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  When booking the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund through Imperial Tours, you will receive these special amenities: A glass of champagne or signature cocktail for two at The Long Bar Chef’s choice of a Waldorf signature cake for guests celebrating special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries In-room fruit amenity replenished daily Afternoon Tea for two at Salon de Ville or Peacock Alley per room with a minimum 2 night stay And to entice families to visit China this summer,  » Read more »

In the face of modernization, China is struggling to preserve its cultural heritage, and nowhere is this more visible than in the ancient hutongs of Beijing. I have never been an admirer of the hutongs from an architectural or historical point of view, it was more about the buzz I felt as I meandered down these narrow alleys, seeing them bursting with activity.  Sadly, the city’s rapid growth will no longer allow these vibrant communities to remain in these areas.   » Read more »

While Imperial Tours is primarily known for its luxury private tours, this fall we are offering our Majestic Tour, a 10-night small group tour (maximum 16 people) covering Beijing, Xian, Hangzhou and Shanghai. This is a great way for people who prefer the camaraderie of other travelers to experience must-see China…in style. Highlights include: VIP Meet & Greet upon international arrival 4 nights in Shangri-La’s Beijing China World Summit Wing Executive Room Exclusive access to a private section of the Forbidden City not open to the public White linen banquet on a little-visited section of the Great Wall 1 night at the Xi’an Hilton in a Deluxe Room 2 nights in the Hangzhou Four Seasons Deluxe Room Private tea ceremony and tasting in a traditional tea house 3 nights in a Deluxe Riverview Room at the Peninsula Shanghai Expert-led walking tour of Colonial Shanghai 10 breakfasts,  » Read more »

Meet 14 year old Gugu – since three human years equals one panda year, when we met a week or so ago at the Beijing Zoo, we were the same age.  One of the graces of human aging is that next year I will be only 43 whereas Gugu here will be 45.  Bad luck Gugu!  This is not a point I would have pressed with Gugu except from outside the panda pen.   » Read more »