China tour, Beijing to Chengdu

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Transport throughout the trip is provided using minibuses, Bullet Trains and a river ferry. The overland itinerary has been designed to make extensive use of China's high-speed Bullet Train network between Beijing, Xi'an, Guangyuan and Songpan/Chengdu regions.

Walking is a major component of the itinerary. Highlights include a 6.9km hike on the Jinshanling East section of the Great Wall, walks along the Ancient Shu Road at Jianmen Pass, extensive exploration of Jiuzhaigou National Park, hikes through Zhongcha Valley, Huanglong National Park, Mount Qingcheng and numerous city walking tours.

Local and seasonal food
Food experiences throughout the itinerary emphasise regional cuisine, including Beijing breakfast markets, Shaanxi specialities, Muslim Quarter street food, Sichuan hot pot, local tea tastings and a Chengdu cookery class using ingredients purchased from a local vegetable market. These experiences support local food producers and encourage consumption of regional and seasonal products.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Nature conservation and wildlife protection
The itinerary includes a visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a non-profit public organisation dedicated exclusively to giant panda conservation, scientific research and reintroduction programmes. All revenue from ticket sales is reinvested directly into these conservation activities, providing a direct contribution to wildlife protection.

Protected areas and national parks
Several visits support protected natural areas including Jiuzhaigou National Park, Huanglong National Park and Mount Qingcheng. Jiuzhaigou is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, while Huanglong is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and endangered species. Entrance fees included within the tour help support the ongoing management and protection of these landscapes.

Nature recovery and biodiversity awareness
The itinerary introduces travellers to some of China's most important ecosystems, including habitats supporting endangered species such as giant pandas, red pandas and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. By visiting conservation facilities and protected landscapes with local guides, travellers gain a greater understanding of biodiversity conservation challenges and the importance of habitat protection.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally owned accommodation
The tour uses a number of characterful boutique hotels and locally operated properties, some of which are deeply connected to local culture and heritage.

Supporting local economic opportunities
Throughout the itinerary, travellers engage with local communities through village visits in Zhongcha Valley, a visit to a Tibetan family home, local farm lunches near the Great Wall, local markets in Chengdu, traditional tea tastings, regional food experiences and the use of local guides. These activities create economic opportunities for community members, small businesses and local producers.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local employment
The trip employs local guides where appropriate and partners with locally operated accommodations, restaurants, transport providers and cultural experiences throughout China. This ensures that a significant proportion of tourism spending remains within the destination and supports local employment.

Inclusivity and cultural diversity
The itinerary actively celebrates China's cultural diversity through encounters with Tibetan, Qiang, Hui and Han communities, especially in Songpan and Jiuzhaigou. Visitors spend time with Tibetan families and explore destinations that showcase the traditions of China's many ethnic groups, helping support cultural preservation and community-based tourism.