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Environment:
The Solar Eclipse of 22 July is the real focus of this trip, being one of nature’s outstanding events of the 21st Century. In a country where environmental problems are well documented, the purpose of this itinerary is to provide a glimpse of China’s countryside and rural way of life, as well as taking in its unmissable cultural and historical highlights. The visit to the Great Wall at Jinshanling aims to avoid the large crowds at other sections closer to Beijing. Jinshanling is far more peaceful and less developed for tourists, which makes for a more rewarding experience. The views from here as well are outstanding.
Taking the overnight train to Xian avoids a further flight in the itinerary, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the trip.
Community:
Also in Beijing, the Hutongs tour is a chance to put money back into the local community by visiting local families for lunch. They are paid to receive visitors in this way and genuinely enjoy the experience.
Taking the overnight train to Xian also is an excellent way to involve yourself with ordinary local Chinese, who you would otherwise miss by flying as air travel is too expensive for most people. In Yangshuo, the local economy is heavily dependent on tourism these days and visits into the countryside do support the local people who provide the produce for restaurants, and operate bamboo rafts and other tourism-related ventures. You can also try your hand at a local cookery course, which will include buying the ingredients from a local market.
Also in Yangshuo, you’ll be staying in a locally-run, traditional guesthouse which will provide a different experience to the larger hotels you will have stayed at in the cities.
The directors of this company went to university together and met up again when they were travelling. They started doing tours to Vietnam in 1996 and were so successful that they expanded to many other destinations. Their company now employs 170 well-travelled staff who can advise customers on how to put together the perfect itinerary. They share the same no-nonsense, honest approach and ensure anyone who travels makes the best use of their time and budget. The amount of research that goes into these trips means you get to see the slightly quirkier places and can travel at your own pace.
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