Almost 400 time-poor Chinese millionaires have to be trusted when it comes to the local destinations that make them pack up the laptop and board their private jet for some rest and relaxation.

The findings of their preferred holidays come from the specialist Hurun Report which interviewed 393 mainland Chinese millionaires on preferences that range from luxury goods to education and gift-giving.

In general, this elite group are workaholics, taking just seven and a half day’s annual leave each year. So when they pipe up about where they chose to spend their precious down time, it’s prudent to listen.

So here they are, the top ten preferred domestic luxury travel destinations.

1. Sanya

Rating number one for four consecutive years, this is a holiday destination par excellence on tropical Hainan Island. It is home to the best-known luxury hotel chains such as the Mandarin Oriental, the Ritz-Carlton, One & Only, Anantara, Kempinski, as well as Hilton and Pullman.

That’s a lot of five-star to choose from. But in case you want more, the Atlantis – of Dubai renown – is under construction with its trademark water park and fantasy style hotel.

2. Hong Kong

With no end of high-end hotels and shopping, it’s only fair that Hong Kong makes the grade as a millionaire’s playground. With the Ritz-Carlton’s presidential suite boasting walls made of mother of pearl as well as show-stopping views over Victor Harbour from the Presidential Suite at the Intercontinental, the hotels are in a class of their own.

Then there’s the world-famous Peninsula Hotel, which keeps millionaires in the accustomed style with Rolls-Royce drivers and 24 hour butlers. 

3. Tibet

This is the first time that Tibet has entered the top three in ten years of the Hurun Report results. The newest five-star hotel is the Shangri-La Lhasa in the heart of the Himalayas on the Qinhai Tibetan plateau and is inspired by the local culture.

Guests are greeted with a ceremonial silk scarf welcome and butter tea. There’s even an oxygen lounge to combat the high altitude location.

4. Yunnan

Yunnan is China’s nature retreat. Mountain scenery and a large tribal population make this a distinct and diverse travel destination.

The region has the highest biodiversity in China. Millionaires presumably stay in the city of Kunming at the five-star Intercontinental or shelter from civilisation in a remote resort such as the Banyan Tree Ringha found in the fabled land of Shangri-la.

The accommodation is in traditional Tibetan log farmhouses.

5. Macau

Macau has increased in the popularity stakes, rising two places since last year. An influx of luxury hotel developments may have something to do with luring in China’s mega-rich. These include the Four Seasons and the Sheraton.

For ultimate opulence, there’s the city’s tallest building, the Grand Lisboa, which is also home to a 218-carat diamond in the lobby. There are also fine dining restaurants on offer, with Robuchon Au Dome in the Grand Lisboa awarded the industry pinnacle of three Michelin stars. 

6. Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a big city that would first and foremost attract local millionaires for business purposes.

A reason to extend the business for pleasure is the West Lake, which is a cultural touchstone for China, having featured in art and the written word over centuries. It’s mystic appeal reels in the tourists.

For respite, make tracks to the Banyan Tree, which is located in a wetland park. There’s also the Fuchin Resort, which is set in a tea plantation and inspired by a 13th century painting.

7. Xinjiang

Xinjiang is an autonomous territory, like Tibet, and its numerous ethnic groups make it a destination different to the expectations of travel in China. This is a land tied to the Silk Road and it is evocative in its blend of trade-influenced exoticism.

In the provincial capital of Urumqi there is a China Southern Airline hotel, which used to be a Kempinski. There’s also a Sheraton located next to a high-end shopping precinct.

8. Beijing

Aman resorts have an historic property a stone’s throw from Beijing’s Summer Palace. The design fosters peace in a city renowned for its chaos. There’s also a Raffles, a stalwart of early 20th century glamour and a bastion of nostalgia for tourists and locals alike.

For something more contemporary, millionaires are drawn to the cultural cache of Hotel Eclat, which holds the largest modern Chinese art collection in the country – as well as the largest portfolio of Dali works outside Europe.

9. Qingdao

Qingdao is considered to be one of China’s cleanest and most picturesque cities, taking home the accolade of China’s most livable city in 2012. There’s a lot to like about this city, including surprising German colonial architecture, a relic from the European nation’s occupation at the turn of the 20th century.

All the luxury hotel chains are here, from Kempinski to Le Meridian, Shangri-La and DoubleTree by Hilton.

10. Sichuan province 

This province has a capital that doubles as the world’s best panda destination. Chengdu offers an insight into the elusive panda and a breeding centre allows visitors to get a glimpse of the black and white marvel.

Some 85% of China’s wild panda population is found in the mountains of Sichuan province, and it’s also home to the world’s first panda themed hotel. For luxury, it has to be the Kempinski in Chengdu.