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China & Burma: Style, Substance & Spirit

14 days from £8,750 for 2025 per person

Neighbouring China and Burma, physically close yet culturally lightyears apart. This tailor-made itinerary will allow you to witness the evolution of these two rapidly evolving nations, with their substantial cultural identities which are becoming more prominent in the wider world. Contrast the fast paced day to day activities of the emerging superpower of China, with the rusticity and peaceful way of life of spiritual Burma. Your imagination is bound to be captured by the style, substance and spirit of these two inspiring and unforgettable nations.

Begin your journey in the thriving capital of Beijing, and be blown away by the majestic style of the Summer Palace and the sheer size of the ancient Great Wall. From Beijing, continue on your adventures to Xi’an and be awed by each individually unique soldier of the 7,000 strong Terracotta Army, created around the spirituality of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. End up in the natural beauty surrounds of rural Lijiang, in China’s Yunnan province, for the ultimate indulgence before continuing your journey to Burma. The pace of life is noticeably slower across the border, where you will find a nation full of kindness and devotion. Delve into one of the most substantial and significant archaeological sites in the world, Bagan, the setting of 2,230 ethereal temples and pagodas situated on a 26 square mile plain. Enjoy the style of the distinctive Inle Princess Resort on the shore of the tranquil Lake Inle. Finally, finish with a flourish at the colonial Governor’s Residence in delightful and bustling Yangon.

This is purely a suggested itinerary, it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to China and Burma. If you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our favourite Epic Journeys and Family Holidays, as well as our Active Trips and Culinary Tours collections.


Itinerary details

14 days from £8,750 for 2025 per person

  • Day 1 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
    Arrive in Beijing and send the morning at leisure. Afternoon visit the Summer Palace and a private calligraphy class.
  • Day 2 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
    Full day visit to the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall with your private car and guide, including a unique private picnic on the wall.
  • Day 3 - Aman Summer Palace - Beijing
    Morning sightseeing to Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City with private guide and driver.
  • Day 4 - Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xi’an - Xi'an
    Morning flight to Xi'An. Visit the Terracotta Army with exclusive pit and vault access. Optional exploration of the Muslim Quarter or a traditional dumpling and noodle making class.
  • Day 5 - Amandayan - Lijiang
    Morning flight to Lijiang. Afternoon at leisure with a walk to the local monastery, taking in the area's natural beauty.
  • Day 6 - Amandayan - Lijiang
    Spend the day sightseeing in Lijiang with your private car and guide, including Baisha Village, Black Dragon Pool Pond and tea at Amandayan. Evening Impression Lijiang Show.
  • Day 7 - Mandalay Hill Resort - Mandalay
    Drive to Kunming and take a flight to Mandalay, Burma. Afternoon sightseeing of the ancient towns of Amarapura and Inwa.
  • Day 8 - Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort - Bagan
    Morning flight to Bagan. Full day exploring the wondrous temples and pagodas with your private guide and driver. Afternoon horse cart ride, with sunset viewing from the pagodas.
  • Day 9 - Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort - Bagan
    Sunrise Hot Air Balloon. Full day exploring Bagan's mind blowing history. Sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy River.
  • Day 10 - Inle Princess Resort - Inle Lake
    Morning flight to Heho and transfer to Inle Lake. Afternoon sightseeing around Inle Lake with private guide and boat.
  • Day 11 - Inle Princess Resort - Inle Lake
    Morning traditional cookery class. Afternoon sightseeing with private guide and boat. Sunset canoe ride on Inle Lake.
  • Day 12 - The Governor's Residence - Yangon (Rangoon)
    Morning flight to Yangon. Afternoon at leisure. Sunset at the Shwedagon Pagoda.
  • Day 13 - The Governor's Residence - Yangon (Rangoon)
    Early morning visit to local markets. Full day sightseeing in Yangon, with private guide and driver. Afternoon colonial walking tour, with High Tea at The Strand Hotel.
  • Day 14 - In transit.
    Morning at leisure before afternoon/evening flight home.
BURMA Balloons Over Bagan 1
BURMA - Bagan temple 3
BURMA - Ballons over Bagan
Inle Lake Burma 5
Inle Lake Burma 6
Inle Lake Burma 3
BURMA Governors Residence Yangon 17
BURMA - religious statue
CHINA - Tiananmen square, Beijing
CHINA - Aman Summer Palace, Beijing
Beijing 19
China Case Study The Great Wall Of China 2
CHINA - Xian, terracotta army
CHINA - Old Town in Lijiang, Lijiang, Yunnan
CHINA - Yunnan, countryside view
BURMA - religious statue
CHINA - Tiananmen square, Beijing
CHINA - Aman Summer Palace, Beijing
Beijing 19
China Case Study The Great Wall Of China 2
CHINA - Xian, terracotta army
CHINA - Old Town in Lijiang, Lijiang, Yunnan
CHINA - Yunnan, countryside view
BURMA - Mandalay
BURMA - Mandalay - Mingun Stupa
BURMA Balloons Over Bagan 1
BURMA - Bagan temple 3
BURMA - Ballons over Bagan
Inle Lake Burma 5
Inle Lake Burma 6
Inle Lake Burma 3
BURMA Governors Residence Yangon 17
To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

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