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 »

My good friend Ling, a successful Chinese-American business woman, recently spent a whole night on the internet during her travels organizing her onward air tickets.  She wanted to get from Beijing to Lombok in Indonesia to join us for a vacation, and then fly on to Vienna.  I asked her the obvious question, “Have you thought of asking a travel agent to do that for you?” She hadn’t and many of her generation think similarly,  » Read more »

In an era of DIY vacations, travelers have more tools—online travel agencies, review sites, booking apps—at their fingertips than ever before. But when it comes to expert advice about a destination and customization, you can’t beat a good agent. “Today’s agents provide insider access, learn and understand your desires and personality, and are there for you 24/7, before, during, and after your trip,” says Kimberly Wilson Wetty, co-president and co-owner of Valerie Wilson Travel.  » Read more »