In Search of Pandas

Your first stop is Beijing, home to temples, parks, the Forbidden City, giant skyscrapers and colourful markets – it’s a feast for all the senses. Check in to the gorgeous Four Seasons Beijing, where you can unwind after your flight in the pool or the spa – which also offers treatments tailored to children.

Spend a memorable day visiting the Great Wall. One of the world’s most incredible manmade wonders, it is simply unmissable, and you'll get to see it in a unique way. Let the cable car take the strain on the way up, as you sit back and enjoy the views of the wall snaking endlessly across the hills, and zip your way down in a toboggan.

During your time in Beijing, you’ll also enjoy a Kung Fu show – an ideal opportunity to experience one of China’s ancient traditions and take in some classic entertainment.

It’s on to Chengdu, where it’s time for an iconic wildlife adventure. Spend a day with giant pandas at one of the panda sanctuaries here, watching them play, and learn more about these endearing animals.

We've also included a Sichuan cooking class – the perfect opportunity to learn how to make classic Chinese dishes. 

After all that, relax in style at the Ritz-Carlton Chengdu, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the city from your plush room. The Ritz Kids programme offers a range of activities, such as treasure hunts – ask us for details.

Your next stop is beautiful Guilin, whose landscapes of jagged mountains, winding rivers, temples and lakes are immortalised in many Chinese paintings. See Elephant Hill, a symbol of Guilin and a perfect photo opportunity – this rock arch reaching out over the water looks just like an elephant drinking. You’ll also venture underground into Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular limestone cave where you can see hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as ancient inscriptions in ink. It’s also decked out in multi-coloured lights to create a dazzling display.

Another highlight of your time in Guilin is Yao Mountain – the area’s highest mountain, you can travel to the peak via cable car and enjoy a toboggan run back down via dense forests. You’ll be treated to glorious countryside views, especially in spring, when the hills are carpeted in flowers. 

Your hotel, Shangri-La Guilin, is a haven of luxury and serenity, its traditional Chinese architecture combining with contemporary style, looking out over the landscaped gardens and the Li River.

Travel by boat from Guilin to the historic town of Yangshuo along the beautiful Li River, flanked by mountains and hills dotted with caves and pagodas. The journey takes 4-5 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax onboard and take in the views.

On arrival, check in to the Banyan Tree Yangshuo, which is surrounded by mist-covered limestone mountains and lush green valleys and rice fields.

Make the most of the setting by going bamboo rafting down the river alongside local fishermen as they head out to get the catch of the day. 

Your last (but certainly not least) stop is glitzy Hong Kong, where you can’t fail to be swept up in the glamour, hustle and bustle. Your base is the Four Seasons Hong Kong, which has a central location overlooking Victoria Harbour, a tempting infinity pool and special children’s menus in the gourmet restaurants. In the evening, don’t miss the fabulous nightly music and light show that brings the waterfront skyscrapers to life.

We’ve certainly ensured the family won’t be bored here, with action-packed visits to Ocean Park and Lantau Island. Your day tour to Ocean Park won’t fail to impress: its cable car offers beautiful views over Hong Kong’s coastline and islands. There are also several adrenaline-fuelled rides to choose from, while you’ll also have another opportunity to see giant pandas here. 

On your private tour to Lantau Island, you'll get to hop on another cable car up the mountainside for unrivalled views over the mountains, the fishing villages and the South China Sea. The cable car will take you to the cultural village of Ngong Ping, where you can see the Tian Tan Buddha, the world’s tallest outdoor seated bronze statue, and explore the Po Lin monastery nearby, which has a bell that is rung over 100 times a day.