China's Silk Road

Located on the Puxi side of the Huangpu River, the Peninsula Shanghai has fabulous views of the Bund, Pearl Oriental Tower and other historic and modern architecture along the Pudong side. Befitting its location in the Pearl of the Orient, the Peninsula’s style is modern while retaining a chic stylistic nod to the city’s Art Deco past. There are 235 guestrooms and suites, which all feature plasma TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, iPod docking stations and wifi access, lending a residential feel to the hotel. Four themed suites – the Astor, Majestic, Palace and Peninsula – set new standards in luxury living. For fine dining within the hotel, Yilong Court for Cantonese cuisine or Sir Elly’s for Western fare in a beautiful setting with views of the Bund are excellent options. The Compass Bar, Lobby and Salon de Ning are lovely places for a night cap. There is a Peninsula spa by ESPA, which offers the brand’s award-winning treatments in a neo-classical setting , indoor pool and fitness center with a DVD library such that gym goers can watch their favorite programs while using the cardio machines. The Peninsula is 40-60 minutes’ drive from the airport, depending on traffic.

The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is a true Shanghai landmark, located on the city’s most famous street and offering amazing views of both old and new Shanghai. Its 260 state-of-the-art rooms and suites come with all the latest facilities, including luxury bedding, free internet, cable TV, CD/DVD player and coffee machine. Savor delicious, fresh cuisine from one of six diverse Shanghai restaurants and bars: sip on vintage champagne in the historic Long Bar and relax in plush leather chairs with single malt whiskies and fine Cuban cigars; nibble on modern New York inspired fare at Pelham’s; or indulge in a variety of gourmet Chinese dishes at Wei Jing Ge. The hotel’s fully equipped fitness center offers a fantastic selection of the finest cardiovascular and exercise equipment. Bathe in the hotel’s heated indoor pool or treat yourself to a range of restorative, soothing spa treatments. Relax in the hotel’s sophisticated Library Lounge and unwind in tranquil serenity, or take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi, available all day, and catch up with work.

Catering to today's ultra-luxury travelers, Capella Shanghai is situated in the city’s Xuhui District cultural preservation zone, carrying on the rich tradition of the Jian Ye Li estate. Originally built in the 1930's by a French real estate company (Foncière et Immobiliere de Chine), the property features 22 rows of shikumen (stone gate) townhouse lanes, connecting over 200 two-story houses. Painstakingly restored by a team of experts, today the Capella Shanghai showcases Shaghainese traditional courtyard living with a touch of Parisian flair. The Jian Ye Li estate encompasses 55 shikumen villas and 40 residences. All villas are designed by Jaya International Design, each featuring luxurious king and twin beds, premium bath amenities by Acqua di Parma, personal assistant service, and other cutting edge technological gadgets. The expertly designed rooms marry French-accented furniture with Chinese artwork and accessories. Meals are served from the kitchen of renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire at le Comptoir, Capella Shanghai’s own restaurant providing elegant French cuisine. Additionally, guests enjoy round-the-clock in-room dining services, 24-hour gymnasium facilities, and a former water tower renovated to providebeautiful views of Shanghai's skyline.

Urban sophistication and class become one at The Middle House hotel and residences located in the heart of downtown Shanghai. Designed by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni, The Middle House offers 111 guest rooms and 102 serviced apartments — The Middle House Residences — all of which feature a luxurious, yet simple and elegant, style of décor. Further adding to the ambience is an exquisite collection of artistic pieces including porcelain and ceramic works, paintings, photography, and more, which serve to complement Lissoni’s overall design concept of “dignity and refinement”. The Middle House is also service-oriented, with available options for guests such as house vehicles and a hassle-free, paperless arrival and departure system. A multifaceted Spa and Wellness Center with an extensive retail space, juice bar, and 24-hour gym facilities, among other amenities, affords Middle House guests the ability to relax in a tranquil setting after busy days spent in the thick of the city’s hustle and bustle.

The new Rosewood Shanghai will transform the city's skyline as part of a new 320-meter-tall tower building in the Puxi district, offering convenient access to the emerging business and cultural areas of Jung-An and Suhewan. The property will be composed of 200 guest rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, as well as Asaya, Rosewood's award-winning wellness concept.

The Shangri-La Hotel in Xian is located in the heart of the Gaoxin hi-tech district, just a stone’s throw away from the ancient city walls of the old city. Each of the hotel’s 390 guest rooms and suites features floor-to-ceiling windows and chic modern decor, as well as complimentary Internet access. Dining options include: traditional Thai cuisine at Siam Garden; pan-Chinese cuisine at Tian Xiang Ge; and International cuisine at the Yi Cafe. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art health center, a luxurious spa, and a swimming pool with sauna and steam room. The Shangri-La Xian is approximately 30 minutes by car from the Xianyang Airport (XIY).

A stunning hotel with harmonious architecture blending French and Sino-Russian touches, a true heritage feel exudes from the detailed exterior. Step inside and the lofty ceilings, ornate mouldings and coving, art deco influences along with state of the art technology make this an incredible hotel befitting of the name Legend. The overtone of luxury is hard to miss. Everything from the service, the detailed inlaid floors, chandeliered ceilings and air of elegance places this hotel in a league of its own. Set in ornate gardens with flowing waterfalls and incredible gazebos, entering the hotel is like entering another world, a world of pure opulence and indulgence. With 37 suites, each designed with attention to the smallest of details, the minimalist design oozes luxury and comfort, striking an almost impossible balance. The signature Italian restaurant whisks guests away to the heart of Italy, or dine in comfort and privacy with food delivered to the suites.

Set against the picturesque Mingsha Sand Dunes, the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel is modeled after Tang Dynasty structures, with large rooftops, long corridors, replica furniture, and the mud walls typical of the buildings of the region. The Silk Road Dunhuang comprises 266 rooms, some set around courtyards, and all featuring air-conditioning, mini-bars, high-speed Internet access, and air conditioning. Culinary selections at the Silk Road Dunhuang include the Deli Chamber, which serves spicy Sichuan and fresh Cantonese fare; the Delights Chamber, which serves Asian and international dishes; and the Starry and Lobby Lounges, two cocktail and sitting lounges set outside and in the lobby, respectively. The Silk Road Dunhuang possesses a business center, sauna and steam baths, meeting rooms, and access to a variety of activities, from camel riding to karaoke lounges. The hotel is located twenty minutes from the airport, and about a half-hour away from the historic Mogao Grottoes.

The newest luxury hotel in the Silk Road region, the Sheraton Urumqi Hotel is located just 20 minutes from Urumqi Airport and sits near a collection of universities and local attractions. Each of the Sheraton’s 380 guest rooms and suites feature in-room safes, air-conditioning, the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, separate bath and shower stall, satellite channels, and fabulous views of snow-topped mountains and the city. In addition, butler service is available on the Executive Floor. The hotel also boasts a business center, a luxurious spa and health club. There are a number of restaurants located within the Sheraton, including Yakexi Halal, which serves Middle Eastern cuisine; Café Oasis, an all-day eatery that serves international and regional specialties; Shanghai on 2, which serves southern Chinese specialties; and House of Treasures, which offers Cantonese and numbingly spicy Sichuanese and Hunanese dishes.

Located in Urumqi's Central Business District, close to the Xinjiang International Exhibition Center and the Ecological Gardens, the Hilton Urumqi is one of the best accommodation options in the city. Guest rooms are available in a variety of categories, including suite and executive (there is also an accessible room), with warm interiors and standard mod cons. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness center, a business center and an executive lounge. For dining, guests can indulge in hot drinks and desserts at the Lobby Lounge, Lebanese cuisine at Silk Road, international dining at U Cafe and fine dining at Yuxi, a Chinese restaurant that specializes in both Cantonese and regional cuisine from Xinjiang province.

Conveniently located in the town center, Kashi Tianyuan International Hotel lies twenty minutes from Kashgar Airport (KHG). The Kashi Tianyuan’s rooms all feature televisions, satellite channels, in-room safes, and clean bathrooms equipped with hair dryers and separate baths. Amenities and services include a steam bath and beauty center, a concierge and a twenty-four hour reception desk.

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. Spacious marble bathrooms come with upscale toiletries and bathrobes. Upgraded suites extend access to the Business Class Lounge for complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails. Other facilities include a fitness center and health club with swimming pool and beauty salon, ATM and currency exchange service, bar, and several dining options. Popular sites such as Xiangfei Family’s Tomb and the Eitgal Mosque are within 10 minutes away, while Kashgar airport is approximately a 30-minute drive.

Spend the evening with a local family in a traditional yurt - a round, portable tent. These are a centuries-old form of accommodation, originating in the Central Asian region and comprised of transportable poles and fabrics, which, when assembled, create a warm and secure teepee-like tent. Inside, you’ll also be provided with comfy bedding, including a warm duvet and mattress or raised bed to sleep on. Spending the night under the stars in a traditional yurt provides great insight into local nomadic lifestyle, while also allowing guests to get back in touch with nature and the area’s stunning surroundings.