Ensemble’s 2026 “Beyond Extraordinary Experiences” is heading to China

Ensemble says its 2026 Beyond Extraordinary Experiences event will take place in China from August 18-26.

The annual program recognizes the network’s top-performing members and coincides with the Year of the Fire Horse, traditionally associated with courage, momentum, and achievement — themes that reflect both the network’s continued transformation and the advisors whose performance earned them a place on the exclusive journey.

Beyond Extraordinary Experiences was established as a distinctive recognition program designed not simply as a reward, but as a shared, high-level experience for those driving the strongest results across the network, the consortium says.

It brings together a select group of top-performing advisors, Rising Stars, and key supplier partners for meaningful engagement, cultural immersion, and elevated collaboration in some of the world’s most compelling destinations. 

A three-chapter journey

Created in collaboration with Century Cruises and the Shanghai, Beijing and Chongqing Tourism Boards, the 2026 Beyond experience unfolds as a three-part exploration of China’s diversity — from imperial legacy and historic landmarks to dramatic river landscapes and vibrant global cityscapes. 

The journey begins in Beijing, where participants will experience the city’s rich historical heritage through exclusive, private-access moments, including a VIP experience at the Great Wall of China and a privately hosted cultural experience within the Temple of Heaven.

Curated culinary programming throughout the stay will highlight the depth and regional richness of Chinese cuisine, complementing immersive explorations of the capital’s storied past. 

Guests will then travel to Chongqing — a multi-dimensional metropolis shaped by rivers, mountains, and an urban landscape that rises in layered elevations.

Here, attendees will embark on a luxury Yangtze River sailing with Ensemble’s newest partner, Century Cruises, witnessing the Three Gorges while enjoying onboard events and curated surprises created exclusively for the Beyond program. 

The experience concludes in Shanghai, China’s cosmopolitan cultural and financial capital, where participants will explore the city’s culinary scene, contemporary arts, and dynamic nightlife, closing the journey in one of the world’s most vibrant global destinations. 

“This experience brings together a carefully selected group of our most accomplished members and partners for meaningful recognition and connection,” said Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble, in a press release.

“The themes associated with the Year of the Fire Horse — confidence, decisive action, and forward momentum — align closely with the achievements of this group. Beyond is far more than a traditional recognition trip; it is intentional time with the members and partners who are driving results and setting the pace for our network.” 

“Becoming a preferred partner of Ensemble marked an important milestone for Century Cruises,” added David Fredericks, president and general manager of Century Cruises.  “Having the opportunity to host Beyond Extraordinary Experiences 2026 reflects our long-held commitment to building meaningful connections between East and West through hospitality.”

“It is a privilege to present our product to Ensemble’s top members and partners, and we look forward to welcoming this distinguished group and showcasing China’s great cities and the Yangtze River aboard Century Voyage to celebrate their achievements.”

The 2026 program builds on prior Beyond journeys.

In 2024, attendees travelled to Paris with VIP access to the French Open at Roland Garros, while the 2025 experience in Tuscany culminated in a private performance by Andrea Bocelli during his 20th-anniversary hometown concert. 

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