British travellers now have a rare opportunity to explore one of the world’s most fascinating countries with ease, as China welcomes UK citizens for up to 30 days without a visa. This relaxation, currently in place until the end of 2026, offers the perfect chance to uncover the country’s extraordinary history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. And for those who prefer to travel with comfort, style, and exclusivity, Captain’s Choice has curated a journey that elevates exploration to an entirely new level.
The Ancient & Remote Wonders of China by Private Jet journey, taking place in September 2026, is a meticulously designed 18-day adventure that blends iconic cities, remote corners, and cultural treasures, all while travelling aboard a luxurious Bombardier Challenger 850 business class private jet. With just 14 seats per jet and only 28 guests in total, the experience is intimate and seamless, allowing participants to immerse themselves fully in each destination without the stress of conventional travel.
A Grand Beginning
The journey begins in spectacular style with a gala dinner atop the Great Wall of China, an unforgettable setting to celebrate the start of this extraordinary adventure. Guests are welcomed by the tour host team and introduced to the intimate rhythm of private jet travel, setting the tone for a journey defined by elegance, exclusivity, and immersive experiences.
From here, the itinerary leads to Xi’an, home to the world-renowned Terracotta Army. This awe-inspiring collection of life-sized figures, discovered in 1974, offers a window into China’s ancient past, and with private guided access, guests can explore the site in depth, gaining insight into the army’s creation, history, and cultural significance. The contrast of bustling city life and the tranquillity of such historical sites exemplifies the balance woven throughout this journey.
Remote Landscapes and Cultural Immersion
The journey then takes guests into the dramatic landscapes of Ningxia’s Helan Mountains, a region celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and rich heritage. Here, the combination of sweeping desert vistas, rugged mountain ranges, and traditional villages offers a perspective on China that few visitors ever experience. The itinerary continues into Xinjiang, in China’s far west, a land of striking desert canyons, historic Silk Road towns, and enduring cultural traditions, where guests gain an intimate understanding of this remote yet historically significant region.
One of the journey’s most enchanting moments awaits in Chengdu, where guests visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Here, travellers can witness giant pandas up close, enjoying the serene environment of the reserve and learning about ongoing conservation efforts. The experience is made even more special by private encounters, allowing guests to observe and appreciate these beloved animals in comfort and intimacy.
Exceptional Accommodations
Each stop along the journey is complemented by stays in China’s finest hotels and resorts. In Beijing, the Waldorf Astoria offers refined elegance and effortless access to the Forbidden City. Guests enjoy curated experiences that include cultural insights, wellness options, and bespoke dining. In Chengdu, The Temple House combines contemporary design with a focus on relaxation and wellness, providing a haven after a day of exploration. The journey concludes in Shanghai, where the Regent Shanghai on the Bund blends riverside grandeur with timeless luxury, offering a base from which to explore the city’s dynamic energy and historical charm.
In Yangshuo, guests enjoy the serene hospitality of Banyan Tree Yangshuo, a resort set among verdant rice fields and winding rivers, with villas arranged around a tranquil pond. Days here are spent cycling through the countryside, enjoying the local scenery, and participating in cultural performances, such as the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group, where folk singers perform a traditional melody in unison without accompaniment. Evenings are celebrated with local dining experiences, framed by the lush greenery of the resort.
Unforgettable Experiences
The itinerary is packed with experiences that allow guests to engage deeply with China’s heritage and natural beauty. A river cruise along the Li River in Guilin offers views of towering karst mountains, fishing boats, and riverside villages, all set against mist-shrouded peaks that feel almost otherworldly. Guests may relax on deck, take photographs, or simply absorb the tranquil scenery, followed by lunch on board and time to explore independently or return to the resort for leisure.
Shanghai presents another dimension of China’s rich cultural tapestry. Guests can visit the Yu Garden, an oasis of serenity amid the city’s bustle, with elegant ponds, intricate pagodas, and zigzag bridges. Nearby, the Old Bazaar offers a lively glimpse into traditional trade and local crafts, where street food and antiques coexist in vibrant harmony. For modern architectural marvels, guests may tour the Shanghai Tower, the city’s tallest building, and take in panoramic views from the 118th-floor observatory, gaining insight into the city’s rapid development and urban dynamism.
For those with a passion for art and design, Tianzifang, Shanghai’s contemporary art district, provides a mix of galleries, studios, shops, and cafes within traditional Shikumen-style buildings, while the South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market caters to the fashion-conscious with exquisite silks and bespoke garments. A visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of Shanghai’s best-preserved ancient towns, adds a final historical layer, with its stone bridges and canals offering a glimpse of life in centuries past.
Culinary experiences are woven throughout the journey, culminating in a farewell dinner at Yongtoo Elite, a two-Michelin-star restaurant housed in a former consulate. Guests enjoy a curated menu paired with fine wines and teas in an elegant, lantern-lit setting, celebrating the journey’s many unforgettable moments.
Private Jet Travel
What truly sets this journey apart is the comfort, efficiency, and intimacy of travelling by private jet. Guests bypass the usual logistics and waits of commercial flights, maximising time in each destination and allowing for a seamless, relaxed pace. With only 28 guests in total, every meal, excursion, and transfer feels personal, tailored, and thoughtful, providing an unmatched sense of freedom and sophistication.
This combination of exclusivity, detailed curation, and luxury ensures that travellers can experience the breadth and depth of China from its iconic landmarks to hidden corners, without compromise. Whether gliding past misty mountains on the Li River, exploring the ancient Terracotta Army, or savouring an evening under the stars in Yangshuo, every moment is designed to delight the senses and enrich understanding.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The Ancient & Remote Wonders of China by Private Jet journey runs from 11–28 September 2026, with a new departure from 28 May–14 June 2027. With visa-free travel now available for British citizens until the end of 2026, there has never been a better moment to secure a place on this unparalleled adventure. The combination of curated experiences, luxurious accommodations, and private jet travel creates a journey that is at once intimate, immersive, and effortlessly elegant.
Captain’s Choice has considered every detail, from cultural interactions and wellness experiences to fine dining and leisure, ensuring that each guest enjoys the very best of China with ease and comfort. This journey is a carefully choreographed exploration of one of the world’s most fascinating countries, designed to create memories that will last a lifetime.