Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations

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.

Fly throughout China on your own private jet as you explore the extreme terrain that helps to make up the country's rugged-yet-stunning mountainscapes. You will see some of the most beautiful - and least visited - natural sites in the world. Journey from one national park to another, visiting ancient ruins along the way. You will cover plenty of ground in this 11-day itinerary as you travel from Beijing to Changbaishan, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Jiuzhaigou, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Zhangye Danxia, on a journey that will both inspire and humble.

Why travel by private jet?

Travel in style and ultimate comfort when you set out in a private jet. Long lines at customs, unending waits in terminals and stressing over lost luggage will not be a part of your vacation when you travel by private jet. This is the quickest, most convenient, and most luxurious way to travel. Spend more time in the places you want to see, instead of in the airport.

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: Jet across the vast country to discover its far-flung corners, from the Tibetan Plateau to rainbow cliffs in the northern deserts and mirror lakes in the heartlands.
  • World-Class Natural Heritage: From the otherworldly Avatar mountains of Zhangjiajie to Jiuzhaigou's crystal lakes and Guilin's dramatic limestone karsts, these fairytale landscapes are all designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognized for their natural and scenic beauty.
  • Ancient Towns: Discover Lijiang's well-preserved ancient towns and their canals, winding cobblestone alleys, and history of over 800 years.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Zhangjiajie

This morning, 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 Zhangjiajie. After a busy day covering quite a large bit of China, check in to the Pullman Zhangjiajie to rest up for the days ahead.

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.

Day 2

Zhangjiajie

Visit the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike among the 3,000 stunning pillar-like formations that tower throughout the park. Take the cable car uphill to explore Zhangjiajie Huangshizhai, also known as Yellowstone Village, one of the most scenic areas in Zhangjiajie National Park. Atop the mountain, enjoy a pleasant hike, crisp air, and fantastic views of the jagged peaks rising from the valley. For the afternoon, embark on a 2-hour hike along the Golden Whip, meandering through a beautiful valley of lush trees, flowers, and gorgeous peaks and cliffs. Besides, there are a good number of wild monkeys (macaque) calling Yellow Stone Village and Golden Whip Stream home, during the hike you may see them frolicking on trees or along the stream. This evening, retire to your hotel after an active day.

Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie

Day 3

Zhangjiajie

You have another full day to explore the scenic Wulingyuan area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the cable car uphill and spend the morning exploring Tianzi Mountain (Tianzishan). At the Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers, let your imagination soar, as the unique-shaped peaks lead you into a fairyland, impressive especially when surrounded by clouds and mist after rain. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch packed from your hotel, and take in the stunning natural scenery and peacefulness that surrounds you. 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 Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (formerly Heavenly Pillar), which inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s Oscar-winning film Avatar.

Day 4

Jiuzhaigou

Board your jet this morning and set off for Jiuzhaigou Airport in Sichuan province. Your destination today is the Jiuzhaigou Valley nature reserve and scenic park. This is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, right on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Sichuan Province. There’s diverse plant life and wildlife in the area. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Nestled in the Rissai Valley, this resort is surrounded by picturesque mountains and ancient Tibetan villages making it a beautiful retreat steeped in cultural history.

Spacious Rooms: All of the villas are spacious with the smallest being 158 sqm/1,700 sqft and the largest being 428 sqm/4,605 sqft, and all feature large patio areas and views of picturesque mountains and ancient Tibetan villages, as well as full kitchens making it feel like a home away from home.

Nature Experiences: Jiuzhaigou’s 180,000-acre nature reserve affords active guests opportunities for hiking and biking excursions and with very little light pollution, amazing evening skies that are perfect for stargazing.

See Hotel
Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou Preferred Hotel
About

Nestled in the mountainside of the Min Mountains, Conrad Jiuzhaigou offers a total of 161 expansive well-appointed guest rooms, including 26 independent villas, each featuring terraces with a panoramic view of the forested mountainous landscape. Its design and architecture are a modern interpretation of the local Amdo Tibetan culture, with cultural elements and motifs woven throughout the hotel.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou

Day 5

Jiuzhaigou

Today you will have a full day to explore the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve. Early in the morning, take the first shuttle bus to Arrow Bamboo Lake and start your exploration of the Rize Valley. During the easy hike along wooden walkways, you will be visiting the colorful Panda Lake, Five-Flower Lake, Peacock Lake, and the gorgeous Pearl Shoal Waterfall. Jiuzhaigou literally means a valley of nine villages, and today seven of these nine Tibetan villages are still populated.

Day 6

Lijiang

If time permits, explore the nearby Zhongcha village where you will meet friendly local Tibetans at their home. Catch an incredible aerial view of the national park as you depart on your private jet. Fly 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.

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Amandayan Resort Preferred Hotel
Lijiang
Lijiang

Day 7

Lijiang

Explore the darling town of Lijiang, filled with canals, winding cobblestone alleys and old-world wooden structures. Visit the Baisha Village, home to the Naxi people from 658 AD to 1107 AD. This was once a major center for silk weaving and an important stop along the Silk Road. The palace is a must-see.

Day 8

Shangri-la

Drive around 4 hours to the world-famous Shangri-La. The city name alone is synonymous with luxury. Take a stroll in Tiger Leaping Gorge, and visit the old town named after James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon. Although the town received an influx of tourists after they renamed it from Zhongdian to Shangri- La, it has managed to preserve its unique architecture and heritage.

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.

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Songtsam Shangri-la Preferred Hotel
Shangri-la
Shangri-la

Day 9

Zhangye Danxia

Step aboard your private jet and fly off to Jiayuguan. From here, you’ll transfer to a car, which will whisk you away to Zhangye Danxia - home to an incredible collection of colorful geological landforms. This was one of the first stops on the ancient Silk Road. 

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 10

Zhangye Danxia

Spend the day exploring the cliffs of Zhangye Danxia. The cliffs’ hues range from stunning cobalt blues to bright crimson reds, and date back over six million years. The area is known for being difficult to reach, making it a rare site to see. Enjoy the tranquility of being one of the few visitors today. 

Zhangye Danxia
Zhangye Danxia

Day 11

Departure

Take a last look at Zhangye Danxia’s stunning cliff formations as you drive to Jiayuguan. Here, your private jet is waiting to take you to Beijing. From Beijing, you may choose to either extend your stay, or begin your journey home.

Suggested Hotel For Days 1–3

Hotel Pullman Zhangjiajie

Hotel Pullman Zhangjiajie

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. The hotel offers modern, specious rooms with a flat-screen TV, complimentary wireless internet, minibar, and Bose docking station for audio devices. Hotel amenities include the Pullman Fitness Lounge with cardio and weight lifting equipment, outdoor swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, and snooker and billiards tables. Multiple dining options are available and include the V Cafe and an open kitchen.

Suggested Hotels For Days 4–5

Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou

The new Ritz-Carlton Jiuzhaigou is located near the heart of one of China’s earliest UNESCO world heritage sites at the stunning Jiuzhaigou National Park. With snow-capped mountain ranges, glass-clear waters, and a myriad of vivid colors, the park alone provides an unforgettable experience for visitors. The building is designed by WATG, while the late Jaya Ibrahim crafted the interior designs with John Pettigrew overseeing its landscape design, both of them blending the architecture into the surrounding environment. Each of its spacious 87 villas features panoramic views of the surrounding valley and houses such luxuries as full-sized kitchens, large patios, and bathrooms with rainforest showers and walk-in bathtubs. The hotel’s three premium restaurants offer a variety of dishes encompassing Tibetan, Sichuan, Cantonese, Italian, and Southeast Asian flavors. The resort is replete with a spa, indoor and outdoor event spaces, kids’ programs, and knowledgeable staff.

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Conrad Jiuzhaigou

Conrad Jiuzhaigou

Nestled in the mountainside of the Min Mountains, Conrad Jiuzhaigou offers a total of 161 expansive well-appointed guest rooms, including 26 independent villas, each featuring terraces with a panoramic view of the forested mountainous landscape. Its design and architecture are a modern interpretation of the local Amdo Tibetan culture, with cultural elements and motifs woven throughout the hotel. Offering 2 dining options, both of which locally source their ingredients when possible. Amenities include a modern fitness center and spa.

Suggested Hotel For Days 6–7

Amandayan Resort
Preferred Hotel

Amandayan Resort

The Aman Group’s 28th resort in their ever-expanding portfolio of luxurious accommodation just happens to be one of their most impressive to date, spread over a hectare of land on a hill perched above the Old City of Lijiang - a World Heritage Site. The quaint winding lanes of the town below are an image of classic China, and the breathtaking luscious green mountains and snow-capped peaks provide the perfect backdrop. The hotel itself is relatively small; with only 35 suites the resort is kept quiet and peaceful, just like the surrounding countryside and historic town below. Even the smallest of accomondation options here start at close to 800 square feet, and Yunnan pine wood from Shangri-La is used throughout to create an inviting, cozy log-cabin feel. Modern conveniences are in ample supply too, both inside the range of rooms and throughout the rest of the resort. Guests can find no less than three superb dining options including a signature Chinese restaurant, as well as a luxurious spa, an on-site cinema and an impressive indoor heated swimming pool – difficult to resist jumping in after a day of sightseeing in Lijiang.  

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Suggested Hotel For Day 8

Songtsam Shangri-la
Preferred Hotel

Songtsam Shangri-la

Set in the high hills outside Zhongdian, Songtsam Shangri-la brings a new level of five-star luxury to this wind-swept, scenic area. Each of the resort’s rooms feature a collection of hand-made fixtures, from antique furniture to Tibetan textiles and carpets; in addition, all rooms offer amenities such as cable and satellite television, complimentary high-speed Internet access, and large, expansive windows. Songtsam is home to a restaurant serving Tibetan specialties as well as creative, fusion dishes, such as pizza with Tibetan cheese. Additional amenities include a conference room, a rooftop that offers guests wonderful views of historic Songzanlin Monastery, as well as a delightful, spacious courtyard for guests to browse at their leisure. Songtsam Shangri-la lies twenty minutes from Zhongdian’s Diqing airport.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 9–10

Hua Chen International Hotel

Hua Chen International Hotel


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. The largest and most luxurious hotel in the area, guestrooms come equipped with writing desks, kettles, air conditioning, domestic and international direct dial phones, and more. Hotel facilities include internet access, a banquet hall, a business center, and restaurants serving up authentic Chinese cuisine from many different regions. Guests may also enjoy gift shops, beauty salons, spa services, an indoor swimming pool, a nightclub, karaoke, and much more. The hotel boasts, spacious, clean rooms with views of the snow-capped Qinghai mountain range.


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