china
China, reimagined.
A country this vast defies simplification. From Beijing’s imperial bones to Shanghai’s gleaming skyline, from ancient villages tucked along the Yangtze to the avant-garde studios of Chengdu, China is a place of thrilling contradictions—stoic and chaotic, ceremonial and electric. It can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve done the heavy lifting.
We’ve bypassed the gimmicks and clichés to map out the China that matters: contemporary, curious, and wildly textured. The food is spellbinding. The landscapes are cinematic. And the cultural depth? Infinite. Whether you’re after Peking duck or underground design studios, mountain monasteries or rooftop cocktails, we’ll help you.
Where to go. Where to stay. What to skip. What to savor.
Every moment, considered.
Looking for a region?
Need to know
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Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) hit the sweet spot—temperate weather, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds. Avoid Chinese New Year unless you’re going for the chaos.
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First time? Do Beijing + Shanghai. Got more time? Add on Guilin, Xi’an, or somewhere more remote like Lijiang or Shangri-La. Regional flights and high-speed trains make multi-stop trips doable.
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The pace is fast, the rules unwritten, and the etiquette complex. Don’t expect smiles or small talk—it’s not rude, it’s just real. Tap into the rhythm, stay open, and you’ll find beauty in the extremes.
Hala hit list
A few of our forever favorites.
Fu He Hui, Shanghai
A stunning, multi-course vegetarian tasting menu in a serene, design-forward setting. Inventive, intentional, unforgettable.
The Longjing Tea Fields, Hangzhou
Hike through rolling green hills where China’s most famous green tea is harvested. End with a traditional tea tasting.
Once a military factory complex, now a contemporary art hub packed with edgy galleries, boutiques, and cafés.
798 Art District, Beijing
Skip the tourist-clogged Badaling section and head here for quieter, cinematic views. Bring water—and good shoes.
The Great Wall at Jinshanling
The Bulgari Hotel, Shanghai
An ultra-luxury stay with views across the Bund, a sleek rooftop bar, and what might be China’s best hotel breakfast.
Spicy hotpot in Chengdu
Sweat, cry, repeat. The real deal comes with numbing Sichuan peppercorns and no mercy.
if you have 48 hours
START IN BEIJING
Land, drop your bags at The Opposite House, and dive headfirst into old-meets-new. Visit the Temple of Heaven and explore the hutongs by bike. Stop for craft cocktails at a hidden speakeasy.
MOVE ON TO THE MONUMENTAL
Wake early for the Great Wall at Jinshanling—less crowded, more breathtaking. Head back to Beijing for Peking duck at Da Dong, followed by a moonlit stroll around Houhai Lake.
GO SOUTH TO SHANGHAI
Hop a fast train to China’s glossy megacity. Check into Amanyangyun or Capella Shanghai. Wander the French Concession, stop for xiao long bao, then head to CHAR Bar for rooftop cocktails overlooking the Bund.
FINISH WITH A TWIST
Visit the Propaganda Poster Art Centre for a side of history they don’t teach in school. Grab soup dumplings at Jia Jia Tang Bao before heading home—full, dazed, and maybe a little in love.
Objects With Soul
Hand-dyed indigo textiles from the Miao minority villages in Guizhou.
Dragon well (Longjing) tea from a tiny hillside farm outside Hangzhou.
Contemporary calligraphy or ink-on-rice-paper art from tucked-away galleries in Beijing’s hutongs.
Porcelain teacups and teapots from Jingdezhen—China’s ceramics capital—with glazes you won’t stop staring at.
Vintage propaganda posters or rare book finds from Panjiayuan Flea Market in Beijing.
Jadeite bangles, preferably old and imperfect, from a trusted antique vendor in Shanghai.
Hand-cut paper art or red envelope sets from Suzhou, where the technique dates back over 1,500 years.
Need help with the details? Book a consultation or upgrade for full itinerary design, seamless bookings, and support every step of the way.