China Highlights: Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin & Hong Kong
Ancient capital, global megacity, mountain river — and the city that stands apart
From
£4,295pp
About this tour
China is a country of staggering contrasts, and this 15-day private journey sets them deliberately side by side. Beijing is ancient, formal and imperial — the Forbidden City and the Great Wall are monuments to the concentrated power of dynasties that lasted centuries. Shanghai is contemporary, commercial and cosmopolitan — the Bund's colonial waterfront faces a Pudong skyline of towers that mostly didn't exist 30 years ago. Guilin is natural, serene and painterly — the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is the landscape that appears on the 20-yuan note and has inspired Chinese painting for a thousand years. Hong Kong is electric, vertical and gloriously itself — neither mainland China nor anywhere else, a city of extraordinary density and energy that rewards every day spent in it. Wei Zhang guides the mainland sections (Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin) before a Hong Kong specialist takes over for the final four nights. The journey from Beijing to Shanghai is made by overnight high-speed train — a remarkable piece of engineering and an experience in itself.
“Designed by Wei Zhang, our China specialist with 14 years of private guiding experience.”
Why this works for travellers over 50
- Four very different aspects of China/Hong Kong in a single coherent journey
- Li River bamboo raft cruise — one of the world's great river journeys
- Overnight high-speed train Beijing–Shanghai: China's most atmospheric rail journey
- The Peninsula Hong Kong: one of the world's greatest hotels
- Guilin and Yangshuo are significantly less crowded than Beijing's top sites
- Wei Zhang's Shanghai knowledge: the French Concession, the colonial Bund, the art deco heritage
- Hong Kong night market, tram, and harbour ferry included
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Price per person — based on two travelling together.
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Your journey
Day-by-day itinerary
1Arrival in Beijing
Beijing
Arrival dayRosewood Beijing
Arrival in Beijing
Beijing
Airport transfer to the Rosewood Beijing. Welcome Peking Duck dinner with Wei.
2Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Beijing
ModerateRosewood Beijing
Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Beijing
Full morning in the Forbidden City with Wei's historical framing. Afternoon: Temple of Heaven and hutong walk.
3Great Wall at Mutianyu
Beijing
ActiveRosewood Beijing
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Beijing
Dawn departure to Mutianyu. Cable car up, wall walk with Wei, toboggan descent. Afternoon free.
4Beijing Summer Palace & Lama Temple
Beijing
ModerateRosewood Beijing
Beijing Summer Palace & Lama Temple
Beijing
Yonghe Lama Temple (Beijing's most atmospheric Buddhist site). Summer Palace imperial gardens. Afternoon free.
5Overnight Train: Beijing to Shanghai
Beijing → Shanghai
Train travelThe PuLi Hotel & Spa Shanghai
Overnight Train: Beijing to Shanghai
Beijing → Shanghai
Evening: board the overnight high-speed train to Shanghai (approximately 6 hours, private sleeper berths). Arrive Shanghai in the morning.
6The Bund & French Concession
Shanghai
ModerateThe PuLi Hotel & Spa Shanghai
The Bund & French Concession
Shanghai
Morning walk along the Bund — the colonial waterfront facing Pudong's futuristic skyline, one of the world's great urban contrasts. Afternoon: the French Concession — Art Deco villas, plane tree-shaded boulevards, boutiques and coffee.
7Old Town Yu Garden & Shanghai Museum
Shanghai
ModerateThe PuLi Hotel & Spa Shanghai
Old Town Yu Garden & Shanghai Museum
Shanghai
Morning: Yuyuan Garden (classical Chinese garden, Ming dynasty) and the surrounding Old Town bazaar. Shanghai Museum: the finest collection of Chinese antiquities outside the Palace Museum, free entry. Afternoon free.
8Shanghai to Guilin
Shanghai → Guilin
Travel day plus gentle evening river cruiseBanyan Tree Guilin
Shanghai to Guilin
Shanghai → Guilin
Flight Shanghai–Guilin. Transfer to the Guilin resort. This evening, a Li River sunset cruise on a private bamboo raft.
9Li River Full-Day Cruise to Yangshuo
Guilin / Li River / Yangshuo
GentleBanyan Tree Guilin
Li River Full-Day Cruise to Yangshuo
Guilin / Li River / Yangshuo
The full 83km Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo — one of the world's great river journeys, past the conical limestone karst mountains that appear on the 20-yuan note. Four hours on the river in private boat, with a packed lunch. Arrive Yangshuo for an afternoon in the small town's West Street and rice noodle restaurants. Return to Guilin by private vehicle.
10Reed Flute Cave & Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin
GentleBanyan Tree Guilin
Reed Flute Cave & Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin
Morning: Reed Flute Cave — a 240-metre-long limestone cave illuminated by coloured lights, with formations accumulated over 180,000 years. Elephant Trunk Hill — the symbol of Guilin, a limestone formation beside the river resembling an elephant drinking. Afternoon free at the Banyan Tree.
11Guilin to Hong Kong
Guilin → Hong Kong
Travel dayThe Peninsula Hong Kong
Guilin to Hong Kong
Guilin → Hong Kong
Flight Guilin–Hong Kong. Transfer to the Peninsula Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui. This evening: the Star Ferry across the harbour and the Symphony of Lights show from the Kowloon waterfront.
12Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong
ModerateThe Peninsula Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong
Morning: Peak Tram to Victoria Peak — the definitive Hong Kong panoramic view. Afternoon: Hong Kong Island exploration — the hillside Mid-Levels Escalator, the colonial Central district, the Man Mo Temple, a tram ride through Wan Chai.
13Lantau Island & Tian Tan Buddha
Hong Kong / Lantau
ModerateThe Peninsula Hong Kong
Lantau Island & Tian Tan Buddha
Hong Kong / Lantau
Ferry and cable car to Lantau Island and the Tian Tan Giant Buddha (34 metres, the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha in the world). Po Lin Monastery vegetarian lunch. Afternoon free in Hong Kong.
14Kowloon Markets & Harbour Day
Hong Kong
GentleThe Peninsula Hong Kong
Kowloon Markets & Harbour Day
Hong Kong
Morning: Temple Street Night Market (fascinating even by day), Jade Market, Wong Tai Sin Temple. Afternoon free. Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Hong Kong harbour.
15Hong Kong Departure
Hong Kong
Departure day
Hong Kong Departure
Hong Kong
Final morning free. Peninsula breakfast on the terrace. Transfer to Hong Kong International Airport.
Like what you see?
Our specialists can tailor every day to your preferences.
Fitness & mobility
Pacing & accessibility
A comprehensive itinerary with variety. Some full activity days balanced by rest days and free afternoons.
Walking
Beijing Great Wall day (6km) is the most active. Other days average 5km. Guilin days are very gentle. Hong Kong is moderate (hilly in places).
Transport
Private vehicle throughout. Overnight high-speed train (private sleeper). Three domestic flights (included). Li River private boat (4 hours). Star Ferry and trams in Hong Kong.
Altitude
Victoria Peak in Hong Kong (552m) reached by tram. No altitude concerns.
Heat / Climate
Best season October–November (cool, clear). Spring (March–April) also excellent. Summer hot and humid everywhere.
Accommodation
Your hotels
Rosewood Beijing
★★★★★Chaoyang District, Beijing · 4 nights
A contemporary masterpiece of Chinese luxury. Award-winning Ling Long restaurant. Traditional Chinese medicine spa.
- Contemporary Chinese luxury
- Ling Long restaurant
- TCM spa
- 32-floor tower
The PuLi Hotel & Spa Shanghai
★★★★★Jing'an District, Shanghai · 3 nights
An intimate 229-room luxury hotel in the Jing'an district, steps from Nanjing West Road and the French Concession. Contemporary Asian design with an extraordinary spa and one of Shanghai's finest breakfast spreads.
- Jing'an location
- Contemporary Asian design
- Award-winning spa
- Outstanding breakfast
- Steps from the French Concession
Banyan Tree Guilin
★★★★★Guilin · 3 nights
Set on a hillside above the Li River with views over the karst mountains that define the Guilin landscape. Private pool villas available. The most scenic hotel in the region.
- Li River and karst views
- Private pool villas
- Hillside location
- Award-winning spa
- Outstanding restaurant
The Peninsula Hong Kong
★★★★★Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong · 4 nights
Open since 1928, the Peninsula is the grande dame of Hong Kong hotels — one of the world's great city hotels. Its white Rolls-Royce fleet, rooftop helipad, harbour views and the legendary Lobby for afternoon tea define Hong Kong luxury.
- Open since 1928
- Harbour views from upper floors
- White Rolls-Royce fleet
- Felix rooftop restaurant
- The Lobby afternoon tea
Enhance your trip
Terracotta Warriors Day Trip
+£595
Fly Beijing–Xi'an for a day at the Terracotta Warriors, returning to Beijing the same evening. An intense but rewarding 12-hour day for those who want the Xi'an experience without extending the itinerary.
per person (including flights)
Pricing
Holiday pricing
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing. We arrange departures throughout the year to suit your preferred dates.
Starting from
£4,295
per person · 2 sharing
Solo traveller supplement: +£1,095 pp
Travelling solo?
Single supplement: +£1,095 pp
Full details
What’s included & not included
Included in your price
- 14 nights (Beijing Rosewood 4n, Shanghai PuLi 3n, Guilin Banyan Tree 3n, Hong Kong Peninsula 4n)
- Private guide Wei Zhang for mainland China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin)
- Dedicated Hong Kong specialist guide (Days 11–14)
- Overnight high-speed train Beijing–Shanghai (private sleeper berths)
- Domestic flights Shanghai–Guilin, Guilin–Hong Kong
- Full-day Li River private boat cruise to Yangshuo with picnic lunch
- Sunset bamboo raft on the Li River
- Private calligraphy lesson at Temple of Heaven
- Hutong courtyard lunch in Beijing
- Great Wall Mutianyu cable car and entrance
- All entrance fees throughout
- Daily breakfast; welcome dinner, farewell dinner and meals as noted
- All private road transfers
- ATOL financial protection
Not included
- China visa (required for mainland China, not Hong Kong)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Meals not listed
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Your specialist
Who will plan your holiday
Wei Zhang
Wei was born in Beijing and spent six years guiding at the Palace Museum before moving into private touring in 2010. His Shanghai knowledge is as deep as his Beijing expertise — he has guided there extensively for a decade.
Tailor-made
Like this tour but want it adapted?
Extra nights, alternative hotels, private transfers — our specialists will build your perfect itinerary from scratch.
What our guests say
Guest reviews
The Li River cruise was the most beautiful thing we've seen
“We've been to China twice before. This was the first time we'd done Guilin. The Li River cruise — four hours through those extraordinary limestone mountains, nobody else on our private boat, Wei explaining the geology and the history — was the most visually beautiful experience either of us can remember. The Peninsula Hong Kong was the finest hotel on the trip.”
Timothy & Rachel Graves
Oxfordshire · 2024-11-20
The four destinations made perfect sense together
“I was worried that Beijing then Shanghai then Guilin then Hong Kong might feel disjointed. It didn't — they formed a coherent narrative about what China is. Wei connected the threads beautifully. The overnight train from Beijing to Shanghai was an experience in itself.”
Alison Chambers
London · 2025-04-12
Hong Kong was the surprise highlight
“I'd been to mainland China before but never to Hong Kong. It's completely unlike anything else in Asia — the density, the energy, the food, the trams, the harbour. The Peninsula is extraordinary. Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island was the most impressive individual sight of the whole trip.”
Philip Hardy
Bristol · 2025-03-22
Before you go
Practical information
Visa requirements
Tourist L visa required for mainland China. No visa required for Hong Kong (180 days, British passport). Apply for China visa through CVASC before departure.
Currency
Mainland China: Chinese Yuan (RMB). Hong Kong: HK Dollar (HKD). Separate currencies — exchange RMB for HKD on arrival in Hong Kong.
Tipping
Mainland China: Wei: £20–25/day. Hotel staff 20–30 RMB. Hong Kong: more tip-friendly culture; restaurant service charges usually included; hotel porters: HK$20–50.
Electricity
Mainland China: 220V, Type A and I. Hong Kong: 220V, Type G (same as UK). No adaptor needed in Hong Kong for UK plugs.
Health & vaccinations
Standard vaccinations for mainland China. No additional requirements for Hong Kong. Air quality in Beijing/Shanghai can be poor in winter — respiratory considerations apply.
Flights
Fly London to Beijing (direct or via Gulf hub). Return from Hong Kong (HKG) to London Heathrow on Cathay Pacific (direct, 12 hours). Book as an open-jaw itinerary.
Local transport
Private vehicle throughout mainland China. Overnight train Beijing–Shanghai included. Three domestic flights included. Hong Kong: Star Ferry, Peak Tram, MTR metro and trams all included for relevant activities.
Travel with like-minded people
Join a Small Group Departure
Prefer to travel with a small group of fellow over-50s rather than as a couple or solo? Our fixed-departure group tours put you alongside eight to twelve like-minded travellers with a dedicated tour manager for the entire journey.
- Maximum 12 travellers — intimate by design
- Dedicated tour manager throughout
- Social dinners and shared discoveries
- Single supplement waived on selected departures
- Like-minded over-50s travellers
- No single friends needed — just arrive and enjoy
Register Your Interest
Tell us your preferred dates and travel companions — we’ll match you with the right departure and send full details.
Our team will respond within 1 working day.
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate visa for Hong Kong?
No — British passport holders do not require a visa for Hong Kong (you receive 180 days on arrival). You DO require a Chinese tourist visa for the mainland China portion of this tour (Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin). The Hong Kong entry is visa-free.
What is special about the Li River cruise?
The 83km Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo passes through the most concentrated karst scenery in China — the conical limestone mountains that appear on the 20-yuan note, reflected in the river, with bamboo groves on the banks and fishermen using cormorants to catch fish. The section between Xingping and Yangshuo is the most beautiful.
What is the overnight train like?
The overnight high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai runs at up to 300km/h and takes approximately 6 hours, departing in the evening and arriving in the morning. We book private sleeper berths — comfortable beds in a two-berth or four-berth cabin. It is one of China's most atmospheric travel experiences and considerably more interesting than a 1-hour flight.
Is Hong Kong suitable for a first-time Asia visitor?
Absolutely — Hong Kong is one of the most accessible cities in Asia. English is widely spoken, the metro is brilliantly signposted, food is extraordinary and safe, and the city is very clean and safe. Many first-time Asia visitors find it an ideal gentle introduction before the more complex mainland China cities.
How different is the Hong Kong guide from Wei?
Our Hong Kong specialist (assigned at booking) is a resident of Hong Kong with deep local knowledge of the city's history, food culture and neighbourhood life. The handoff from Wei to the Hong Kong guide happens seamlessly at the Peninsula on Day 11.
What currency is used in Hong Kong?
The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) — separate from Chinese Yuan (RMB). Credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong. ATMs dispense HKD. Note that RMB from mainland China is not accepted in Hong Kong shops (though some tourist shops accept it at poor rates — avoid).
Let’s make it happen
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