Yunnan tailor made holiday, China

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The itinerary is designed to limit unnecessary motorised travel by combining different forms of transport according to the scale of each journey. For longer regional travel within Yunnan, the Kunming–Dali connection is made by high-speed train rather than adding another domestic flight. Within cities and scenic areas, the program shifts to trams, ferries, cycling and walking where these forms of transport are practical. In Hong Kong, for example, the Peak Tram, Ding Ding tram and Star Ferry are part of the planned sightseeing rather than relying on a private vehicle for each transfer.

The same approach continues in Yunnan, where cycling along the Erhai Ecological Corridor and walking through historic towns, villages and the Napa Lake area allow travelers to cover shorter distances without adding vehicle journeys. By combining rail for longer connections with shared or non-motorised transport for local movement, the itinerary reduces reliance on private road transfers where practical, while keeping transport closely integrated with the way travelers experience each destination.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

The itinerary places travelers in natural environments where the landscape and wildlife can be experienced through walking, cycling and observation rather than intensive activities. Around Erhai Lake, the cycling route follows the ecological corridor through farmland, traditional villages and lakeside areas, allowing travelers to experience the lake environment while keeping to established routes. In the Napa Lake area of Shangri-La, a 10-kilometre hike passes through streams, seasonal alpine flowers, pastures and oak woodland, with the surrounding wetland providing habitat for more than 200 species of wild birds, including black-necked cranes that winter in the area.

These experiences keep wildlife observation focused on the natural setting itself. There are no wildlife performances or animal-handling activities included in the itinerary; instead, travelers encounter the landscapes and species that naturally occur along the route.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Local markets, workshops and small-scale businesses are part of the itinerary rather than being treated only as places to visit. The morning market around Erhai brings travelers into contact with villagers selling fresh produce and handmade goods, while artisan experiences in Yunnan introduce traditional embroidery and other locally made products. The route also includes stays in smaller local properties in Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La, alongside opportunities to purchase food, crafts and other locally produced goods during time in the towns.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local people are directly involved in many of the experiences included in the itinerary, from family hosts and local guides to artisans and cultural practitioners. Travelers meet Bai hosts during the Three-Course Tea experience, visit a Naxi family in Yuhu Village, learn about traditional craftsmanship, and spend time with a Tibetan family near Napa Lake. A conversation with a local lama in Shangri-La adds another perspective on Tibetan Buddhist traditions and everyday life. Bringing these different local voices into the journey allows travelers to experience Yunnan through its diverse communities, while the use of local people and practitioners as part of the travel services keeps their knowledge and skills at the heart of the experience.