eventful day at the luxurious Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain. Located at the foot of the Qingcheng Mountains, this breathtaking hotel offers not only an exclusive retreat, but also unparalleled panoramic views.

Welcome to Guangxi Zhuang! This region is known for its fantastic scenery along the Li River. Your guide will accompany you to the village of Yangdi, where you will take a bamboo raft cruise on the Li River. From here, you can enjoy impressive views of the picturesque peaks along the river. These formations have served as a source of deep inspiration for numerous poets, painters, and photographers! The short raft trip ends at Jiuma Huashan, where your private driver will pick you up and take you to Yangshuo. Yangshuo is a small market town where you can spend the afternoon and evening.

After a hearty breakfast, you will set off on a bike ride from Yangshuo to the village of Baisha on the Yuloang River. On the way there, you will cross the famous 400-year-old Yulong Bridge and ride along the river, which is lined with orchards and chestnut trees. Afterwards, you have the choice of returning to Yangshuo across the river or continuing south towards Moon Hill. This imposing hill with its moon-shaped hole offers spectacular views of the entire surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy the Liu Sanjie show. Here, hundreds of actors, including local fishermen, imitate scenes from rural life in traditional costumes.

Start the day with a stroll through Fuxing Park. Here you will once again have the opportunity to experience the morning ritual of the Chinese. Particularly worth seeing are the tango dancers and their music, which can be heard in every corner of the park. We recommend a stroll through the surrounding streets with their colonial charm. Afterwards, continue on to Xintiandi, a completely newly developed district that is considered one of the liveliest. You can end your walk at Tianzifang, a labyrinth full of restaurants, boutiques, and small art galleries.

Take a guided tour of the Gongsheng Distillery followed by a wine tasting, or visit the Flower Drum Opera. The shadow puppet theater also opens its doors to you, as does the ancestral home of writer Mao Dun and a studio that gives you an exclusive demonstration of how traditional Chinese clothing is made. On a vintage bike tour—or alternatively a vintage jeep tour—you can get in touch with the locals and take a deep dive behind the scenes. A trip to the water town of Tongli lets you experience Shanghai from a new, refreshing perspective.