Nights 1, 2 & 3: Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Kowloon, Hong Kong Located on the waterfront overlooking bustling Victoria Harbour, the landmark Kowloon Shangri-La offers panoramic views of the Harbour and the fascinating city itself. Guest rooms, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling bay windows, are known as being exceptionally large when compared to those of other luxury hotels in Hong Kong. Each one provides broadband Internet access, coffee and tea making facilities, electronic safe, in-room movie channels, international direct-dial telephone, satellite and cable TV and a mini bar. A new Health Club, with an indoor swimming pool, includes a state-of-the-art gym, solarium, sauna and steam bath. Dining choices include the Shang Palace offering Cantonese cuisine, Nadaman, with a Japanese menu, Café Kool serving international cuisine and Angelini featuring Italian food. Vegetarians are well cared for at all the hotel’s restaurants. Enjoy your favorite libation at the Tapas Bar or the elegant Lobby Lounge. The Kowloon Shangri-La was voted one of the best 500 hotels in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure.
Nights 4, 5 & 6: The Peninsula Beijing Beijing, China Superbly located in the historic heart of Beijing within walking distance of the Forbidden City, The Peninsula Beijing is the premier hotel in the city. Large guest rooms with marble baths feature international direct-dial telephone, fully stocked mini bar, electronic safe, color TV offering CNN, BBC and CNBC, two movie channels and satellite programming, and electronic safe. Its ambiance is one of sophisticated elegance and thoroughly modern luxury. A lovely indoor swimming pool and a well-equipped Fitness Center with individual TV monitors are available to guests. Dining at The Peninsula Beijing is guided by the principle that “to live well is to eat well,” and you will. Enjoy the “modern meets Asian” environment of the Jing Restaurant or choose to dine at Huang Ting, which features the finest Cantonese cuisine in the city in an ambiance enhanced by an outstanding collection of antiques. The Peninsula Beijing was voted one of the 500 best hotels in the world by the readers of Travel+Leisure.
Nights 7 & 8: Golden Flower Hotel, Xian, China, by Shangri-La Xi,an, China The Golden Flower Hotel, Xian, by Shangri-La, is a welcomed luxury retreat in the ancient capital of Xi'an, the "Land of Kings and Flowers." The hotel boasts some of the largest guest rooms in Xi'an; recently renovated, the spacious guest rooms feature a full array of Shangri-La amenities including satellite/cable television, Broadband Internet access, and coffee and tea making services. During leisure time, avail yourself of the expansive indoor swimming pool or perhaps the Fitness Centre. Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine is featured in Shang Palace restaurant, and the Coffee Garden has a tempting array of Asian, Continental and local delicacies. Golden Flower Hotel, Xian was named one of the top 100 hotels in China by Travel + Leisure.
Night 9: Sheraton Guilin Hotel Guilin, China Located right in the heart of Guilin on the banks of the Li River near Elephant Trunk Hill, the Sheraton Guilin is an excellent choice when visiting this enchanting city. Welcoming guest rooms feature remote control TV with satellite and cable channels, mini bar, refrigerator, hairdryer, make-up mirror, direct-dial telephone, coffee and tea maker and in-room safe. During leisure time, swim a few laps in the outdoor swimming pool or head to the fully equipped gymnasium. Dine on Sichuan or Cantonese dishes in the Cathay Chinese Restaurant or head to the Atrium Coffee Shop when the munchies strike. Slake your thirst at the Camel Bar, with its garden ambiance.
Nights 10, 11 & 12: Victoria Cruises Cruising the Yangtze River, China Rated “The largest five star fleet on the Yangtze” by the China National Tourism Administration, American-managed Victoria Cruises offers a cruise experience that is the epitome of comfort and style. Comfortable cabins feature a picture window through which to view the mighty Yangtze River and the ever-changing panorama along its banks. On-board facilities include a reading room, fitness area, gift shop, beauty shop and health clinic with a doctor on staff. Award-winning Chinese cuisine, with a fusion of western dishes, makes the dining experience aboard Victoria Cruises memorable. The international, multi-lingual staff provide expert commentary; on-board activities include lectures on Chinese culture and history, Tai Chi lessons, calligraphy demonstrations and unique evening entertainment.
Nights 10, 11 & 12: Orient Cruises Yangtze Explorer September 9, 23, 30 departures Cruising the Yangtze River, China The Yangtze Explorer is the newest ship on the Yangtze, set to launch in April 2008! Applauded for style and comfort, guests aboard the Yangtze Explorer enjoy an intimate, personal experience – she is the smallest ship on the Yangtze, with only 124 passengers. Boasting large cabins and suites, her interior design by British designer Andrew Sobenko (Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hong Kong) is impressive. All cabins have private balconies, with twin and king beds in deluxe cabins and suites. A team of internationally trained chefs design innovative menus of both Chinese and Western dishes, with house wine and beer included with all meals. On-board facilities include an observation deck, a viewing lounge with bar, international restaurant, coffee lounge, fitness center, spa (only ship on the Yangtze featuring spa facilities offering beauty treatments and massages in multiple treatment rooms), sauna, a hair salon, duplex theatre area with bar, souvenir and gift shops, an elevator and Internet access throughout the cruise.
Nights 13, 14 & 15: Four Seasons Shanghai Shanghai, China The luxurious Four Seasons Shanghai is located right downtown in the midst of this exciting city. The hotel enjoys a well-earned reputation of excellence with its inspiring décor, spacious, well-appointed guest rooms, and exemplary service. Guest rooms feature a large writing desk, comfortable armchair, color TV with DVD / CD player, high-speed Internet access, and dual-line telephone. The marble bath includes a deep soaking tub and separate shower stall. A large indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre and a tranquil spa are options during leisure time. Dining venues include the Si Ji Xuan restaurant showcasing Cantonese and Shanghainese favorites, the Steak House, Shintaro which features an open-kitchen design and the relaxed Café Studio. The Four Seasons Shanghai was voted the best hotel in Shanghai by the readers of Travel+Leisure.