Curated Journeys Through China: Culture, Cities & Wild Beauty

Beijing

Standing as the political centre of China for nearly eight centuries, the imperial capital holds a myriad of legendary secrets within. Stepping into the grandeur of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square is a monumental affair, and trekking the Great Wall is a must; all iconic landmarks exemplifying national pride. Uncover tales of Chairman Mao and Empress Dowager Cixi, meander the labyrinthine hutong alleys depicting ancient times, and witness contemporary artists transcending boundaries with thought-provoking installations. After wrapping Peking Duck pancakes with finesse and gobbling Jiaozi dumplings, wash down hearty meals with crisp white wine harvested from Huailai’s unique terroir.

In the heart of the city, turn back time within a preserved traditional ‘hutong’ courtyard at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Qianmen. A delightful respite staying in refined residences and your own open-air garden, enjoy Afternoon Tea and contemporary cocktails in tranquil settings, and masterful cuisine on-site — an essential stop on any curated journey through China.

Tucked just beneath The Great Wall, Brickyard Mutianyu was once a glazed tile factory and now stands proudly as a boutique heritage property that is guided by sustainability. Food is a highlight, sourced by local suppliers or homemade from scratch, as well as their all-year outdoor jacuzzi and Spa.

Shanghai

Renowned as a melting pot of cosmopolitan cultures, a major trade port for textiles and fabrics, skillful bespoke tailoring, and the most exquisite Chinese cuisine, this futuristic metropolis is certainly one of contrasts. From the architecture of towering skyscrapers with colonial buildings preserved on the Bund, the charming French Concession avenues against ornate Buddhist monasteries, or the unique Shanghainese language that complements their strong sense of pride, time spent here sparks your curiosity and keeps you on your toes. Our expertly guided street food tours are a must to devour its soul through Xiao Long Bao dumplings, freshly-pulled noodles, jianbing crêpes and more.

Offering a decadent experience with chic minimalist decor, The Middle House is a magnet for fashionistas and the IT crowd. Claim The Penthouse for striking views of the city, opt for restorative treatments at the Spa, and detox at the Juice Bar by the huge indoor pool.

Just 30 minutes by train, include Four Seasons Suzhou to your itinerary, a private island on Jinji Lake with canal settlements reminiscent of Venice. Lakeside gardens, standalone villas, two pools and an all-seasons kids program make this an idyllic retreat, and just over the bridge, a rich cultural heritage awaiting discovery.

Yunnan Province

Walk in the footsteps of scholars, caravans, and traders who traversed the mystical Tea Horse Road, a storied route that carried tea, silk, and other prized goods to India, Tibet and beyond. Visit Lijiang’s cobbled lanes, gaze at Bai-style architecture in Dali, admire the sprawling Ganden Sumtseling Tibetan Monastery of Shangri-La, bring back souvenirs of Yi embroidered handicrafts, and marvel at the array of herbs and plants found in traditional markets. Life is largely preserved here as China’s most ethnically diverse province, an evocative destination with gastronomic specialities and tea and coffee-growing culture rooted firmly in its identity.

Designed with immersive exploration in mind, LUX* Tea Horse Road has an exceptional collection of eight intimate hotels nestled by riverbanks, cliffsides and in Old Towns. Adopting a philosophy of slow travel, traverse the Yangtze River, embrace Naxi culture, and connect with the local community — all hallmarks of curated journeys through China where the journey truly becomes the destination.

Chengdu, Sichuan Province

Enter the natural habitat and homeland of Giant Pandas, whose wild and captive population have successfully been restored. Test your spice limit with Sichuan’s numbing ‘mala’ seasoning, a fiery blend of peppercorns and chili flakes that accompany a medley of hot pot and barbeque dishes. Constructed in the 3rd century B.C. and an ecological engineering feat, visit the oldest irrigation system of Dujiangyan Dam, then head South where the origins of Taoism were founded on Mount Qingcheng. Step back in time as you wander the Kuan Zhai alleyways from the Qing Dynasty or at the ancient Wenshu Yuan Buddhist Monastery dating back 1,400 years with stone carvings and Burmese jade Buddhas.

Built on the former grounds of a 1,600 Daci Temple, fall in love with The Temple House, a trifecta of gastronomy, art and Wellness that inspires all who stay. Wander heritage courtyards, a contemporary art collection, and feel right at home while being treated as family — a perfect example of refined experiences within curated journeys through China.

Yangshuo, Guangxi Province

A picturesque rural escape with Karst mountain scenery, Yangshuo has inspired ink paintings and poetry for countless generations. A soulful cruise down the winding Lijiang River reveals its unique topography of rounded and tooth-like jade-green ranges. Rise at dawn with the cormorant fishermen on their rafts, a stunning sight as you watch these birds plunge into the river for fish. Hike to the top of Xianggong mountain for an elevated view, venture into Yin Zi Yan’s colourful caves, or challenge yourself on well-established rock climbing routes. Guangxi cuisine and snacks are also incredibly diverse and fragrant, influenced by its neighbouring provinces of Sichuan and Guangdong.

Banyan Tree embodies elegance and serenity, a spa hotel offering a unique Retreat Wellbeing villa to encourage private practice, reflection, and sleep enhancement with nightly rest rituals. After a day’s exploration, make the most of their extensive massage treatments and body conditioning scrubs.

Sugar House as the name implies, was once a sugar mill and has now been expertly restored into a post-industrial masterpiece with an atmospheric quality, spacious private balconies, inventive dishes, and a very impressive pool.