Art, Culture & Creative Landscapes of China and Taiwan

Beijing

Start your journey in China’s artistic heart in Beijing, where ancient meets modern. Your first evening is free to enjoy as you please; opt for a luxurious dinner at your hotel or take a leisurely stroll through the city. Capture the essence of the city and its people, with many renowned galleries located in the heart of Beijing. Locals play a key role in shaping the vibrant art scene, making it an integral part of daily life and culture.

Beijing

A day of art and inspiration begins with a guided visit to Caochangdi Art Village. Here the urban bustle disappears and Galerie Urs Meile’s sleek architecture takes over. After a curated lunch at Guardian Auction House, dive into the contemporary Chinese art scene at Red Gate Gallery, a renowned institution in the contemporary art world and China’s first private contemporary art gallery. Today is a deep dive into Beijing’s art culture, innovation and tradition. These destinations were carefully decided based on their artistic significance and contribution to Beijing's vibrant art scene.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Beijing

Beijing

An art connoisseur leads today’s journey into the 798 Art District, a vibrant area that echoes the 1950s industrial heritage of the Mao era, now a canvas for contemporary art, street sculptures and avant-garde installations. Creative inspiration can be found around every corner, with unexpected works and vibrant displays waiting to be discovered. The exploration moves away from the mainstream to the Hutong Galleries. These hidden gems integrate art with daily life, nestled in the city’s historic alleys. This experience reveals the depth of Beijing’s art scene, from 798’s global fame to the studios where creativity thrives in everyday life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Suzhou

Fly to Shanghai and then to Suzhou, a city famous for its classical gardens, historic relics, and remarkable cultural wealth. After checking into your hotel, your day begins at the Humble Administrator’s Garden, where traditional Asian architecture, diverse plant life and meandering waterways blend with nature. The Suzhou Museum awaits with its ancient treasures, followed by an evening stroll along Pinjiang Road where old Suzhou comes alive along the waterway. Suzhou’s artistic heritage stands out not only locally but also when compared to other cities in the country, making it a unique destination for culture and history enthusiasts.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Suzhou

Begin the day at the Jinji Lake Art Museum, a haven of creativity featuring works by Chinese and international artists. Suzhou’s art scene has developed rapidly in recent years, with new galleries and exhibitions emerging across the city. The city’s cultural institutions have flourished over the last two decades, reflecting a vibrant and evolving creative landscape. Then visit Lan Art Gallery, showing British and South African artists. Take a stroll along Shantang Street, peek into quaint shops and then enjoy a tea break at a local calligrapher’s studio. The afternoon is a choice between the True Colour Museum with modern art or the Pantocrator Gallery with human endeavour and emotion, wrapping up a day of artistic expressions in Suzhou.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Suzhou

Shenzhen

Your artistic journey continues as you travel from Suzhou to Shenzhen, a city of innovation and modernity. Upon arrival, check into the Ritz-Carlton Hotel where art lovers will find themselves surrounded by tasteful minimalism. The afternoon is free to relax at the hotel's spa or explore the city, famous for its high-end shopping and urban buzz. This day is a mix of relaxation and discovery of Shenzhen's cultural landscape.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Shenzhen

Delve deeper into Shenzhen’s art scene with a visit to the OCT-LOFT arts district, similar to Beijing’s 798 zone, known for its artsy atmosphere, architectural ingenuity, street art and innovative galleries. Then visit the He Xiangning Art Gallery featuring China’s avant-garde artists and the OCT Art & Design Gallery, a treasure trove of futuristic design. The day ends at MoCAPE, a museum of architectural wonder, whose innovative spirit draws comparisons to renowned institutions like the Centre Pompidou, giving a glimpse into Shenzhen’s evolving art scene.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Taipei

Fly to Taipei where historical grandeur meets contemporary art. Your base in the city is the Mandarin Oriental from where you’ll visit MOCA, the hub of contemporary digital art and innovative craftsmanship in Taiwan. Taipei’s creative energy is often compared to global art capitals like New York and Paris, with its vibrant art scene and dynamic cultural landscape. The afternoon is enriched by a visit to the Tina Keng Gallery, a space that bridges Taiwan’s cultural past with modern artistic expressions, showcasing the island’s aesthetic journey through minimalist and sophisticated art pieces.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Taipei

Taipei

Your Taipei art journey takes you to Treasure Hill Artist Village, a cluster of art studios amidst walking lanes and scenic views. Then visit the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and its “Jewels of 25 Years Museum Collection” showcasing the museum’s curatorial achievements. End your art tour at Huashan 1914 Creative Park, where creativity flourishes in a former brewery turned live performance and art space. The city celebrates art with seasonal exhibitions, especially in the fall, as well as special events and openings in December and February.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Taipei - Departure

As your artistic journey through China and Taiwan comes to an end, depart from the Mandarin Oriental hotel to the airport by private transfer. Whether you're heading home or onto another Asian adventure, this trip has given you a deep understanding of the art, culture and history of these exciting regions, and memories to last.

Meals Included: Breakfast