Home to one of the world’s oldest and most revered civilizations, astoundingly beautiful scenery, and cities where gleaming modern skyscrapers cast shade on historical sites that date back centuries, China is indeed a special place. This eye-opening journey introduces you to the history, culture, nature, and traditional life of this fascinating land as it was meant to be seen: with the expert guidance of private guides.

The adventure begins in Beijing, China’s political and cultural capital. As far as first impressions go, you won’t get a better introduction to the majesty of China than at the restored Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, which you’ll explore on a private full-day hike. Back in the city, get an early start with a guided tai chi session before heading out on a comprehensive tour of the city’s famous landmarks, including massive Tiananmen Square and two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the stunning Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Finally, get a glimpse of traditional Beijing on a private tour of its maze of hutong neighborhoods before sharing lunch with a local family and heading out to explore the ornate temples and serene gardens of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO-protected site on the shores of Kunming Lake.

-From Beijing, the scene shifts to Xi’an, once the preserve of China’s powerful dynastic families. After an enchanting evening of dance and music at the Tang Dynasty Show, head out on a guided bicycle tour to meet Xi’an’s most famous residents, Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terra-Cotta Warriors, and explore the sacred Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Later en route to Yangshuo, you’ll have the chance to witness one of rural China’s most scenic sights courtesy of a private tour of the Longji rice terraces and villages near Longsheng. The landscape becomes somehow more impressive in Yangshuo where, after taking in Academy Award-winning director Zhang Yimou’s spectacular "Sister Liu" show, you’ll be treated to an up-close glimpse of the region’s majestic karst formations, rice farms, and small villages on a private biking and hiking tour that ends at a rural farmhouse and a gourmet cooking lesson.

Last stop: glittering Shanghai. First, marvel at the gravity-defying artistry of the performers of the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, then spend the next day discovering this fascinating part of China via a private cruise through the canal-lined town of Zhujiajio (the "Venice of the East") and relaxing in the calming environs of Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden in the middle of the country’s most bustling city.

Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.