Description
China Biking Private Tour by Butterfield & Robinson
Price from: US$9,595 per person (based on 4 people, double occupancy) (Prices may fluctuate due to currency exchange rates)*
Start: Beijing
Finish: Shanghai
Request your date for exact pricing directly from Butterfield & Robinson.
“All itineraries can be customized to your group size, departure dates and interests (a custom quote will be provided). OnceOff members must identify themselves in the application form under the section “Additional Information”. Bookings are made directly with Butterfield & Robinson.”
Your Journey
Poised for superpowerdom, China’s time is now—blessed with a booming economy and bursting with more people than any other country on Earth, the favourite joke among the Chinese is that their national bird is the construction crane. In modern Beijing, you can join the world’s largest peloton—two-million strong, plus Norman, our expert guide—and ride past hutongs, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. China’s time is also long, long ago: remote Naxi villages, karst formations along the Li River and Champagne on a less-travelled stretch of the Great Wall will bring the past into the present. Later, you’ll ample time to reflect over extended stays at secluded and splendid hotels. Time waits for no one, but in China, it slows down for us.
Beijing
Days 1 & 2 – the Northern Capital On our first morning, we’ll don our blue helmets to brave the bicycle capital of the world—there are over 10 million bikes in Beijing and more than two million locals pedalling its paved arteries every day! We’ll cycle through the heart of the city down Jianguomen Road, with Tiananmen Square to our left and the Forbidden City to our right. Beijing’s large avenues make biking quite enjoyable, especially if you manage to tune into the collective rhythm that seems to afford everyone a safe ride. After this truly authentic experience, including a visit to the Temple of Sun, we’ll enjoy the flavours of a local lunch followed by a walk through nearby hutongs in a world far from the bustling traffic-filled avenues—and yet only 200 metres away.
Dinner tonight is at the hotel; given all the travel to get to this side of the world you will need your rest for the remainder of the journey! The next morning, we travel by private coach to a restored section of the Great Wall located near the charming hamlet of Mutianyu. Most tourists visit a very crowded part of the Wall at Badaling, but at Mutianyu the scenery is more pristine and impressive. Here the Wall rises atop jagged peaks and commands admiration. It takes about an hour of hiking “up” to get to the Wall, but it’s well worth it. Once there, we walk along the Wall and observe the northern territory from which the Barbarian enemies constantly threatened the Middle Kingdom.
For lunch, we sit down and admire the view at our very own Great Wall picnic—a B&R exclusive! We’ll make our way back in time to relax at the hotel or explore the local shops before dinner. Beijing’s culinary scene is extraordinary, and dinner tonight is at one of the most prestigious and exclusive addresses in Beijing’s restaurant world (one we like to keep a B&R secret).
Beijing Art Scene
Day 3 – Today we explore the art scene of this capital city and head out to the Summer Palace. We will start out with a morning at the 798 Art Zone. This space was once the home of a series of factories and turned into a low-rent area for up-and-coming artists from all over Asia. Since then it’s hosted pieces from Ai Wei Wei to Xu Bing. A few hours can easily be lost exploring this place, and some of our local artist friends will help guide you through the space. In the afternoon we will head to the Summer Palace, a place to rest from the summer heat of Beijing. The rules of Fung Shui apply and you will notice your blood pressure lower as you walk around the lake in this wonderful park. We have arranged for a calligraphy lesson as well, after our artistic morning, you’ll be inspired to try your hand at an ancient technique. Dinner tonight is another culinary treat at Temple, one of Beijing’s hottest new spots.
HOTEL | Peninsula Palace Beijing Steps away from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the famed Wangfujiang street, when combined with the quality of the staff and design of the rooms, it’s the perfect place from which to explore the urban jungle that is Beijing. Close to the best shopping, dining, touring, biking, and walking Beijing has to offer, and boasting a very classy, modern design.
Lijiang
Days 4 & 5 – The Himalayan Foothills This is an early morning as we head to the airport for our flight to the mountain town of Lijiang. As soon as we land you will notice (and feel) the change in scenery. The airport lies at the foot of 4,500-metre-high (15,000 ft.) Himalayas, and agricultural terraces dot the landscape as their inhabitants, mostly from Bai and Naxi minorities, work the fields clothed in their traditional garments. We’ll drive immediately to our hotel, located on the edge of old Lijiang, an ancient neighbourhood declared a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique wooden architecture. We arrive in time for lunch in old Lijiang, followed by a privately guided tour of the old market – where only the locals go! Tonight you’ll dine at the Banyan Tree – one of the most spectacular hotels in China.
The next day, we set off by bike to explore the small Naxi villages. The Naxi are said to be descendants of Tibetan nomads and are still a matriarchal society. One of these villages is Baisha, home to mud-brick houses planted on the edges of small streams. Formerly the capital for the Naxi people – before it was incorporated by the Kublai Khan’s Empire – Baisha has changed very little since the mid-1300s. Here you will not only dodge potholes but also chickens and the odd pig! Lunch will be on your own in the old town and the rest of the afternoon is left free to explore the nearby shops. Dinner this evening will be a creative culinary event—one we like to keep a surprise.
HOTEL | Banyan Tree Lijiang
From the moment you open the gate to your private garden villa, you will sense the magic of Lijiang and the beautifully designed Banyan Tree. The warm rustic colours and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in your personal outdoor jet pool make your villa the perfect retreat after a glorious day of biking at the foothills of the Himalayas.
The Yangtze River
Day 6 – The next morning, we enjoy one of the best bike rides of the trip. The bus ride takes two hours each way as we cross a series of mountain ranges. We begin at the top of a very long hill that descends into the Yangtze Valley along the Yunnan-Tibet “highway” (Tibet is only 300 km away). Our bike route takes us along the mighty Yangtze River—China’s longest at 2,500 km (1,550 mi.). We’ll pedal past working farmers, waving kids, and heaps of harvested vegetables. Midway, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch on a wide river bridge, and then continue on this gorgeous rural adventure. The setting of these villages is stunning, each surrounded by wide open fields and a mountain ridge beyond.
This region is perfect for biking because it is sparsely populated and the roads are far less busy than in the rest of China. Perhaps most significantly, the people are beautiful and interesting to meet—even if an encounter is no more than the exchange of a smile on a quiet country path. Dinner tonight is in the old town in a traditional Naxi restaurant. Before making our way back to the comfort of our villas, we’ll have a chance to stretch our legs on a casual walk through winding cobblestone streets, each lined with a rushing canal of water.
Hangzhou
Days 7 & 8 – Today we fly to the southwest of Shanghai to Hangzhou. We’ll arrive at the breathtaking Four Seasons Hangzhou and venture just west of the aptly named West Lake to Hangzhou’s most renowned temple, Lingyin Si, also known as “Soul’s Retreat.” Home to the largest wooden Buddhist statue in China, its large Laughing Buddha Statue is also not to be missed. There will be time to explore a little of Hangzhou’s bustling shopping streets and boutique restaurants before we dine like royalty in one of our favorite spots in China, Lou Wai Lou. We’ll venture out early the following morning to see West Lake at its finest – at sunrise before any of the locals or tourists make their visits.
Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, West Lake has been a muse for poets and painters for centuries and a source of inspiration for domestic garden designers and others from Japan and Korea. We’ll enjoy a short pedal or walk around the lake before a picnic lunch amongst the fragrant trees and lotus blossoms. We’ll then make our way to a privately guided tour of the National Tea Museum followed by a very special tea ceremony just for us. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel’s Jin Sha, where local specialties like fried shrimp with Longjing tea leaves are served.
HOTEL | Four Seasons Hangzhou Set on West Lake, this property is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban China, and central to exploring the tea fields and ancient feel of Hangzhou. With the Four Seasons staff helping make it feel more like home, it will provide a restful couple of days before we head to modern Hong Kong!
Shanghai
Days 9 & 10 – This morning, we’ll venture out on an early morning exploration of some of the parks near the hotel to witness Tai Chi and ballroom dancing with some of the masters of the craft. Then we will head south to China’s newest cosmopolitan niche, via the new high speed train: Shanghai, the heart of the world’s fastest-growing economy. (Your train number is CRG G7309.) Shanghai boasts an amazing skyline that is changing and growing almost daily. Domestic and foreign architects are creating cutting-edge designs, while new restaurants, hotels, art galleries and boutiques open daily. Shanghai is at the epicentre of China’s seismic cultural and economic shift. It is exhilarating, vibrant and, in the true sense of the word, awesome.
The next morning, we head off to explore the history of Shanghai on foot with an excellent local guide, Patrick Cranley, who will lead you through the French Concession as well as the Jewish Quarter. Lunch is in a local noodle shop, followed by a walk through Yu Garden. In Shanghai, we will aim to finish tours and other events by mid-afternoon and leave you time to do (or not do) your own thing. Tonight’s meal is at the swish T8 in the revamped area of Shanghai that’s similar to Boston Harbor: full of boutiques, bars and glitzy restaurants. “Le tout Shanghai” hangs out there, and T8 has long retained its position as one of the “in” spots.
HOTEL | Peninsula Shanghai Synonymous with the centre of Shanghai, the “bund” is a Hindi word that means levee, or edge, and this is the edge of the mighty middle kingdom. Looking across to the Pudong region, the new skyscrapers, it provides the best view in town and the best place from which to explore this international city.
Homeward Bound
Day 11 – This morning we will make our way to the airport for your outbound flight home; your guide will help with check in and bid you farewell to this wonderful country. Safe journeys home!
The Details
Price from: US$9,595 (based on 4 people, double occupancy)
Start: Beijing
Finish: Shanghai
LEVEL OF ACTIVITY This trip is rated Easygoing to Moderate, offering a moderate level of activity, easily personalized for less or more.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Hotel accommodation as indicated All breakfasts, most lunches and most dinners (as indicated) All drinks with included meals (including beer, wine and cocktails with dinner, but excluding premium wine & spirits) Services of a B&R local guide All special events, tours, guest experts and entrance fees All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off and all baggage transportation Detailed maps, route suggestions, bikes and other equipment All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International flights Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuity for your guide(s).
About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R’s known for – great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences – with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, back your bags, and go.
WISH TO HAVE A CUSTOM TRIP PREPARED TO YOUR REQUIRED NEEDS?
Please Review the Butterfield Website here: BUTTERFIELD & ROBINSON HERE or CALL 1-800- 387-1147 quoting you are a OnceOff Member.
* Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather—though we’d like to think there won’t be any—may also necessitate minor alterations. All pricing in U.S. dollars exchanged into Euro equivalent. ©2015 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
