A CIVILISATION, NOT A COUNTRY
Luxury China Holidays from the UK
~11 hrs
DIRECT TO BEIJING
The Great
WALL
ATOL
PROTECTED
Why China
400+
HAND-VETTED RESORTS
A Civilisation, Not a Country
China rewards the traveller willing to give it time. It is a civilisation more than a country — the Great Wall snaking over the hills, the Forbidden City at the heart of Beijing, the Terracotta Army at Xi'an, the futuristic skyline of Shanghai and the painted-peak landscapes of Guilin and beyond.
At HighStreet Holidays we make a country this large feel manageable. We shape a route that links the icons without exhausting you — the right hotels, the high-speed trains where they help, and private English-speaking guides throughout.
With access to a carefully vetted portfolio and specialists who know the ground, we build a China that opens up rather than overwhelms — the history, the landscapes and the sheer scale, on a journey tailored to you.
China is a country you don't so much visit as absorb. Three thousand years and a hundred-storey skyline in the same afternoon — nowhere else does that.
Signature Experiences
Moments That Linger
China's icons more than live up to their reputation. These are the experiences our clients come home remembering.
The Great Wall
We take you to the quieter, restored sections such as Mutianyu, away from the day-trip crowds — a chance to walk the Wall as it ribbons over the hills, with time to take it in.
The Forbidden City
The vast imperial palace at the heart of Beijing, alongside Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven — the ceremonial centre of old China, with an expert guide.
The Terracotta Army
At Xi'an, the thousands of life-size warriors guarding the first emperor's tomb — one of the great archaeological wonders of the world, seen up close.
Shanghai
The colonial Bund facing the soaring Pudong skyline across the river, the old town gardens and the rooftop bars — China's most dazzling modern city, by day and night.
Guilin & Yangshuo
A cruise on the Li River past the karst peaks that fill every Chinese scroll painting — the country's most beautiful landscape, and a gentle change of pace.
Pandas at Chengdu
The giant panda research base, where you can watch these extraordinary animals up close — a highlight for families and a worthwhile detour into the south-west.
Featured Properties
Where You'll Stay
Every hotel and resort we feature has been carefully vetted by our specialists — the addresses our clients return to, year after year.
Recommended Packages
Curated for Every Occasion
Every package includes return flights from your nearest UK airport (lowest fares ex-London), private transfers, daily breakfast and selected experiences — tailored by your specialist.
Most Popular
7 Nights
China Three Cities Discovery
- Beijing arrival (PEK) - private transfer to hotel (~50 min)
- 3 nights Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangfujing | 1 night Sofitel Xi'an | 3 nights Hyatt on the Bund Shanghai
- Bed & breakfast throughout
- Private Great Wall at Mutianyu day (less crowded section)
- Xi'an Terracotta Warriors private guided tour
- Return flights from London airports
Signature Journey
7 Nights
China Refined
- Beijing arrival - chauffeured private transfer to CBD (~50 min)
- 3 nights Park Hyatt Beijing | 1 night Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an | 3 nights Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai
- Half board including Michelin dining at Beijing Kitchen and Yong Yi Ting
- Forbidden City private after-hours visit
- Shanghai French Concession architecture walk with cocktails at Long Bar
- Return flights from London airports
Ultra Luxury
7 Nights
Aman China
- Beijing arrival - chauffeured private transfer to Aman at Summer Palace
- 4 nights Aman Summer Palace Beijing | 3 nights Amanyangyun Shanghai (relocated Ming Dynasty mansions)
- Half board throughout with private dining experiences
- Private after-hours access to the Summer Palace gardens
- Camphor forest cycling and Ming Dynasty tea ceremony at Amanyangyun
- Return flights from London airports, premium cabin upgrade available
Looking for something different? Enquire below or call us on 020 3322 7866 and we'll curate a China journey around you.
Best Time to Visit
When to Go
SPRING
April to May
Mild, comfortable and one of the two ideal windows — pleasant for the Great Wall, the cities and the southern landscapes, with blossom in the north. Among the most popular times.
AUTUMN
September to October
The other peak — clear, dry and cool, with autumn colour across the north. Excellent throughout, though avoid the first week of October (Golden Week) when domestic travel surges.
SUMMER
June to August
Hot and humid across much of the country, with rain in the south. The cooler highlands and the far west come into their own; the cities are busy but manageable.
WINTER
November to March
Cold in the north (Beijing can be well below freezing) but crisp, clear and far quieter, with lower rates. The Wall under snow is unforgettable; the south stays milder.
Sample Itinerary
A 10-Night China Journey
Every itinerary we create is bespoke — this is simply one way a perfect first journey unfolds.
1
DAYS 1-3 — THE CAPITAL
Beijing
Land into Beijing — around eleven hours direct — for the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and a full day at a quieter section of the Great Wall, with private guides throughout.
2
DAYS 4-5 — THE WARRIORS
Xi'an
A high-speed train or short flight to Xi'an for the Terracotta Army, the ancient city walls and the Muslim Quarter's famous food street.
3
DAYS 6-7 — THE LANDSCAPE
Guilin & Yangshuo
South to the karst country for a Li River cruise, cycling through the rice fields and the most beautiful scenery in China.
4
DAYS 8-9 — THE MODERN CITY
Shanghai
The Bund, the Pudong skyline, the old town gardens and a rooftop dinner over the river — the dazzling counterpoint to the ancient north.
5
DAY 10 — DEPARTURE
Homeward
A final morning in Shanghai before your transfer to the airport and your flight home — or onward to Hong Kong or Asia beyond.
Make an Enquiry
Tell Us About Your Trip
Fill in the form below. Your specialist will be in touch within 2 hours — or first thing the following morning if you're enquiring out of hours.
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Tell us about your stay
Dates, party size, accommodation and budget.
Destination
Dates & party
Date flexibility
Adults
2
Children
0
Budget & accommodation
Budget per person (flights + hotel)
£4,500
£500£50,000+
Accommodation
Flights
Practical Information
Practical Information
Getting There
- Direct flights from London to Beijing — around 10-11 hours (Air China, British Airways); Shanghai also served direct
- Connections from major regional UK airports
- Fast, modern high-speed trains link the major cities
- China is 7-8 hours ahead of the UK
Entry Requirements
- UK passport holders can currently enter visa-free for up to 30 days (a policy in place to 31 December 2026)
- A digital arrival and customs declaration is required
- We confirm the current position at the time of your booking
- Passport valid 6 months
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations are legally required for entry from the UK
- Routine vaccinations should be up to date
- Excellent, modern medical facilities
- Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
Currency & Local Notes
- The currency is the Chinese Yuan / Renminbi (CNY)
- Mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominates — set this up before you travel, and carry some cash as a backup
- Some Western apps and sites are restricted
- English is limited outside hotels, so we provide guides