The Modern Icons & Mystic Valleys

Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will receive VIP handling as you check in for your international flight to China. You will board a flight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Upon arrival, you will receive VIP tarmac reception, expediting you through customs and baggage claim with ease. A private guide will transfer you to The Peninsula Shanghai (Deluxe Bund View Room). You will look forward to the stunning views of the Huangpu River and the illuminated Pudong skyline from your suite. If you arrive before 4:00 PM, you will be treated to a private guided tour of the area. You will explore the historic Bund promenade, with its colonial-era buildings and the futuristic skyline of Pudong. The day culminates in a relaxed welcome dinner at the hotel.

Today, you will spend the morning at the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium exploring its 155-meter underwater tunnel. You will look forward to viewing rare marine life from the Yangtze River and global oceans, with the tunnel providing a 270-degree view of the aquatic world. You will ride the high-speed elevator up the Shanghai Tower for a 360-degree city view. You will look forward to the breathtaking panoramic views of the city, with the Bund, the river, and the sprawling metropolis stretching to the horizon. In the afternoon, you will stroll through the historic lane houses of the Tianzifang art area. You will look forward to the charming atmosphere of the narrow lanes, with their boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Your stay remains at The Peninsula Shanghai.

Today, you will take a guided morning walk through the tree-lined avenues of the Old French Concession. You will look forward to the beautiful colonial architecture, with its plane trees and elegant villas, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. You will visit the traditional Ming-dynasty Yu Garden. You will look forward to the stunning classical Chinese garden, with its pavilions, rockeries, and koi ponds, offering a serene escape from the city. You will sample pan-fried pork buns at the bazaar. You will spend a relaxed evening dining along the trendy Xintiandi pedestrian district. Your stay remains at The Peninsula Shanghai.

After breakfast, you will board a morning high-speed bullet train from Shanghai to Shangrao Station (approx. 3 hours). You will look forward to the comfortable journey through the Chinese countryside, with the changing landscapes passing by the window. Upon arrival, you will transfer by private car to Gexian Fairy Village and check into your boutique Han-style inn, Gexian Village Pillow Pine Inn (Traditional Luxury Suite). You will look forward to the traditional architecture, with its wooden beams and paper lanterns, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. You will dress in traditional Hanfu attire in the evening to watch the village water, laser, and drone shows. You will look forward to the spectacular evening performance, with the lights reflecting on the water and the drones forming patterns in the sky.

Today, you will ride the morning cable car up into the misty Gexian Mountain peaks to visit ancient Taoist temples. You will look forward to the stunning views of the forested valleys and the floating mist, with the temples perched on the mountainside. You will walk the forest trails and participate in a traditional tea-pouring ceremony in the village. You will look forward to the serene experience of the tea ceremony, with the aroma of the tea and the peaceful surroundings. You will enjoy a local Jiangxi farm-to-table dinner featuring fresh bamboo shoots and mountain herbs. Your stay remains at Gexian Village Pillow Pine Inn.

After breakfast, you will take a 1.5-hour private transfer to the hidden gem of Wangxian Valley. You will look forward to hiking the canyon boardwalks to see ancient wooden houses built directly onto vertical cliffs. You will walk along the cliffside paths, with the stunning views of the valley below. You will watch the hanging houses illuminate at dusk and explore the artisan workshops on the valley floor. You will check into Wangxian Valley Wangxian Cliff Hotel (Hanging Cliffside Luxury Cabin). You will look forward to the unique experience of staying in a cabin perched on the cliffside, with the valley stretching below. You enjoy a gourmet dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will board an early morning bullet train from Shangrao to Hangzhou (approx. 1.5 hours). You will look forward to the scenic journey through the Chinese countryside. Upon arrival, you will take a private wooden boat cruise across the scenic, UNESCO-listed West Lake. You will look forward to the stunning views of the lake, with its islands, pagodas, and the distant hills. You will walk across the historic Broken Bridge and explore the bustling Hefang Ancient Street. You will look forward to the vibrant atmosphere of the street, with its traditional shops and food stalls. You will check into Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake (Premier Room - Garden View).

Today, you will hike through the terraced green steps of the Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Fields for a tasting session. You will look forward to the stunning views of the terraced tea fields, with the lush green plants cascading down the hillside. You will learn about the art of tea cultivation and taste some of the finest green teas in China. In the afternoon, you will walk through the towering green stalks of the nearby Yunqi Bamboo Path. You will look forward to the serene beauty of the bamboo forest, with the light filtering through the tall stalks. You will enjoy a lakeside dinner featuring local Hangzhou specialties like West Lake fish in vinegar sauce. Your stay remains at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake.

Today, you will take a 1-hour private day trip to the ancient canal town of Wuzhen (West Gate). You will look forward to riding a traditional hand-rowed gondola boat along the historic stone bridges and canals. You will visit the woodcarving museums and Indigo fabric dye workshops. You will look forward to the traditional crafts and the charming atmosphere of the canal town. You return to Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake for a relaxing evening.

On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed luxury breakfast. You will then take a morning 45-minute bullet train from Hangzhou directly back to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your city hotel, where you have been booked for a complimentary spa session to relax and rejuvenate after your incredible journey. If you were not taken for a city tour upon arrival on Day 1, this is when you will be offered a private guided tour of Shanghai, exploring the Bund, the historic lane houses, and the vibrant markets. You will enjoy this time at your leisure as you unwind from the expedition. The following day, you will be transferred back to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your connecting international flight back to Nairobi.