The China Reserve® — Bespoke Journeys Through China, with a red 瑰宝 seal
Courtyards of Beijing’s Forbidden City

15 DAYS · A PRIVATE CULTURE JOURNEY

Imperial Cities & Tibet

Historic capitals and a generous stay in Lhasa, with time to adjust to the altitude.

A JOURNEY TO MAKE YOUR OWN

Your days in China.

DAY 01 · BeijingWelcome to Beijing

Your private arrival transfer brings you to your selected hotel. Keep the rest of the day flexible for rest, a short orientation walk, and an easy dinner after your flight.

DAY 02 · BeijingImperial Beijing

Explore the Forbidden City with a private guide, tracing the relationship between its ceremonial halls and intimate courtyards. Allow time for a quiet lunch before a neighborhood walk.

DAY 03 · BeijingThe Great Wall, Your Way

Travel to Mutianyu or Jinshanling according to your preferred walking distance. Cable-car options, steps, and terrain are discussed in advance; return to the city for an unhurried evening.

DAY 04 · BeijingGardens & Everyday Life

Visit the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven, then explore Beijing’s hutong neighborhoods. A tea tasting or cooking session can add a personal dimension to the day.

DAY 05 · Xi’anContinue to Xi’an

Travel onward to Xi’an by the rail, flight, or private transfer specified in your proposal. Settle into your next stay and enjoy a light introduction rather than a full sightseeing schedule.

DAY 06 · Xi’anAn Army in Clay

Visit the Terracotta Army with a guide who gives context to the excavation and its imperial setting. Return to Xi’an for a relaxed evening and a regional dinner.

DAY 07 · Xi’anWithin the City Walls

Explore the old city, its historic defenses, and the food lanes around the Muslim Quarter. Choose a museum visit, a short walk, or a hands-on dumpling session to suit your interests.

DAY 08 · LhasaContinue to Lhasa

Travel onward to Lhasa by the rail, flight, or private transfer specified in your proposal. Settle into your next stay and enjoy a light introduction rather than a full sightseeing schedule.

DAY 09 · LhasaA Gentle Introduction

Begin with a restful day in Lhasa and short outings close to your hotel. Acclimatization shapes the schedule; energetic activity is postponed.

DAY 10 · LhasaSacred Lhasa

Explore the Jokhang area and Barkhor with cultural context from your guide. Potala Palace visits require scheduled access and are placed according to ticket availability.

DAY 11 · LhasaTime to Make It Your Own

Leave a flexible day in Lhasa for a deeper cultural visit, a scenic excursion, or time at your hotel. Your travel designer will develop the choices around your interests before booking.

DAY 12 · LhasaTime to Make It Your Own

Leave a flexible day in Lhasa for a deeper cultural visit, a scenic excursion, or time at your hotel. Your travel designer will develop the choices around your interests before booking.

DAY 13 · ShanghaiContinue to Shanghai

Travel onward to Shanghai by the rail, flight, or private transfer specified in your proposal. Settle into your next stay and enjoy a light introduction rather than a full sightseeing schedule.

DAY 14 · ShanghaiA City Across the River

Walk the Bund, comparing the historic waterfront with Pudong’s contemporary skyline. Continue into leafy streets for architecture, galleries, and a leisurely lunch.

DAY 15 · ShanghaiA Considered Farewell

Enjoy a final morning in Shanghai, as your departure time allows. Your transfer is coordinated with your flight or rail reservation. Extend the stay if you would like more time.

The details that make it yours.

Discuss preferred room categories, walking distances, dietary needs, and time for independent exploration. Your written quotation identifies hotels, private guides, transfers, domestic rail or flights, entrance arrangements, and included meals. International airfare, insurance, personal expenses, and optional experiences are excluded unless expressly included.

High-altitude destinations require an appropriate acclimatization plan. Tibet itineraries depend on permits and current access rules; these are confirmed before booking.

Shared cruises, attraction shuttles, and scheduled services are identified before booking. No prices or hotel availability are implied by this sample itinerary.

Another way to see China.

MADE TO MEASURE

Make room for the China you imagine.

Tell us the places, pleasures, and pace that matter to you. We’ll shape the journey around them.

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