Duration: 10 nights
Best months: March–June · September–October
Country: China
Region: Beijing · Luoyang · Xi’an · Shanghai
A Journey Through Imperial China—Elegance, Energy, and Ancient Power
This 10-night honeymoon moves like a perfectly choreographed film: Beijing’s grand imperial stage, Luoyang’s discipline and mystique, Xi’an’s deep history, and Shanghai’s modern sparkle. Expect private guiding, smart pacing, and experiences that feel “beyond the standard”—so you can stay present with each other, not the logistics.
Beijing: Emperors, Hutongs, and the Great Wall in Peace
You’ll begin in Beijing with a stay at Aman Summer Palace, perfectly placed for stepping into the city’s imperial heartbeat. Your first full day unfolds through Tiananmen Square, then straight into the Forbidden City, where your guide brings the dynastic stories to life. For a sweeping perspective, you’ll climb to Coal Hill for panoramic views that make the scale feel real.
Another day is dedicated to the city’s quieter texture: a stroll through Beijing’s hutongs, including Nanluongxiang for coffee stops and curious little shops. Then it’s time for a classic—done properly: the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, away from the busiest crowds, capped with a fun ride down by toboggan. Lunch follows at Schoolhouse restaurant, then a final walk along the Sacred Way as you explore the imperial mausoleums of the Ming dynasty.
Taiji Tranquility and Kung Fu Fighting: Luoyang’s Shaolin Chapter
Before leaving Beijing, you’ll slow the pace with a private taiji session at the Temple of Heaven—a grounding, couple-friendly ritual that sets the tone for what comes next.
Then you’ll board a bullet train to Luoyang, where the journey pivots from observation to participation. You’ll visit the Shaolin kung fu school for a lesson with student monks, then continue to the legendary Shaolin temple—the birthplace of one of China’s most iconic martial traditions.
Imperial scale, intimate moments—China’s icons, planned for two
Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors, City Walls, and the Muslim Quarter After Dark
From Luoyang, it’s a short hop to Xi’an, where you’ll check into Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel—a refined base close to the city’s historic core. The headline moment is the Terracotta Warrior Army, experienced from a special lower deck viewing platform for an up-close perspective that feels far more immersive.
Later, swap museums for motion with a bike ride along the Ancient City Wall, circling the old center with a view that blends old-world stone and modern life. When night falls, follow the aromas into the Muslim Quarter for street-food tasting—don’t miss the halal skewers, roast mutton, and persimmon cake.
Shanghai Nights: The Peninsula, Old-World Streets, and Water-Town Calm
Your final stop is Shanghai, where you’ll stay at The Peninsula for a polished, romantic finale—world-class dining, skyline views, and evenings that feel made for celebration. The next day, walk the elegant avenues of the French Concession, then continue to the deserted Jewish Quarter for a moodier, more atmospheric side of the city.
You’ll also spend time in Xintiandi, exploring traditional shikumen houses before lunch, then trade skyscrapers for the serene canals of Zhujiajiao, a classic water town that feels like a different century. Back in the city, end with the pavilions and arched bridges of Yu Garden—a fitting last note before your departure.
Signature Experiences
- Stay at Aman Summer Palace with imperial sightseeing in Beijing
- Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and panoramic views from Coal Hill
- Hutong exploration including Nanluongxiang
- Mutianyu on the Great Wall of China + toboggan ride and lunch at Schoolhouse restaurant
- Private taiji session at the Temple of Heaven
- Bullet train to Luoyang for Shaolin kung fu training and Shaolin temple
- Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel + Terracotta Warrior Army lower deck viewing platform
- The Peninsula Shanghai, French Concession, Jewish Quarter, Xintiandi, Zhujiajiao, and Yu Garden
Ready for Something Extraordinary?
We design this journey around your honeymoon pace—private transfers, trusted guides, and access that keeps the best moments unrushed. The planning/design fee becomes clear deliverables: a discovery session, curated options, thoughtful iterations, and a final itinerary + checklist, with support for changes before and during travel—so everything feels effortless for two.
Why Travel to China with Escape Xperts
China is extraordinary—and complex—so the difference is in the curation. We build a couples-first flow across Beijing, Luoyang, Xi’an, and Shanghai, balancing icons with quiet time together. Expect seamless logistics (including rail), handpicked guides, and smart timing to avoid friction and crowds where possible. We prioritize privacy, standout stays, and experiences that feel personal—like taiji at the Temple of Heaven, Shaolin training, and immersive access at the Terracotta Warriors. You’ll receive a polished final plan plus a practical checklist, and we stay on hand to adjust details as needed—so the trip stays romantic and calm from start to finish.