China history & heritage tour, tailor made

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
High-speed rail forms the backbone of the route, linking Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xi’an, Luoyang and Shanghai. Using rail for these major intercity connections means travelers can move between city centers without the additional airport transfers, check-in and waiting involved in domestic flights. Within selected destinations, short sections are also covered on foot or by bicycle, including the hutongs of Beijing and the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
The itinerary encourages travelers to experience natural areas through walking and hiking, rather than activities that require intensive motorized access or direct intervention in the landscape. At the Great Wall and Mount Huashan, travelers follow established walking routes to experience the surrounding scenery, keeping activities focused on observation and movement through designated areas. The itinerary also excludes wildlife handling, feeding and animal-based attractions, so encounters with nature remain centered on observing landscapes and wildlife from an appropriate distance.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
The itinerary brings travelers into established local commercial areas, particularly in historic towns and traditional neighborhoods. Time in Pingyao and Xitang includes opportunities to visit local shops, restaurants and small businesses within their historic settings, while Beijing’s hutongs and Shanghai’s Former French Concession provide access to everyday neighborhood businesses alongside major sights. The included Kung Fu experience in Dengfeng also connects travelers with a specialist local activity and service.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
The itinerary relies on a range of locally based service roles, including guides, drivers and specialist Kung Fu instructors. It also draws on local expertise to introduce travelers to different traditions, from Buddhist and Taoist heritage to traditional martial arts and the architectural traditions of northern China. By working with people who provide destination-specific knowledge and specialist skills, the trip incorporates local employment across different stages of the travel experience.