China’s UNESCO Treasures

Route
Beijing · Hangzhou · Lijang · Shanghai
May 31–Jun 12, 2026
13 Days, 12 Nights
Per Person
Amans
Aman Summer Palace, Beijing
Amanfayun, Hangzhou
Amandayan, Lijiang
Amanyangyun, Shanghai

Discover the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of China on an exclusive journey by private jet. This 12-night expedition showcases five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the Great Wall to the misty peaks of Zhangjiajie. Stay in four Aman properties—each deeply connected to its surroundings—while enjoying private touring, curated cultural experiences, and seamless luxury travel aboard a custom-configured private jet. 

DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T DO GROUP TRAVEL

Each journey accommodates only a small number of guests, while — in addition to special shared group experiences — all touring is private and includes a private car, driver and guide for each couple or solo traveler. 

So, while the expeditions involve a fun social group atmosphere, they retain the benefits of private travel. With this hybrid model, we describe the Aman Jet Expeditions as being designed for people who do not usually do group travel. 

Private-Car.jpg
Aman-Summer-Palace.jpg

Set beside the East Gate of the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, this peaceful retreat was originally designed for guests of the imperial court. With its tranquil courtyards, traditional Ming-style pavilions, and seamless access to the palace gardens, Aman Summer Palace offers an unparalleled connection to Beijing’s history. Enjoy refined Chinese cuisine, a serene spa, and the opportunity to explore the city’s imperial wonders away from the crowds.

Amanfayun.jpg

In the misty hills near West Lake, Amanfayun is a restored village dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Surrounded by tea plantations and Buddhist monasteries, this secluded retreat captures the essence of old China. Stroll through stone pathways to discover ancient temples, unwind in the resort’s tranquil spa, and savor regional delicacies in a setting steeped in history.

Amandayan.jpg

Overlooking the rooftops of Lijiang’s UNESCO-protected Old Town, Amandayan immerses guests in the culture of the Nakhi people. The resort’s design reflects traditional Nakhi architecture, while its vantage point offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Beyond its elegant courtyards, guests can explore the dramatic landscapes of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s greatest natural wonders.

Amanyangyun.jpg

An extraordinary restoration project, Amanyangyun is a forested retreat on the outskirts of Shanghai. It features centuries-old houses and camphor trees relocated from Jiangxi province, creating a seamless fusion of heritage and contemporary luxury. After exploring Shanghai’s historic waterfront and modern art districts, return to the peace of Amanyangyun, where ancient traditions meet refined modern comforts.

Great-Wall-Lunch.jpg

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a banquet fit for an emperor on top of the Great Wall itself. Escape the crowds and explore a remote section of the Great Wall with an expert historian. Walk atop the ancient ramparts and take in sweeping mountain views.

Forbidden-City.jpg

Beijing’s Imperial Past

Step inside the former seat of China’s emperors in the Forbidden City, gaining insight into centuries of dynastic rule. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven for a deeper understanding of Beijing’s imperial legacy.

Terracotta-Warriors.jpg

Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an

Encounter the life-sized army of warriors guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. A leading archaeologist will provide exclusive insights into this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ongoing excavations.

West-Lake-In-Hangzhou.jpg

Legends of the Lake

Drift across Hangzhou’s resplendent UNESCO-listed West Lake on a private boat, admiring its famed Ten Scenes, classical gardens, pagodas, and mist-covered hills before exploring the surrounding monasteries and tea plantations.

Panda.jpg

Meet the Pandas of Chengdu

At the Dujiangyan Panda Base, gain rare access to China’s conservation efforts. Observe panda behaviors up close and assist keepers in their daily care routines.

Lijiang-1.jpg

Step Back in Time in Lijiang’s Old Town

Wander the cobbled alleyways of Lijiang’s UNESCO Old Town before heading into the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha River carves through sheer cliffs rising thousands of feet above.

Zhangjiajie.jpg

The Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie

Explore the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the real-world inspiration for the floating mountains of Avatar. Traverse sky-high glass walkways for unparalleled views of this surreal landscape.

The-Bund.jpg

Shanghai’s Architectural Heritage

Explore Shanghai’s past and present with an expert-led journey through The Bund, the French Concession, and contemporary art districts.

Day 1–4

China-1.jpg

Beijing Aman Summer Palace

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to Aman Summer Palace, a secluded retreat next to the emperor’s former residence that offers exclusive access to the imperial gardens. Enjoy afternoon tea, calligraphy lessons with a local artist, and a private cocktail reception with a history lecture and live musical performance. Begin your exploration with an expert-guided tour of the Great Wall, before stopping for a specially prepared champagne lunch on top of the wall itself. Spend your days exploring Beijing’s imperial landmarks, including the Summer Palace and a private tour of the Forbidden City, two of China’s most revered UNESCO sites. Visit the atmospheric hutongs, where artisans keep centuries-old traditions alive, and explore the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture. 

Day 4

China-Xian-2.jpg

Touchdown in Xi’An

Fly by private jet to Xi’an for a behind-the-scenes look at the Terracotta Warriors. An expert guide will lead you through the excavation sites, explaining the ongoing discoveries. Enjoy a private lunch in Xi’an’s historic quarter before flying onward to Hangzhou, where you check in to Amanfayun, nestled among tea fields and temples.

Day 4–7

China-Amanfayun-3.jpg

Hangzhou Amanfayun

Wake to the tranquility of Amanfayun, surrounded by misty hills and ancient monasteries. Cruise across UNESCO-listed West Lake in a private boat, exploring its legendary islets, vistas, and pagodas. Visit the renowned Longjing tea fields, where you’ll learn the art of tea cultivation. A private tour of nearby Buddhist temples provides a glimpse into China’s spiritual traditions. Enjoy a deep dive into millennia-old traditional Chinese medicine.

Day 7

China-Chengdu-4.jpg

Touchdown in Chengdu

For those opting in, fly to Chengdu and visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where conservation experts introduce you to China’s beloved giant pandas. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to feed them and enjoy a tour of the grounds. Continue by private jet to Lijiang, where Amandayan awaits with views over the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Day 7–10

Tiger-Leaping-Gorge-1.jpg

Lijiang Amandayan

Explore the beautiful UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lijiang, where Nakhi culture thrives in winding alleyways and historic courtyards, set against a sublime mountain backdrop. Browse the wares of local artisans, enjoy cultural performances, visit century-old estates, and admire Tibetan pagodas.

Then, embark on a day-long adventure to the myth-shrouded Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s deepest and most spectacular river canyons. Trek along the canyon’s edge, taking in dramatic river views.

Return to Amandayan for cocktails overlooking the Old Town and a special menu of local Nakhi cuisine.

Day 10

China-Zhangjiajie-6.jpg

Touchdown in Zhangjiajie

Fly to Zhangjiajie to experience the breathtaking landscape of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO-protected area known for its thousands of towering quartzite sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Brave souls may walk across the world’s highest glass bridge at the top of Tianmen Mountain, suspended 4,000 feet above an alpine valley. The Bailong Elevator, dubbed the Hundred Dragons Elevator, rises over 1,000 feet and offers sweeping panoramic views of this otherworldly landscape. That evening, continue to Shanghai for your final stage.

Day 10–13

China-Shanghai-5.jpg

Shanghai Amanyangyun

Stay at Amanyangyun, a tranquil retreat surrounded by ancient camphor trees in China’s most dazzlingly modern city. Spend your time discovering Shanghai’s layered history with an expert guide. Meet a specialist in Shanghainese history for a lively tour of the city via its architecture—encompassing classical Chinese, Sino-European Art Deco, and modern skyscrapers—before visiting the impressive Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Take an expert-guided tour of The Bund, followed by a deep dive into the local art scene at M50 Art District.

The following day, explore Shanghai’s most famous sites, including the Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Tower, and the Jazz Age streets of the French Concession. If you wish, go on a private Jewish history tour with one of the world’s foremost experts on the little-known history of Jewish life in Shanghai. 

Gather in the evening for cocktails and a Kunqu opera performance, toasting a successful expedition.

Peter-2.jpg

Peter, Florida

This trip is very interesting because you're traveling with a group of people, but you're also traveling with yourself and your spouse or your significant other. So you have an ability to be together as a group and also to do things with your significant other. I thought that was a fantastic way to run this trip.

Aman Jet Expedition

Japan, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Bhutan, India

Stephen-Lee-2.jpg

Stephen. California

The experience with the Remote Lands' local guides is awesome. They are so knowledgeable, so friendly and they were able to accommodate our every needs. We changed our itinerary often so it was difficult for our guides at times. But they were able to accommodate our needs and our changing minds and get us to see everything that we wanted to. At the same time, they didn't overwhelm us with information and tire us out.

Aman Jet Expedition

Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, Morocco

Natalie,-California-2.jpg

Natalie, California

The highlight of the trip was not needing to plan anything. It feels so freeing to just be able to get on a flight, not have to do any work for the trip, and have a far beyond amazing experience that's not so touristy and more localized. Another thing I loved was that we had a driver and a tour guide everywhere we go.

Aman Jet Expedition

Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, Morocco

Stephanie,-California-2.jpg

Stephanie, California

The one thing that sets it apart is having the private driver and guide. And the reason why it's so special is we're not shoved on a bus to all do one thing. You're able to get off and do your thing and it makes it more of a personalized feeling.

Aman Jet Expedition

Japan, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Bhutan, India