Elegant, surprising, unexpected: the China you would not expect reveals itself away from the main tourist flows, through exclusive access, iconic addresses, and still little explored destinations. From rooftops overlooking the Forbidden City to panda sanctuaries immersed in nature, to hidden itineraries among ancient villages and suspended landscapes, every detail is designed to transform the journey into a unique experience. This is the world signed by Exclusive ACI Blueteam: an invitation to rediscover an extraordinary destination through new eyes, letting oneself be guided towards its most authentic and refined side.
Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai: the major cities to visit in China
First time in China? A journey can begin in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu and Shanghai, fascinating metropolises where tradition and modernity represent two authentic sides of the same coin. The Chinese capital is vast and monumental, and it also serves as the Chengdu is renowned worldwide for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a center dedicated to the conservation and research of giant pandas. For more time and fewer crowds, we recommend Dujiangyan and Wolong, where a volunteer program known as “panda guardians” allows participants to prepare meals and closely observe the animals. Back in the city, do not miss visits to local markets followed by cooking classes with a final dinner, the tea ceremony, Kung Fu performances, and a private visit to the Shui Jing Fang distillery museum from the Qing dynasty, complete with a workshop where participants can create their own liquor.
Exclusive experiences in Beijing: discovering the lesser known capital
Like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the largest museum complex in the world, the imperial gardens and the Summer Palace can be explored through private tours during less crowded hours, as VIP Pass access in China has been discontinued after COVID. For an insider experience, there are Chinese cooking classes and food tours with wine tastings, as well as guided visits to District 798, a former abandoned factory complex now emerging as one of the most dynamic areas of the capital, full of works by artists and creatives.
Where to stay in Beijing: the best luxury hotels
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen and Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing are certainly among the most refined addresses. The former is located within a hutong and consists of 42 courtyard houses, contemporary reinterpretations of traditional Chinese courtyard residences. Also in the city center, on the top two floors of WF Central, the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing is a modern complex where rooms and suites offer particularly spacious layouts and highly refined details. The panoramic rooftop terrace offers an impressive view of the Forbidden City.
Discovering Xi’an and the Terracotta Army
Two hours by air from Beijing, or 4.5 hours by high speed train, with business class comparable to that of an aircraft, featuring reclining seats and a private lounge, Xi’an is the starting point for discovering one of the most famous UNESCO sites in the world: the Terracotta Army in the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China. Many visitors stop there, but Xi’an is also worth exploring for the Great Mosque, walking or cycling along the city walls dating back to the Ming dynasty, and workshops dedicated to terracotta craftsmanship. About an hour and a half from the city, Louguantai is a small panda sanctuary, where it is possible to get close to the animals in an exclusive setting, accompanied by the former director of the WWF panda conservation program.
Where to stay in Xi’an
The Ritz-Carlton Xi’an is a new entry in the luxury hospitality landscape: it is located in the financial district and blends modern architectural language with references to Chinese imperial culture.
A more traditional atmosphere can be found at the Sofitel Legend, inaugurated in the 1950s to host government delegations and foreign dignitaries in Maoist China. Today it is a luxury hotel featuring Sino Soviet elements and Art Deco details.
Chengdu: the “city” of pandas and imperial culture
Chengdu is renowned worldwide for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the center for the conservation and research of giant pandas. To observe them with more time and fewer crowds, we recommend Dujiangyan and Wolong, where a volunteer program known as “panda guardians” allows participants to prepare meals and closely observe the animals. Back in the city, unmissable experiences include visits to local markets followed by cooking classes with a final dinner, the tea ceremony, Kung Fu performances, and a private visit to the Shui Jing Fang distillery museum from the Qing dynasty, including a workshop where participants can create their own liquor.
Where to stay in Chengdu
The exclusive address is The Upper House, formerly known as “The Temple House”: a boutique hotel in traditional style, featuring ultra contemporary comfort and impeccable, outstanding service.
A very Exclusive Shanghai: art, architecture, and unforgettable dining experiences
Culture and architecture are the keys to immersing yourself in this fascinating metropolis. Museums can be visited alongside exhibition curators, walks can be taken along the Bund with a British expert who has lived in the city for years, a traditional Chinese medicine clinic can be explored, and the sunset can be admired over the Huangpu River aboard a private yacht. Naturally, there are also dinners in the finest restaurants to taste local dishes such as steamed Xiaolongbao dumplings and Yangchunmian soup noodles.
Where to stay in Shanghai
The exclusive address is Capella Shanghai: a resort composed entirely of villas that recreates an exclusive 1930s lifestyle experience within one of the last remaining examples of shikumen-style townhouses in the Xuhui district.
Beyond the classic destinations: the remote regions of China
Yunnan, with the ancient Tea and Horse Road and Tibetan monasteries. Anhui, the region of the Yellow Mountain, home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in all of China, with granite peaks rising above seas of clouds and ancient villages listed as UNESCO heritage sites. The ancient Chinese capital Luoyang, beautiful and still little known to international tourism, and the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts over 100,000 Buddhist sculptures carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, dating back to the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties. These are some of our off the beaten path proposals, recommended for those who wish to extend their stay after city hopping or for those who have already visited China and want to discover lesser known gems. All with the guarantee of high standards in transfers and accommodations, carefully designed for you by our travel designers.
How to travel in China with Exclusive ACI Blueteam
Scheduled flights in business class, private transfers, stays in the most exclusive hotels in China, and dedicated 24 hour assistance: this is the philosophy with which the travel designers of Exclusive ACI blueteam, a luxury travel agency, create tailor made itineraries in the Land of the Dragon. A vast and surprisingly diverse territory, where distances, cultural richness, and logistical complexity require careful planning and highly specialized expertise, far beyond traditional standards. It is no coincidence that Exclusive ACI blueteam is part of the Virtuoso network, an international circuit that brings together only the best travel agencies in the world.
