Discover beguiling China on a guided tour

Take a journey that seamlessly connects ancient imperial grandeur with cutting-edge modernity — complemented by a luxury Yangtze River cruise and China’s celebrated cuisine. 

Few nations have transformed as swiftly and dramatically as China. Once closed to the outside world, it has evolved into a global powerhouse, all while preserving a rich cultural legacy. Behind the gleaming cities lies a story of enduring traditions, lyrical landscapes, and dynastic art that continues to inspire.  

With local language and custom often unfamiliar to visitors, the presence of a knowledgeable APT Tour Director offers comfort and insight, allowing for a deeply immersive experience. 

Begin in Beijing, where the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City offers a glimpse into the splendour of China’s imperial past. Once off limits to the public, this vast complex now serves as a museum revealing extraordinary imperial architecture and artefacts. 

In Yichang, escape the frenetic pace of China’s bustling cities and board the Yangzi Explorer for a luxury cruise along Asia’s longest river. From your suite’s private balcony, take in the legendary landscapes of the Three Gorges and, on land, visit sites steeped in myth and folklore, such as White Emperor City and Huanghua Island. Boasting four onboard restaurants, enjoy your choice of dining — from casual buffets to traditional hotpot fare and refined tasting menus, for guests in booked in suites. Unwind at the Explorer Bar with your favourite drink, sharing stories of the day’s discoveries with new-found friends. 

Travel by high-speed train to Chengdu, home to the giant panda, where, at the only panda conservation centre of its kind in the world, you’ll encounter these beloved creatures up close. 

In Guilin, which is often overlooked by travellers, cruise along the Li River, gliding past village paddies said to resemble a dragon’s spine, and witness the age-old tradition of cormorant fishing. Arrive in the charming riverside hamlet of Yangshuo for an overnight stay amid legendary forest-clad karst peaks and jade-green valleys immortalised by poets. 

Your journey culminates in Shanghai, a dynamic metropolis where history and modernity converge. Stay at Fairmont Peace Hotel, located on the historic Bund overlooking Huangpu River to the futuristic skyline of Pudong — the perfect finale to a journey through a land both eternal and ever-evolving. 

Words by Mark Lee