Day 1 – Arrive Shanghai
Your China adventure begins the moment you land.
Upon touchdown, a VIP Service Ambassador will greet you as you exit your flight gate and guide you through the express immigration and customs service, as well as assist you in claiming your luggage. Your local guide will then meet you in the arrival hall with your private vehicle on standby to take you to your hotel, The Middle House, home for the next four nights. Your Tour host will be at the hotel to meet you on arrival.
Once a mere backwater fishing village, the destiny and fortunes of Shanghai changed forever when the British opened their first concession here in 1842, followed soon after by the French and Japanese. Shanghai today retains those charms in the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession and iconic banking houses along the Bund; at the same time, the urban bustle and multitudes of skyscrapers are a testament to Shanghai’s aspirations to be a major international metropolis. Now the financial capital of China, Shanghai is a great place to check out the old, the new and the foreign in this worldly economic and cultural centre.
Tonight, simply soak it in—sip a cocktail or stroll along the glistening riverfront, letting Shanghai’s intoxicating mix of history, culture, and cosmopolitan glamour welcome you to the journey ahead.
Overnight Accommodation: The Middle House, Shanghai – Residence 55
Day 2 – Shanghai Icons
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of The Middle House to begin a day of discovery in this dynamic city, and its extraordinarily varied culture.
Rising majestically across the Huangpu River from Shanghai’s electric skyline are the sublime art deco and neoclassical buildings of the Bund—a patchwork so remarkable it has earned the nickname “Museum of International Architecture.” Stroll along the riverside promenade, flanked by neon lights on one side and marble façades on the other. With every turn of the head, witness a vivid tableau where the city’s storied past meets its dazzling, modern future.
Step into Xintiandi, a neighbourhood where Shanghai’s history whispers through restored Shikumen façades, seamlessly blending with upscale restaurants, boutiques, cafés, and bars. Wander through these vibrant streets, discovering the heady glamour of decades gone by alongside the chic comforts of contemporary city life.
Finish your day with an unforgettable experience at the top of China’s tallest building.
China is a land of superlatives and nowhere exemplifies the extremes of this country better than the record-breaking Shanghai skyline. Ride the world’s fastest elevator to the world’s highest observation deck in China’s tallest building and feel yourself blown away by awe-inspiring views of one of the planet’s largest cities, all while learning about the architecture which makes these gravity-defying feats of engineering possible.
Your ‘Welcome Dinner’ this evening is in the clouds at the top of Shanghai Tower; enjoy a glass of bubbles at the 120th floor of the tallest building in the country. As the city lights begin to sparkle far below, you’ll enjoy fine cuisine paired with panoramic views that stretch from the twisting Huangpu River to the endless Shanghai skyline. It’s a moment that sets the tone: elevated, elegant, and full of promise. The perfect way to say hello.
Return to the hotel for a nightcap or a good night’s sleep.
Overnight Accommodation: The Middle House, Shanghai – Residence 55 (B / D)
Day 3 – Fashion Encounters & Private River Yacht
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of The Middle House to begin a day of style, culture, and indulgence in Shanghai.
Step inside YOUTOPIA, the dynamic fashion hub under the LABELHOOD brand, where emerging designers push the boundaries of creativity. Witness the innovative collections of this year’s finalists, including Linxi Liu, a 25-year-old womenswear designer and Royal College of Art postgraduate. Liu’s work draws inspiration from identity and heritage, with intricate explorations of hair as both a tangible design element and a metaphorical symbol. Experience firsthand how her textiles transform rhythm, structure, and storytelling into wearable art, gaining a rare insight into the energy and vision of Shanghai’s next generation of designers.
In the afternoon, glide along the iconic Huangpu River aboard your private yacht, where Shanghai’s past and future unfold in stunning contrast. Marvel at the Bund’s colonial-era architecture on one side and the soaring skyscrapers of Lujiazui on the other, as the golden afternoon sun bathes the skyline. Feel the gentle rhythm of the waves beneath you, the soft breeze on your face, and the tranquillity of this exclusive escape from the city’s pulse. Sip fine champagne, enjoy curated light bites, or simply soak in the ever-changing vistas—this private cruise blends elegance, history, and modern sophistication for an unforgettable Shanghai experience.
Return to the hotel and dinner this evening is at leisure.
Overnight Accommodation: The Middle House, Shanghai – Residence 55 (B / Curated light bites on the yacht)
Day 4 – Shanghai Stories & Secrets
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of The Middle House to begin your final day in this dynamic city.
Step into Fuxing Park, a lush vestige of the French colonial era that was once a private Ming Dynasty garden. Today, it pulses with the rhythms of local life. Stroll the tree-lined pathways and enjoy some of China’s finest people-watching: groups singing in harmonious—or occasionally riotous—choruses, elegant couples ballroom dancing under the shade, or even the occasional saxophone quartet adding a soundtrack to the morning. Observe the blend of tradition and leisure, where Shanghai’s past and present coexist in charming harmony.
Enjoy lunch before immersing yourself in one of Shanghai’s intriguing stories.
Slip into the glamour of 1920s Shanghai with Patrick Cranley, a published author and historian whose work has illuminated the hidden lives of Shanghai’s expatriates and socialites. Patrick brings the city’s past vividly to life, tracing the footsteps of Wallis Simpson, long before she became the Duchess of Windsor. Explore the streets, salons, and secret haunts that shaped her early adventures in a city poised between East and West, tradition and daring modernity. With Patrick’s insights, the story of Wallis and the world she inhabited becomes real!
Your guide will return you to The Middle House at the end of the day (around 5:00 pm), leaving you with memories of people, places, and stories that capture the very essence of Shanghai.
Dinner at leisure this evening.
Overnight Accommodation: The Middle House, Shanghai – Residence 55 (B / L)
Day 5 – Chengdu: Opera Magic
Located in the heart of eastern Sichuan, Chengdu is the capital of this vibrant southwestern province. Its geographic and political remoteness has fostered a free-spirited energy that pulses through the city today. Modern Chengdu is both cosmopolitan and relaxed, reflecting a unique blend of tradition, intellect, and progressive thinking. Home to a large community of students and thinkers, it is also the epicentre for Giant Panda conservation and a culinary paradise, making it one of China’s most captivating destinations.
Private transfer to the airport and your guide will assist with check-in at The Temple House.
Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you in the arrivals hall, ready to whisk you to your hotel in comfort and style.
Enjoy dinner this evening before experiencing the legendary Sichuan Opera in a VIP setting. The illusory art of “face-changing” is shrouded in mystery—so much so that a superstar Hong Kong actor once reportedly paid 3 million yuan for a master to reveal its secrets. Be mesmerised by acrobatics, comedy, and vividly drawn characters as the story unfolds before your eyes. To add an extra touch of local tradition, enjoy the optional experience of having your ears cleaned by a master during the performance—a quirky, intimate ritual that makes this encounter truly Sichuanese.
Overnight Accommodation: The Temple House, Chengdu -Studio 60 (B / D)
Day 6 – Taoist Temples, Tea Rituals & Sichuan Flavours
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to begin a day steeped in culture, ritual, and flavour.
Step into Qingyang Taoist Temple, the spiritual heart of Chengdu and birthplace of Lao Zi, the founding father of Taoism. Explore the temple grounds under the open sky, where small idols to Taoist deities are tucked amidst the trees and courtyards. Each discovery offers not only insight into the architecture and artistry of the temple but a window into Taoist philosophy, including the principle of wuwei—“do nothing”—and the graceful balance between action and stillness.
Stroll along the shores of the Jinjiang River to Wangjianglou Park, where groves of bamboo sway over a lively tapestry of local life. Witness morning dance routines, tai chi practice, and small groups enjoying music together. As the day unfolds, locals retreat to teahouses to play Mahjong, sip tea, and linger in conversation. Join in the rhythms of Chengdu daily life, observing and participating in the city’s timeless social rituals.
Experience the dazzling kung fu tea ceremony, a uniquely Chengdu tradition blending the precision of martial arts with the artistry of tea. Watch as the performer executes movements inspired by tai chi and kung fu, culminating in tea landing gracefully in the cup. Then awaken your own inner tea master as you pour your own cup and savour the fruits of your labour. Afterward, wander the park for the ultimate people-watching experience, from dancing couples to a roaring Mahjong game, soaking in the soul of the city.
Famed for its sizzling cuisine, embellish your Sichuanese foodie foray with an authentic cooking experience among the hustle and bustle of Chengdu. In the capable hands of your guide, navigate the sights and smells of the spice market before winding your way through back streets to our hidden gem – a traditional courtyard restaurant. Under the watchful eye of a professional chef, transform your ingredients into a sumptuous meal to be devoured alongside a cup of refreshing Sichuan Gaiwan tea.
Your guide will return you to your hotel at the end of the day, leaving you enriched by the sights, sounds, and flavours of Chengdu.
Overnight Accommodation: The Temple House, Chengdu -Studio 60 (B / D)
Day 7 – Pandas & Pampering in Dujiangyan
This morning check out of The Temple House and journey to Dujiangyan, home of China’s beloved giant pandas.
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 am to start the day – and today is all about the Pandas.
Located about an hour and a half outside of Chengdu, Dujiangyan Panda Base is one of our favourite choices for getting up close with giant pandas. The first wild pandas were first spotted in this area in 1953 and the bamboo-covered hills of the conservation centre replicate the iconic animal’s natural habitat. The ultimate goal of Dujiangyan panda base is to boost the population and prepare the pandas for life in the wild. Be sure to look out for the keepers, who may well be hanging out with China’s national animal dressed as pandas themselves.
And just as Dujiangyan’s pandas aren’t relegated to sitting in small enclosures, you won’t be confined to a spectate-only experience. Today, you’ll play your part as a panda caretaker at Dujiangyan Panda Base—break bamboo, make panda cakes, and observe panda behaviour. Share lunch (and questions) with the team at the Panda Base – sublime.
After a magical morning with pandas, continue to your next accommodation – Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain – and unwind at your divine spa retreat, where soothing rituals, massage and serene stillness recharge both body and spirit.
Overnight Accommodation: Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain – Deluxe Room (B / L)
Day 8 – Tai Chi, Shadow Stories & Farewell to the Mountains Feast
Begin your day with a soul-nourishing Tai Chi class at the sacred Qingcheng Mountain, guided by a martial arts master. Feel the serenity of the misty peaks, as each movement aligns body, mind, and spirit, setting the perfect tone for a day of cultural discovery.
Later, step into the whimsical world of the Shadow Puppet Museum, where centuries-old artistry comes alive in delicate light and movement. Learn how master craftsmen cut and paint translucent leather to create intricate puppets, each telling stories of legendary heroes, epic battles, and timeless folklore. Watch as the puppets dance behind illuminated screens, their shadows weaving tales that have enchanted generations—a living tradition of Chinese storytelling that blends theatre, music, and visual poetry. Your guide will share the rich history, symbolism, and regional variations, giving you a true insider’s appreciation for this magical cultural heritage.
Tonight, celebrate your China mainland journey with a beautiful dinner, raising a glass to friendships, discovery, and unforgettable memories that will linger long after the shadows fade.
Overnight Accommodation: Six Senses Qingcheng Mountain – Deluxe Room (B / D)
Day 9 – Chengdu to Hong Kong
Today you will fly to Hong Kong, where East meets West in glittering style. Your local guide and private chauffeur will escort you to the airport and help you check in to your flight.
Upon arriving in Hong Kong, you will have a private vehicle on standby to take you to your hotel, The Upper House.
Overnight Accommodation: The Upper House, Hong Kong – Studio 80 Island View (B)
Day 10 – Hong Kong at Leisure
Today is yours to curate as you wish—wander through the vibrant streets of Central, discover hidden art galleries and boutique stores, or immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s rich cultural tapestry at the Man Mo Temple or the historic PMQ design hub.
Perhaps indulge in a little retail therapy at landmark destinations like Canton Road or the stylish boutiques of SoHo, or take a slow stroll through the fragrant flower markets and bustling local markets, sampling teas, treats, and treasures along the way. Your guide will be on hand with insider suggestions to ensure every moment feels uniquely yours.
In the evening, time for an iconic sunset tram ride up to Victoria Peak, for panoramic views of the harbour’s sparkling skyline.
Then, savour a glamorous dinner at Aqua, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city’s dazzling lights—a perfect entrée to Hong Kong chic.
Overnight Accommodation: The Upper House, Hong Kong – Studio 80 Island View (B / D)
Day 11 – Living Traditions & Timeless Elegance
Begin your day exploring the remarkable Liang Yi Museum, home to exquisite antique furniture, delicate ceramics, and intricately carved objects. Each piece tells the story of China’s dynastic past, offering insight into the artistry, symbolism, and lifestyles of generations gone by. Your guide will highlight the most significant treasures, helping you connect with the history and cultural heritage behind these stunning collections.
Next, step into the elegance of the quintessential Chinese qipao. Enjoy a private styling session and slip into silk or brocade, embracing the grace and charm that has defined this iconic dress for over a century. Capture the moment with a professional photo session in a heritage setting, creating a timeless memento of your journey and a personal keepsake that beautifully reflects the artistry and spirit of China.
Meet this evening for farewell drinks to celebrate new friends and the beautiful journey you have shared.
Overnight Accommodation: The Upper House, Hong Kong – Studio 80 Island View (B)
Day 12 – Farewell
Enjoy a final breakfast before your private transfer to the airport. As you depart, carry with you the stories, flavours, friendships, and luxuries of your Wild China Luxe Journey—a once-in-a-lifetime adventure designed for women who seek the extraordinary.
(B)
