Planning your luxe trip to China

THE BEST WAY

From LAX, nonstop service to Beijing is offered on Air China and China Eastern, and connecting service (change of planes) is available on Cathay Pacific, United, All Nippon, JAL, Korean, Northwest and Asiana. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $700.

From LAX to Lijiang, connecting service is offered on China Southern, Air China, Thai, Asiana and China Eastern. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $1,007.

From LAX to Guilin, connecting service is offered on Asiana, Air China and China Southern. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $937.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 86 (country code for China) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

Banyan Tree, P.O. Box 55, Lijiang 674100; 888-533-1111, U.S. reservations (800) 525-4800, www.banyantree.com, is on the outskirts of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; villas start at $500.

Commune by the Great Wall, at Shuiguan Exit, Badaling Highway, Beijing; 10-587-88-33-1, Ext. 250, www.kempinski.com, has guest rooms in replicas of 12 original award-winning villas designed by Asian architects near a spur of the Great Wall; doubles start at $210.

Hotel of Modern Art, Yuzi Paradise, Dabu Town, Yanshan District, Guilin 541006; 773-386-9009, www.homarc, is about 15 miles south of Guilin. The hotel is near the entrance to Yuzi Paradise sculpture park and atelier; doubles start at $130.

TO LEARN MORE

China National Tourist Office, (818) 545-7507, www.cnto.org.