Example Itinerary

China's Spectacular Sights by Private Jet from Heaven Lake to Zhangye Danxia

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Amazing Landscapes, UNESCO
Destinations
China

Please note this is a sample itinerary ideally performed by private jet (rate not included). Upon request, private jet options can be provided based on availability and requirements.

There is no better way to explore China’s most exclusive sites than by private jet. Travel from Changbaishan to Jinan, Huangshan, Zhangjiajie, Wulingyuan, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Kashigar, Jiayuguan, and Zhangye Danxia. This 14-day itinerary is full of natural beauty, adventure, history, and culture. Get ready to enjoy rare sights off of the usual tourist’s beaten path, all while in sheer luxury and comfort.

Why fly by private jet?

Traveling is never easier than when traveling by private jet. Avoid the inconvenience and discomfort of  spending hours of your vacation waiting in airports, standing at customs or crossing your fingers at baggage claim. Those hard-to-reach destinations become that much closer when flying by private jet. Spend less time in transit and more time in the places you are traveling to see. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Jet-setting: Make the most of your time and jet across the country. See all of China's mystical peaks from the east, south, and west - all within just two weeks.
  • Halfway to North Korea: Get a glimpse of the hermit country of North Korea from China's Changbai Mountain. The border between the two countries cross through the middle of Tianchi Lake.
  • Avatar Mountains: Explore the otherworldly Wulingyuan National Park where hit movie 'Avatar' was filmed. The peculiar natural landscape features sandstone mesas, dense forests, deep ravines, streams, karst caves and more.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Jinan

Board your private jet for a flight from Beijing to Changbaishan, in China’s northeastern Jilin province. Here, you will enjoy a full day at Tianchi Lake, also known as Heaven Lake, and the nearby waterfall. The lake is not only a beautiful location, but it is interesting because China’s border with North Korea crosses through the middle. Admire the crater lake that rests in the caldera of Baekdu Mountain, the highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula, and glance into North Korea, the world’s most reclusive nation. You’re only pausing in picturesque Changbaishan for the day; this evening you will fly on to Jinan. After a busy day covering quite a large bit of China, check in to the Intercontinental Jinan City Center to rest up for the days ahead.

Hotel Options
About

Located in the Central Business District of Jina, the InterContinental Jinan City Center offers 366 spacious, well-appointed rooms within walking distance from the local scenic spots, like Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, Quancheng Square, spring ancient street, and the fashion shopping mall. For dining, there are 3 restaurants that offer French and Italian cuisine, all-day dining with trendy open-show kitchen concepts cooking Pan-Asian and Western cuisine favorites, and their rooftop beer garden featuring BBQ (available from the end of April through the end of September).

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Jinan

This morning, drive to Ti’an and visit the breathtaking Mount Taishan. Next, take a step back into local history as you visit the Lingyan Temple. Your last stop the day is Qianfoshan Park; after taking a stroll through nature, return to your hotel in Jinan and rest for the evening.

Jinan
Jinan

Day 3

Huangshan

Fly to Huangshan, a mountain range named for its vibrant yellow color. Put your trainers on and climb Huangshan Mountain for the view of a lifetime. Hike around atop the mountain, and enjoy astonishing views of its mountainous landscape, as well as the mist-shrouded peaks and seas of clouds if weather permits.

Hotel Options
About

The Banyan Tree Huangshan is an idyllic mountain resort with convenient access to three exceptional UNESCO World Heritage sites. Offering 127 upscale suites and villas, all rooms come with balconies, natural mountain, village, or garden views, and stylish interiors inspired by local traditions.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Set in a stunning natural setting, the Xihai Hotel is a luxurious abode in a remote location. Enjoy crisp, white linens in warmly-lit rooms after spending the day exploring the “yellow mountain” range in the southern Anhui province.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Huangshan

Rise in time to catch the tangerine sunrise across the mountains. Explore West Lake and enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. Next, visit the Geopark and marvel at the geological formations found in this area. Visit Chengkan Village and the village’s ancestral temple. Appreciate the fascinating carvings, reliefs, and colored paintings at Baolun Hall, which are well preserved and remain vivid after about 500 years.

Day 5

Zhangjiajie

Today you will fly to Zhangjiajie, a city with a history dating back many millennia. Next, drive into the mystical Wulingyuan Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into the Pullman Hotel and relax.

Hotel Options
About

Hotel Pullman Zhangjiajie is the only 5-star international hotel in the Wulingyuan scenic area. The hotel is located approximately 50 minutes from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie

Day 6

Zhangjiajie

There’s plenty of eye-pleasers today. Explore Wulingyuan Park and see what so many visitors liken to a real-life Avatar. You may recognize the area as it has been used in several films throughout the years. Take the cable car uphill and spend the morning exploring Tianzi Mountain (Tianzishan).  At the Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers your imagination will soar as its unique-shaped peaks lead you into a fairyland like landscape. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch packed from your hotel, and take in the stunning natural scenery and peacefulness that surrounds. Continue the journey to explore Yuanjiajie, before taking the Bailong elevator down.  At Yuanjiajie, embark on an easy hike and visit the greatest Natural Bridge in the world, the Heavenly Pillar (which inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s Oscar-winning film Avatar).

Day 7

Lijiang

Spend a final few hours looking around the fascinating park. Drive to Zhangjiajie, where your jet is waiting to take you to Lijiang, a town at the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The tallest peak in the nearby mountain range is Shanzidou, which has been summited only once. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Tucked away next to the Old City quarter of Lijiang - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - this luxury resort sits atop a picturesque hill, surrounded Yunnan’s iconic snow-capped mountain backdrop.

History: This newly built hotel joins Aman’s long list of luxury resorts spread across the world, and is the third one to be established in China after the Summer Palace in Beijing and Amanfayun in Hangzhou.

Service: Attention to detail throughout this hotel continues all the way up to the high level of services. All guests are personally greeted and local experts at the downstairs reception and information desk are on call 24 hours every day.

Read More
Amandayan Resort Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Lijiang

Visit Jade Dragon Mountain in Lijiang. At the foot of the mountain, watch the Impression Lijiang – a spectacular outdoor performance directed by China’s renowned film director Zhang Yimou and performed by around 400 local Naxi, Yi, and Bai people.  Afterward, go through the VIP channel, and take a cable car to the 4,000-meter high-level Glacier Park for a magnificent view of the mountain. Next, gain some rare cultural insight as you visit a Baisha village and learn about their culture and customs. Return to Amandayan to relax.

Lijiang
Lijiang

Day 9

Shangri-la

Drive the short trip to Shangri-La. Along the way, stop and take a walk in Tiger Leaping Gorge. Next, visit the quaint old town of Shangri-La. The town took on the name of the acclaimed city in the Lost Horizon novel by James Hilton. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Songtsam Shangri-La is located an incredible 3,300m above sea level in China’s Yunnan province, with stunning views of the towering Songzangling monastery.

History: The nearby Songzangling monastery was once home to 4,000 monks, and is now undergoing restoration.

Service: Songtsam Shangri-La is well-known for its warm and friendly staff who possess a keen knowledge of the surrounding area.

Read More
Songtsam Shangri-la Preferred Hotel

Day 10

Kashgar

This morning, take a short walk to visit the nearby Songzanlin Monastery, also known as Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, which is considered the most important Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.  Sit back on your private jet as you fly into Kashgar. Upon arriving in China’s westernmost city, check out the lively and world-famous bazaar. Abakh Hoja tomb is a stunning sight to see and your next stop. 

Hotel Options
About

The Radisson Blue Hotel Kashgar is one of the finest hotels in Kashgar, located at the foot of the grand Pamir mountains. 261 smartly-dressed rooms offer panoramic views of the city and mountains along with modern conveniences such as complimentary WiFi, coffee and tea making amenities, work desk, and minibar.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 11

Kashgar

Take a daytrip to Karakul, which translates to “black lake.” This is the highest altitude lake of the Pamir plateau, and very near the Pakistan border. Return to your hotel to relax after an adventurous day exploring.

Kashgar
Kashgar

Day 12

Zhangye Danxia

Fly by private jet from Kashgar to Jiayuguan. From here, you will drive to Zhangye Danxia. This is the perfect gateway for exploring the Danxia Geopark. Check in to the hotel and relax ahead of your day of exploration tomorrow.

Hotel Options
About

Enjoy this modern hotel and its pleasant, helpful staff at the heart of Zhangye, China. Hua Chen International Hotel is wonderfully-situated for exploring the cultural and geographic offerings of the surrounding area.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 13

Zhangye Danxia

You have the full day to explore the incredible geopark’s cliffs. The cliffs are shocking shades of reds and blues, traced back to over six million years ago. Not many tourists are able to reach this unique site.

Day 14

Departure

Drive from Zhangye Danxia, catching one last rare glance at the formations, before reaching Jiayuguan. From here, you will fly onwards to either Beijing or another destination of your choice.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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