Shangri-La Expedition

Shanghai reveals another face of China — a city where European architecture and ancient Chinese traditions exist side by side.

Explore its historic quarters and observe the contrasts that define the city, before leaving the modern skyline behind for an escape along its ancient canals.

Here, life slows down. Traditional homes line the waterways, boats glide quietly between the old streets, and another side of China begins to emerge.

The experience continues around an imperial-inspired banquet, offering a glimpse into the grandeur, rituals and flavours of China’s past.

Shanghai becomes a journey through contrasts — modern and ancient, East and West, movement and stillness.

Beyond the cities, the journey enters the mountains of Yunnan.

Between Lijiang and Shangri-La, extraordinary landscapes unfold along ancient routes once travelled by traders, pilgrims and caravans.

Here, you leave the roads behind and experience the mountains on horseback, travelling as an expedition through the highlands of Yunnan — following an ancient route towards Tibet.

The air becomes clearer. The landscape grows wilder. Villages appear between the mountains, while the horizon opens towards endless peaks.

As night falls, the mountains become completely still.

Under an immense sky filled with stars, you experience a China far removed from the familiar — raw, remote and deeply timeless.

From the mountains of Yunnan, the journey returns to the plains of history in Xi’an — once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and one of the great crossroads of the ancient world.

Here you come face to face with the Terracotta Army, an entire buried legion standing guard over an emperor’s ambition to carry his world beyond his lifetime. Beyond the warriors, the ancient city walls and ancient quarters reveal a city shaped by centuries of travellers, traders and empires passing through.

Xi’an becomes a quiet reflection on time itself — a reminder that this journey through China is also a journey through the centuries.

Begin your journey in the capital, among the places that have shaped China’s history. Wander through the gates of the Forbidden City and discover the grandeur of the Summer Palace, before leaving the city behind for a very different encounter with China.

The journey continues on foot, along a remote and less-travelled section of the Great Wall.

Far from the crowds, trek across the ancient ramparts before spending the night upon the Wall itself. As darkness falls, the mountains become silent and the sky fills with stars.

At first light, watch the sunrise from the ancient stone watchtowers, with the mountains stretching endlessly into the distance.