13 Day China's Cultural Signature
Luxury Private Guided Tour
Chinese culture has dominated Asia since the dawn of time itself. From the earliest imperial dynasties to the modern age, China has held firm to its traditions and preserved them as both reminders of its storied past and inspiration for the future. This revealing journey retells China’s gripping national epic through the historic landmarks, sacred temples, and UNESCO-protected sites that continue to inspire travelers year after year.
We begin in Beijing, a city of the future built atop the foundations of China’s ancient past. With a private guide and driver, you’ll spend a day exploring some of the Chinese capital’s most historic places, including Tiananmen Square (the world’s largest public square), the grand Forbidden City (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the rarely-glimpsed Shu Fang Zhai Palace, and the magnificent Temple of Heaven. Later, step back in time on a journey into the past, starting at the majestic 12th-century Summer Palace, a UNESCO-protected treasure on the shores of Kunming Lake, then explore a restored (and less busy) section of the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a scenic stretch of the mountainous Huairou District.
The time-traveling continues in Pingyao, a 2,700-year-old walled city that rose to prominence throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Marvel at the city’s immaculately preserved fortifications, Taoist temples, lantern-lined streets, the beautiful Song-era Shuanglin Temple, and the compound of a powerful family from China’s feudal past, all in the company of a private guide. Your next stop is Xi’an, home to imperial dynasties dating back to 221 BC. Here, you’ll explore the sacred Big Wild Goose Pagoda and meet the city’s most famous citizens, Qin Shi Huang's 7,000-strong Terra-Cotta Warriors on a private tour before continuing south to Yangshuo, a quiet town on the Li River. After dinner and a viewing of the must-see "Sister Liu" light show (the creation of Academy Award-winning director Zhang Yimou), spend a full day hiking the banks of the Li and marveling at its fascinating karst formations from a traditional bamboo boat.
The adventure comes to an end in Shanghai, but not before getting the most out of this exciting city on the Yellow Sea. First, explore a side of town rarely seen by outsiders on a private walking tour of the winding alleyways of Shanghai’s colonial past, with stops at the Catalpa Garden, the Secluded Library, and the Confucius Temple. Finally, bid China farewell in grand style via a private cruise through the famous Venice-like canals of nearby Zhujiajiao and a sumptuous final-night dinner inside Yu Garden, an oasis of serenity amid one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
- Luxury
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in developing countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our efforts have helped to fund the opening of two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in developing countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our efforts have helped to fund the opening of two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
