China

Plan your escape

China, ancient and awakening

A land of contrasts where timeless traditions meet a future moving at light speed. From mist-draped karst peaks and quiet temple courtyards to ultra-modern skylines and serene tea terraces, China is a country of endless layers and stories. Our journeys here are designed to uncover its nuance, to explore beyond the icons, with time to slow down, listen, and feel the rhythm of a nation both ancient and new.

Tailor-made China, from the ground up

Tailor-made China, from the ground up

We create China itineraries around what draws you in: art and history, landscapes and cuisine, or a blend of all three. From the Great Wall at sunrise to private tastings in Chengdu’s spice markets, every detail is shaped with insight and care.

Whether you travel for culture, comfort, or curiosity, our journeys blend extraordinary access with effortless ease.

Plan your destination

China, your way

Begin in Beijing, where imperial palaces and modern galleries coexist. Walk the quieter stretches of the Great Wall with a private guide, explore the hutongs with local historians, and dine in elegant courtyard restaurants that reinterpret tradition with a modern touch.

Then travel south to Xi’an, once the heart of the Silk Road. Visit the Terracotta Warriors, explore the ancient city walls by bicycle, and sample street food at the Muslim Quarter’s night markets. In Chengdu, slow the pace. Meet conservationists at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, learn Sichuan cooking with a local chef, or relax in teahouses that have served poets for centuries.

For landscapes that stir the soul, head to Guilin and Yangshuo, where limestone peaks rise above the Li River and rice terraces ripple across the hillsides. Explore by bamboo raft or e-bike, pausing for village lunches and sunset views.

End your journey in Shanghai, a city of energy and innovation. Walk the art-lined lanes of the French Concession, admire skyline views from the Bund, and discover a dining scene that rivals any in the world.

What to see and do in China

Go beyond the Great Wall

China’s true beauty lies in its depth, in calligraphers’ studios tucked behind courtyards, in the scent of jasmine tea on mountain air, in encounters that reveal a culture both ancient and forward-looking. We can arrange private museum visits, family hikes through remote rice terraces, or luxury river cruises along the Yangtze where history unfolds from your cabin window.

From sacred mountains to sleek cities, our China journeys are curated to offer balance, moments of stillness amid spectacle, and stories that stay with you long after you return home.

You may also like...

Cambodia

A country where ancient temples rise from jungle mist, and life flows gently along the...

Cultural & Immersive Travel

Travel awakens our senses and makes us feel alive. Through the energy of a bustling...

Thailand

From the temples of Chiang Mai to the islands of the Andaman Sea, Thailand offers...

Looking for Inspiration?

Join our world of travel

Receive handpicked inspiration, insider tips and exclusive updates from Emma, Deborah and the Essential Escapes team.

Let's plan your
dream escape

Tell us your wishlist and we'll be in touch with the ideas.