China

“People are always saying now is the time to see China. Niccolò Polo probably said it to his son Marco. The difference today is that now means, like, right now.”

  • Loaded bicycle in front of a wall in Pingyao, China
  • Bridge over lake in the mountains in Lijang China
  • Rock engravings, China
  • Chinese red lanterns, China
  • Chinese caves, China
  • Woden Pagoda, Datong, China

Discover China

We all have pictures in our heads of what we expect to find in the world’s largest nation: sinuous rivers flowing through emerald valleys; temples perched on the sides of mountains; magnificent silks and porcelain; irresistible pandas; and, of course, bustling cities that have exploded with new life as this ancient land embraces – and helps to shape – the 21st century. The challenge of creating a bespoke luxury vacation in China is not the planning and logistics – that’s what we’re here for – but choosing which of the many Chinas you wish to explore. 

We created our first biking and walking trip in China just as it was opening up. Since then we’ve crafted some of our most rewarding travel experiences here, prompting some clients to return again and again as they discover new corners of an astonishingly diverse country. Now is definitely the time to go, as you can only grasp what is happening in China, and its impact on the rest of the globe, by seeing it for yourself.

As always, Brown + Hudson approaches the givens from new angles. Follow the route of the Great Wall on Harley-Davidsons, supported by a mobile tented camp. Explore Beijing and its Forbidden City with a renowned Chinese historian. Get a bird’s-eye view of Shanghai’s skyscrapers by helicopter. Enjoy an evening with an owner of the Happy Valley racecourse in Hong Kong.

Pedal alongside the tranquil Li River, among towering karst formations shrouded in mist, stopping to watch a cormorant fisherman catch his dinner. Or stay at a luxury hideaway outside the UNESCO site of Lijiang, then hike up to meet the Naxi, an ancient people who developed their own writing, religion and music beneath the snowcapped Jade Dragon Mountain in the Himalayas. Or discover the dynasty that created terracotta warriors at Xi An with an expert on the subject, then wander far to the west to cities such as Urumqui, Turpan or Kashgar – the start of the historic Silk Route.

Stroll from a Chengdu teahouse to visit the panda research station. Walk the picturesque Leaping Tiger Gorge. Cruise waterways among the magical Guilin Hills in a luxurious private junk. Join Buddhist pilgrims hiking up sacred Emei Shan. Trek through Sichuan, staying in remote monasteries and learning to cook regional dishes. Meet Shaolin monks studying martial arts at Wudang Shan. Walk from Xishuangbanna into rural Yunnan, where the Hani, Akha and Bulang people still farm as they have for centuries. Or come in winter and we’ll take you to the Ice Festival in Harbin.

We could go on. But the point is that whichever China or Chinas intrigue you, we’ll craft your journey accordingly – and once you’re there, we’ll make sure everything unfolds as it should.  

Create your own story

We'll help craft a bespoke travel experience tailored to your unique needs and tastes.
To discuss what interests you about this or any other destination, call us: +44 203 358 0110

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