Days 1-4
The Secret Charm of the Imperial City and Private Enjoyment of the Great Wall
Arriving in Beijing, a private chauffeur whisks you to a lavish hotel where traditional elegance meets modern luxury. As dusk paints the sky in amber hues, head to the Forbidden City's Corner Tower Restaurant, nestled beside ancient moats. Savor exquisite Cantonese cuisine under lantern-lit eaves, with panoramic views of the illuminated city wall and shimmering moat waters. The gentle lapping of waves against stone complements each course, creating a magical ambiance that blends imperial heritage with contemporary romance.
In the morning, step into the celestial realm at the Temple of Heaven's Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, where scholars guide you through a recreated ancient Heaven Worship Ceremony amidst whispers of imperial rituals. As afternoon unfolds, enter the Forbidden City through a private entrance to explore the secluded Garden of Imperial Peace (Qianlong Garden), culminating in an intimate Kunqu Opera performance on a restored imperial stage, where ethereal melodies echo through centuries-old pavilions.
Venture to Mutianyu Great Wall during an exclusive morning window, ascending untouched stretches where echoes of ancient sentries linger. Unpack a gourmet picnic curated by a Michelin-starred chef within a historic watchtower, savoring delicate bites amid panoramic mountain vistas. As sunlight softens, descend to a shaded grove beneath the fortress walls for a traditional archery lesson, mastering the centuries-old art of Gong Yi (Chinese archery) under the guidance of a heritage instructor, bowstrings singing with each precise release.
At dawn, glide across Kunming Lake aboard a private imperial-style pleasure boat, savoring a delicate breakfast of steamed dumplings and jasmine tea as mist swirls around marble bridges. Later, ascend to Fragrant Hills’ Jingyi Garden, where ink and bamboo brushes await in a pavilion surrounded by maple groves. Under a master painter’s guidance, learn to capture pine blossoms and mist-shrouded peaks in the Lingnan style, transforming blank rice paper into a living landscape of poetic serenity.
Days 5-6
Royal Gardens and the Starry Sky Beyond the Great Wall
Arrive in Chengde by morning, where a private guide leads you through the secluded halls of the Mountain Resort, unveiling hidden corners of imperial gardens and lakeside pavilions. Try on meticulously recreated Qing dynasty robes for a photoshoot amidst ancient pines, capturing the grace of imperial elegance. In the afternoon, learn the delicate art of ancient book restoration at the royal library, then savor a bespoke palace-style afternoon tea with lotus seed cakes and rose-petal tea, echoing the refined rituals of Qing nobility.
Venture into the grassland's hidden heart, where a private ranch welcomes you with spirited horses for a sun-drenched ride across emerald meadows, guided by local herders sharing tales of nomadic life. As dusk paints the sky in amber, collaborate with a gourmet chef to craft a feast of roasted lamb and wild herbs gathered from the steppe. Later, retreat to a luxe glass-domed tent, where constellations blaze overhead as astronomers unveil the secrets of the Milky Way, blending frontier adventure with celestial wonder.
After enjoying a special breakfast at the hotel, a private car will take you to the airport, ending your unforgettable journey to the Royal Sanctuary.